Weather and Calf Health: What's the Connection?

Young calves on dairy farms in California face a big health challenge: Bovine Respiratory Disease, or BRD. It's a serious issue that affects both the calves' well-being and the farm's finances. But what if the weather plays a bigger role in this than we thought? Recent research took a closer look at how short-term weather changes might influence BRD in pre-weaned calves. Scientists gathered data from over 11, 000 calves across five dairy farms. They used smart computer models to analyze how temperature, humidity, and a combined measure called the temperature-humidity index (THI) affected the risk of BRD. The results showed that weather conditions from one to three days before a diagnosis could be important. The study found that high humidity two days before and a high THI three days before increased the risk of BRD. Interestingly, the location in California and the age of the calves also mattered. For example, summer conditions in Southern California were linked to higher BRD risk about 48 hours after exposure. In winter, a THI below 75 increased the risk about 72 hours after exposure, no matter where the farm was located. Additionally, calves aged 20-30 days in Southern California had a higher risk of BRD compared to those in Northern California. This research sheds new light on how short-term weather patterns can affect calf health. Understanding these patterns could help farmers develop better strategies to prevent BRD, tailored to their specific region. It's a reminder that nature's whims can have a big impact on our livestock, and being prepared can make all the difference.