Calf mortality rate and causes of death under different herd management systems in peri-urban Bamako, Mali

Calf mortality rate and causes of death were studied in peri-urban livestock production systems in Bamako, Mali, for calves born and dying from November 2002 to March 2004. Causes of death for 93 deceased calves were diagnosed from clinical autopsies, reported history of death and parasitic information. Calves originated from traditional, modernized and station management systems. Overall mortality rate was 17% during the first year of life (N = 756 live-births). Mortality rate was significantly lower for traditionally (10%) compared to modernized (19%) or to station managed calves (25%). Total perinatal loss (abortions + stillbirths + perinatal mortality) was 5% (N = 784 gestations). The most important death categories were digestive tract disorders (28%), perinatal mortality (16%) and accidents (14%). Vector-borne and infectious diseases were of low importance. Digestive tract disorders and perinatal mortality were the most important categories of death in modernized management while accidents and starvation were the most important causes of death in traditional management. Digestive tract disorders were more common in modernized than in traditional management (p = 0.02), revealing a serious problem with hygiene in stationary enclosures. With better calf management in regard to hygiene, surveillance and control of milk off-take, overall calf survival may be increased and peri-urban livestock production made more profitable.