What is the most common reason neonatal calves and foals succumb to disease and death?

Failure of passive transfer is the most common reason neonatal calves and foals succumb to disease and death. In the first few hours after birth, it is crucial for neonatal livestock to receive colostrum, the first milk produced by the mother. Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins (antibodies), which are critical for providing the neonate with passive immunity against infectious diseases. If the neonate fails to consume an adequate amount of colostrum, or if the colostrum itself is low in antibodies due to maternal issues, the animal becomes highly susceptible to infections, which can lead to severe illness or even death.

This issue particularly affects young animals because their immune systems are not fully developed at birth, making them reliant on the passive immunity gained through colostrum. If the transfer of these vital antibodies is compromised, the risk of disease dramatically increases, making failure of passive transfer a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal calves and foals.