Emma Hyland's MSc Defence

Research into the genetic aspects of calf health traits is an emerging field for the dairy industry. Calf respiratory illness and diarrhea remain the two highest causes of calf morbidity and mortality in Canada and worldwide. Previous research has shown there are long term effects to an animal as a result of calfhood morbidity. The goal of the research described in this thesis was to understand the quantity and quality of calf health information available, specifically respiratory illness and diarrhea, that could be used in future genetic research. The results indicate that there are low levels of accessible calf health information in com-parison to cow health information, and inconsistencies in how information was recorded between farms. This work substantiates previous concerns that there is little standardization in how calf diseases are being recorded on farms. Modified use of current recording methods may improve the amount of calf data accessible.