Calf loss in northern Australia: a systematic review
Anita Z. Chang
A B , David L. Swain A and Mark G. Trotter A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Institute for Future Farming Systems, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton North, Qld 4701, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: a.chang@cqu.edu.au
The Rangeland Journal 42(1) 9-26 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ19049
Submitted: 4 July 2019 Accepted: 21 January 2020 Published: 27 February 2020
Abstract
Calf mortality is a key issue for the north Australian beef industry; however, the sector faces several challenges that preclude the detection and reduction of calf mortality rates. A systematic literature review methodology was employed to explore scientific literature describing the scope of calf loss in northern Australia. Online databases were used to locate articles reporting on beef calf mortality rates within the north Australian region. Articles (n = 43) consisting of 668 beef cattle cohorts were retrieved that reported calf mortality between 1936 and 2014. Of these, 13 different observation periods were identified. Most cohorts (n = 201) examined mortality between the pregnancy to weaning period, whereas only 20 cohorts in four studies were located that investigated calf mortality in the perinatal and postnatal periods. A broad seasonal and regional influence was identified, however, the dilution of the datasets due to the high number of timeline variations, prevented robust statistical analysis and the further examination of influential factors, such as breed. The results of the systematic literature review indicate that the resolution of the data available does not allow for producers or researchers to accurately target the occurrence or cause of calf mortality. Experimental protocols for future research pertaining to reproductive efficiency and calf loss in northern Australia should be standardised. Consistency in reporting factors and periods must first occur for robust statistical analyses to be achieved.
Additional keywords: beef cow, calf mortality, reproductive wastage.
References
Allen, L. R. (2014). Wild dog control impacts on calf wastage in extensive beef cattle enterprises. Animal Production Science 54, 214–220.| Wild dog control impacts on calf wastage in extensive beef cattle enterprises.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Andrews, L. G. (1972). The major non-infectious causes of reproductive wastage in beef cattle in the Northern Territory. Australian Veterinary Journal 48, 41–46.
| The major non-infectious causes of reproductive wastage in beef cattle in the Northern Territory.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 5062535PubMed |
Armstrong, J., Lang, D. R., Robinson, D. W., and Suijendorp, H. (1968). Preliminary observations on the productivity of female cattle in the Kimberley region of north-western Australia. Australian Veterinary Journal 44, 357–358.
| Preliminary observations on the productivity of female cattle in the Kimberley region of north-western Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 5678290PubMed |
Arnfield, A. J. (2018). Köppen climate classification. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/science/Koppen-climate-classification (accessed 7 February 2020).
Bortolussi, G., McIvor, J. G., Hodgkinson, J. J., Coffey, S. G., and Holmes, C. R. (2005). The northern Australian beef industry, a snapshot. 2. Breeding herd performance and management. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 45, 1075–1091.
| The northern Australian beef industry, a snapshot. 2. Breeding herd performance and management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bunter, K. L., Johnston, D. J., Wolcott, M. L., and Fordyce, G. (2014). Factors associated with calf mortality in tropically adapted beef breeds managed in extensive Australian production systems. Animal Production Science 54, 25–36.
| Factors associated with calf mortality in tropically adapted beef breeds managed in extensive Australian production systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bureau of Meteorology (n.d.). Climate classification maps. Available at: http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/climate_averages/climate-classifications/index.jsp?maptype=kpn#maps. (accessed 7 February 2020).
Burns, B. M., Tierney, T. J., Rudder, T. H., Esdale, C. R., Howitt, C. J., and O’Rourke, P. K. (1992). Productivity of Hereford, highgrade Simmental, and Belmont Red beef herds in central Queensland. 1. Pregnancy, calving, and weaning rates. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 32, 551–557.
| Productivity of Hereford, highgrade Simmental, and Belmont Red beef herds in central Queensland. 1. Pregnancy, calving, and weaning rates.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Burns, B. M., Fordyce, G., and Holroyd, R. G. (2010). A review of factors that impact on the capacity of beef cattle females to conceive, maintain a pregnancy, and wean a calf-implications for reproductive efficiency in northern Australia. Animal Reproduction Science 122, 1–22.
| A review of factors that impact on the capacity of beef cattle females to conceive, maintain a pregnancy, and wean a calf-implications for reproductive efficiency in northern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20447780PubMed |
Coates, D. B., and ’t Mannetje, L. (1990). Productivity of cows and calves on native and improved pasture in subcoastal, subtropical Queensland. Tropical Grasslands 24, 46–54.
Coates, D. B., ’t Mannetje, L., and Seifert, G. W. (1987). Reproductive performance and calf growth to weaning of Hereford and Belmont Red in subtropical, subcoastal Queensland. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 27, 1–10.
Cowley, T., Oxley, T., MacDonald, N., Cameron, A. G., Conradie, P., Collier, C., and Norwood, D. (2015). The 2010 Pastoral Industry Survey – Northern Territory Wide. Northern Territory Government, Darwin, NT, Australia.
Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, and Planning Spatial Services Unit (2018). 2018 local government area boundaries.
Donaldson, L. E. (1962). Some observations on the fertility of beef cattle in North Queensland. Australian Veterinary Journal 38, 447–454.
Donaldson, L. E., Ritson, J. B., and Copeman, D. B. (1967). The reproductive efficiency of several North Queensland beef herds. 1. Physiological and management factors and embryonic neonatal losses. Australian Veterinary Journal 43, 1–6.
| 6067733PubMed |
Dray, R., A.-M. Huey, M. Fletcher, M. Stockdale, and P. C. Smith. (2011). Pastoral Industry Survey of the Kimberley and Pilbara Regions, Western Australia – 2010. Meat & Livestock Australia Ltd, North Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Edye, L. A., Ritson, J. B., Haydock, K. P., and Griffiths Davies, J. (1971). Fertility and seasonal changes in liveweight of Droughtmaster cows grazing a Townsville stylo-spear grass pasture. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 22, 963–977.
Edye, L. A., Ritson, J. B., and Haydock, K. P. (1972). Calf production of Droughtmaster cows grazing a Townsville stylo-spear grass pasture. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal Husbandry 12, 7–12.
Fleming, P. J. S., B. Allen, G. Ballard, and L. R. Allen. (2012). Wild Dog Ecology, Impacts, and Management in Northern Australian Cattle Enterprises: A Review With Recommendations for RD&E Investments. Final Report. Meat & Livestock Australia Ltd, North Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Fordyce, G., Tyler, R., and Anderson, V. J. (1990). Effect of reproductive status, body condition, and age of Bos indicus cross cows early in a drought on survival and subsequent reproductive performance. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 30, 315–322.
Fordyce, G., Coates, R., Debney, M., Haselton, S., Rebgetz, R., Laing, A. R., Cooper, N. J., Hall, R., Holmes, W. E., and Doogan, V. J. (2009). A systems evaluation of high-input management using fortified molasses for beef production in Australia’s dry tropics. Animal Production Science 49, 177–191.
| A systems evaluation of high-input management using fortified molasses for beef production in Australia’s dry tropics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Frisch, J. E. (1973). Comparative mortality rates of Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle in central Queensland. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal Husbandry 13, 127–133.
| Comparative mortality rates of Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle in central Queensland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gardiner, H. G., Shackleton, K. R., and Morrissey, J. G. (1983). Production characteristics of an open range cattle herd in the south-east Pilbara region of Western Australia. Australian Rangeland Journal 5, 48.
Gleeson, T., Martin, P., and Mifsud, C. (2012). Northern Australian Beef Industry: Assessment of Risks and Opportunities. Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Science, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
Grant, M. J., and Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information and Libraries Journal 26, 91–108.
| A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19490148PubMed |
Hetzel, D. J. S., Mackinnon, M. J., Dixon, R., and Entwistle, K. W. (2010). Fertility in a tropical beef herd divergently selected for pregnancy rate. Animal Science 49, 73–81.
Hill, B., Holroyd, R., and Sullivan, M. (2009). Clinical and pathological findings associated with congenital hypovitaminosis A in extensively grazed beef cattle. Australian Veterinary Journal 87, 94–98.
| Clinical and pathological findings associated with congenital hypovitaminosis A in extensively grazed beef cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19245619PubMed |
Holm, A. M. (1971). The effects of cottonseed supplementation on the productivity of an east Kimberley Shorthorn cattle herd. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal Husbandry 11, 508–512.
Holroyd, R. G. (1987). Foetal and calf wastage in Bos indicus cross beef genotypes. Australian Veterinary Journal 64, 133–137.
| 3632488PubMed |
Holroyd, R. G., Arthur, B. A., and Mayer, B. G. (1979). Reproductive performance of beef cattle in north-western Queensland. Australian Veterinary Journal 55, 257–262.
| 518419PubMed |
Holroyd, R. G., O’Rourke, P. K., Clarke, M. R., and Loxton, I. D. (1983). Influence of pasture type and supplement on fertility and liveweight of cows, and progeny growth rate in the dry tropics of northern Queensland. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal Husbandry 23, 4–13.
Holroyd, R. G., Dunster, P. J., and O’Rourke, P. K. (1988). Effect of cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) infestation on performance of Bos indicus cross cows and their progeny. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 28, 1–9.
Holroyd, R. G., James, T. A., Doogan, V. J., Fordyce, G., and O’Rourke, P. K. (1990a). The performance of Brahman-Shorthorn and Sahiwal-Shorthorn beef cattle in the dry tropics of northern Queensland. 1. Reproductive rates and liveweights of F1 and backcross females. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 30, 717–725.
| The performance of Brahman-Shorthorn and Sahiwal-Shorthorn beef cattle in the dry tropics of northern Queensland. 1. Reproductive rates and liveweights of F1 and backcross females.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Holroyd, R. G., James, T. A., Doogan, V. J., Fordyce, G., Tyler, R., and O’Rourke, P. K. (1990b). The performance of Brahman-Shorthorn and Sahiwal-Shorthorn beef cattle in the dry tropics of northern Queensland. 2. Reproductive rates and liveweights of F2 et seq. females. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 30, 727–733.
| The performance of Brahman-Shorthorn and Sahiwal-Shorthorn beef cattle in the dry tropics of northern Queensland. 2. Reproductive rates and liveweights of F2 et seq. females.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hunt, L. P., McIvor, J. G., Grice, A. C., and Bray, S. G. (2014). Principles and guidelines for managing cattle grazing in the grazing lands of northern Australia: stocking rates, pasture resting, prescribed fire, paddock size, and water points – a review. The Rangeland Journal 36, 105–119.
| Principles and guidelines for managing cattle grazing in the grazing lands of northern Australia: stocking rates, pasture resting, prescribed fire, paddock size, and water points – a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Johnston, D. J., Barwick, S. A., Fordyce, G., Holroyd, R. G., Williams, P. J., Corbet, N. J., and Grant, T. (2014). Genetics of early and lifetime annual reproductive performance in cows of two tropical beef genotypes in northern Australia. Animal Production Science 54, 1–15.
| Genetics of early and lifetime annual reproductive performance in cows of two tropical beef genotypes in northern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Johnston, L. A. Y., and Haydock, K. P. (1969). The effect of cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) on production of Brahman-cross and British-breed cattle in Northern Australia. Australian Veterinary Journal 45, 175–179.
Lamond, D. R. (1969). Sources of variation in reproductive performance in selected herds of beef cattle in north-eastern Australia. Australian Veterinary Journal 45, 50–58.
| Sources of variation in reproductive performance in selected herds of beef cattle in north-eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 5813398PubMed |
Martin, P. (2015). Australian Beef: Financial Performance of Beef Cattle Producing Farms, 2012–13 to 2014–15. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
Martin, P. (2016). Cost of Production – Australian Beef Cattle and Sheep Producers 2012–13 to 2014–15. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
McCosker, T. H., O’Rourke, P. K., and Eggington, A. R. (1991). Effects of providing supplement during the wet season on beef production in the Darwin district of the Northern Territory. The Rangeland Journal 13, 3–13.
McGowan, M., Fordyce, G., O’Rourke, P., Barnes, T., Morton, J., Menzies, D., Jephcott, S., McCosker, K., Smith, D., Perkins, N., Marquart, L., Newsome, T., and Burns, B. (2014). Northern Australian Beef Fertility Project: CashCow. Meat & Livestock Australia, North Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Muller, J., Fordyce, G., and Anderson, A. (2016). Are Neonatal Calves Getting Enough to Drink in Northern Australia? In: ‘Australian Society of Animal Production Conference’. Adelaide, SA. Available at: http://era.daf.qld.gov.au/id/eprint/6160/1/Muller_ASAPConf2016_Brief.pdf (accessed 7 February 2020).
Northern Territory Government of Australia (2015). Maps of councils and local authorities.
O’Rourke, P. K., Fordyce, G., Holroyd, R. G., and Loxton, I. D. (1995a). Mortality, wastage, and lifetime productivity of Bos indicus cows under extensive grazing in northern Australia. 1. Seasonal mating in the speargrass region. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 35, 285–295.
O’Rourke, P. K., Sullivan, R. M., and Neale, J. A. (1995b). Mortality, wastage, and lifetime productivity of Bos indicus cows under extensive grazing in northern Australia 2. Continuous mating in the semi-arid tropics. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 35, 297–305.
Petherick, J. C., Small, A. H., Reid, D. J., Colditz, I. G., and Ferguson, D. M. (2015). Welfare outcomes for 3- and 6-month-old beef calves in a tropical environment castrated surgically or by applying rubber rings. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 171, 47–57.
Plasto, A. W., and Strachan, R. T. (1970). Calving performance and mortality of Shorthorn cattle on a property in north Queensland. In: ‘Proceedings of the Australian Society of Animal Production’. Vol. 10, pp. 400–403.
Pratchett, D., Wallace, J., and Young, S. (1993). An evaluation of cattle types for north-western Australia. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 33, 677–683.
Rankine, G., and Donaldson, L. E. (1968). Animal behaviour and calf mortalities in a north Queensland breeding herd. In: ‘Proceedings of the Australian Society of Animal Production’. Vol. 7. (Eds R. A. Leng, J. S. F. Barker, D. B. Adams and K. J. Hutchison.) pp. 138–143. (Australian Society of Animal Production: Armidale, NSW.)
Roche, J. R., Lee, J. M., Macdonald, K. A., and Berry, D. P. (2007). Relationships among body condition score, body weight, and milk production variables in pasture-based dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science 90, 3802–3815.
| Relationships among body condition score, body weight, and milk production variables in pasture-based dairy cows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17638991PubMed |
Rolfe, J. W., Larard, A. E., English, B. H., Hegarty, E. S., McGrath, T. B., Gobius, N. R., De Faveri, J., Srhoj, J. R., Digby, M. J., and Musgrove, R. J. (2016). Rangeland profitability in the northern Gulf region of Queensland: understanding beef business complexity and the subsequent impact on land resource management and environmental outcomes. The Rangeland Journal 38, 261–272.
| Rangeland profitability in the northern Gulf region of Queensland: understanding beef business complexity and the subsequent impact on land resource management and environmental outcomes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Schatz, T. J. (2015). Pre-partum supplementation increases first-lactation heifer re-conception rates in the Victoria River District, NT. Animal Production Science 55, 180–184.
| Pre-partum supplementation increases first-lactation heifer re-conception rates in the Victoria River District, NT.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Schatz, T. J., and Hearnden, M. N. (2008). Heifer fertility on commercial cattle properties in the Northern Territory. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48, 940–944.
| Heifer fertility on commercial cattle properties in the Northern Territory.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Schlink, A. C., Carpenter, M., and Brown, A. (1994). Productivity of a Bos indicus cross cattle herd in the western Gulf region of the Northern Territory. In: ‘Proceedings of the Australian Society of Animal Production’. Vol. 20, pp. 93–96.
Seifert, G. W., and Kennedy, J. F. (1972). A comparison of British breed crosses with F1 and F2 Zebu × British cattle on the basis of a productivity index. In: ‘Proceedings of the Australian Society of Animal Production’. Vol. 9, pp. 143–146.
Sullivan, R. M., O’Rourke, P. K., and Neale, J. A. (1997). A comparison of once- and twice-yearly weaning of an extensive herd in northern Australia. 2. Progeny growth and heifer productivity. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 37, 287–293.
Walsh, D., and Cowley, R. (2016). Optimising beef business performance in northern Australia: what can 30 years of commercial innovation teach us? The Rangeland Journal 38, 291–305.
Whiteman, D. H., Tomkins, N. W., Young, R. J., Immig, I., Weber, G., and Elliott, R. (2010). Mastitis in beef cows and the effects of supplemental ß-carotene on milk parameters. Animal Production Science 50, 503–507.
| Mastitis in beef cows and the effects of supplemental ß-carotene on milk parameters.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Williams, L. R., Jackson, E. L., Bishop-Hurley, G. J., and Swain, D. L. (2016). Drinking frequency effects on the performance of cattle: a systematic review. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 101, 1076–1092.
| Drinking frequency effects on the performance of cattle: a systematic review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 27862389PubMed |
