Student Case Presentation
Effect of stocking density during long haul transportation on behavior and health outcomes in neonatal dairy calves
| Date/Time: |
8/27/2026 1:45 PM
|
| Presenter: |
Daisy Cagle |
| Veterinary School: |
NC |
Abstract:
Our objective was to evaluate the effect of trailer stocking densities on neonatal calf behavior during transport and morbidity and mortality upon arrival.
A total of 10,324 dairy and dairy x beef calves less than 1wk of age were enrolled during summer 2025 in MN. Calves were randomly assigned to treatment groups as follows: Stocking density 4.5ft2/head (SD4.5; n=3119), stocking density 3.5ft2/head (SD3.5; n=3859), and stocking density 3.0ft2/head (SD3.0; n=3346), with density assigned at the level of trailer compartment. Dairy calves were transported to a calf ranch in AZ, beef crosses to NM. Morbidity and mortality data were collected from DairyComp305. A subset of dairy calves (1 load per SD group) had a tri-axial accelerometer attached to their left hind leg, recording standing, lying, steps, and motion index for time periods prior to, during, and after transportation.
Health outcomes were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models, and behavioral outcomes were analyzed using repeated-measures linear mixed models. Dairy x beef calves in SD3.0 had an increased hazard of diarrhea treatment compared to SD3.5 in the first 30d after transportation (HR: 1.65, 95% CI: (1.09, 2.51); p = 0.014), with no other differences in health treatment or mortality observed among groups. Behavior was altered such that higher stocking density resulted in more standing and less lying during transportation, and more lying 24hrs after arrival.
These findings indicate that stocking density during long haul transport did not have a large impact on measured treatment or mortality outcomes. However, less space resulted in more standing during transportation, and more lying after arrival. Producers should prioritize lower stocking rates for neonatal calves when practical to ensure adequate resting space is available.
