asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will give an estimate of the loss to the economy due to calf mortality; and the steps he is taking to reduce this loss.
Written Answers. - Calf Mortality.
139.
Losses of calves are estimated at 12-14 per cent of the annual calf crop and would represent about £40 million annually. My Department carries out an AI calving survey each year to provide information on the level of calving difficulties associated with different breeds and individual sires in order to assist farmers in choosing which bull to use thereby reducing losses through difficult calvings. The results of this survey are widely circulated.
The Advisory Council on Animal Health, in a report in June 1985, outlined a strategy to minimise losses due to calf disease and mortality. As part of this strategy ACOT have drawn up a specific programme for reducing calf losses involving improved animal husbandry and management, disease control and prevention in addition to the supervision by the farmer of every calving.