@article{article_1564529, title={Impact of Management Practices on Calf Mortality Rates in Dairy Farms: A Study in the Gaziantep Region of Türkiye}, journal={Journal of Animal Production}, volume={66}, pages={1–14}, year={2025}, DOI={10.29185/hayuretim.1564529}, author={Tosun, Halil İbrahim}, keywords={calf feeding practices, calf health, calf mortality, colostrum intake, dairy farm management, farm sustainability}, abstract={Objective: This study assesses calf-rearing practices and their effects on calf mortality in the TRC1 region of Southeastern Anatolia, Türkiye. By classifying farms into low, medium, and high mortality groups, it identifies key factors impacting calf survival and offers insights to enhance calf health, reduce mortality, and improve dairy farm sustainability. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in Türkiye’s TRC1 region, home to around 388,000 dairy cattle. Data were gathered from 145 dairy farms during the 2019-2020 cycles via stratified random sampling. Farms were grouped by mortality rate using K-means clustering. Statistical tests (ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test) and multiple regression analysis assessed factors such as colostrum intake, milk feeding frequency, and weaning age on calf mortality. Results: Significant variability in calf-rearing practices was observed. Average colostrum intake was 2.64 liters initially and 3.15 liters for the second feeding, with wide ranges. Milk was fed 2.08 times per day, and weaning ages spanned 30-180 days. Low-mortality farms had higher colostrum intake and consistent feeding schedules. Regression analysis identified colostrum intake, milk feeding frequency, and weaning age as significant calf mortality predictors. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of early calf management on mortality rates. Improved colostrum intake, feeding frequency, and appropriate weaning age can enhance calf survival and farm profitability, offering valuable guidance for dairy farmers. Keywords: Calf feeding practices, Calf health, Calf mortality, Colostrum intake, Dairy farm management, Farm sustainability.}, number={1}, publisher={Ege Zootekni Derneği}, organization={Rumico Livestock Management and Nutrition (RUMICO)}