Analysis of factors affecting health status of animals under intensive beef production systems

Abstract

From 2001 to 2003 health data of 588 groups of fattening beefs (38723 animals) of 29 farms and 5 genetic types (Charolais, Female Charolais, French Crosses, Limousine and Polish Friesian) were collected and statistically analysed considering farm, breed, initial body weight, housing system, season, year, diet, average daily gain and density. The main causes of culling were problems of the locomotor and respiratory systems. As regards the genetic type and the initial body weight, the Polish Friesian breed and the lightest weights increased the probability of dying or getting injured respectively of 70 and 34%, while this probability decreased of 8.5% for every 100 g of daily growth higher than the mean value. As regards the other factors, bedding reduced the risk of culling by 33% in comparison with the slatted floor, while this risk increased of 10% for every m² available/animal over the mean density.

Key words:

• Health problems
• Intensive production system
• Beef