Causes of Neonatal Calf Mortality in Smallholder Dairy Farms in Borno State

This study investigates the causes and risk factors associated with neonatal calf mortality in smallholder dairy farms in Borno State, located in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. Neonatal calf mortality represents one of the most significant constraints on dairy herd expansion and genetic improvement in the North East, yet systematic data on its causes in the smallholder sector are lacking. Using a prospective longitudinal design, 120 neonatal calves born to dams on 30 smallholder dairy farms in Maiduguri and Konduga local government areas were monitored from birth to 30 days of age. Clinical examinations, necropsy where applicable, and laboratory analyses of faecal and blood samples were conducted for calves that died or became ill. Farm management practices and dam health records were also reviewed. Findings revealed an overall neonatal mortality rate of 18.3 percent during the study period. Neonatal diarrhoea was the most common cause of death, accounting for 52 percent of mortalities, followed by respiratory disease (23%), and neonatal septicaemia (14%). Failure of passive transfer of colostral immunity, identified through low serum immunoglobulin G levels, was significantly associated with mortality risk. Poor colostrum management and delayed first suckling were the most frequently identified management risk factors. Recommendations include farmer training on colostrum management protocols, routine calf health monitoring, and affordable oral rehydration therapy provision for diarrhoea management in resource-limited farm settings. Keywords: neonatal calf mortality, dairy, smallholder, Borno State, diarrhoea.