Brazilian farms are significantly lowering calf mortality rates through enhanced management practices and investment, reducing deaths from 10% to as low as 1%.
Calf mortality has historically been a significant challenge for Brazilian dairy farms, with losses reaching around 10%. However, initiatives like the Alta Cria program have brought together professionals, universities, and research institutes to tackle this issue, showing that better management and infrastructure can lead to drastic improvements. Since its inception in 2017, the program has monitored over 200 farms across 10 states, particularly in Minas Gerais, aiming to translate technical knowledge into practical solutions for producers.
The program's success stories include producers who have managed to lower calf mortality to just 1%, well below the accepted threshold of 3%. Zootecnist Rafael Azevedo, the coordinator of the project, highlights that with the right investment in management practices, farms can significantly reduce losses. The consortium's work has provided producers with tangible strategies that not only help in calf survival rates but also lead to overall productivity improvements on farms.
One notable case is that of siblings Fernando and Henrique Silva, who took over their family's farm in Coromandel, Minas Gerais, following their grandfather's death in 2008. They implemented the best practices learned through the Alta Cria program, leading to substantial growth in production while drastically cutting calf mortality rates. Their experience reflects the broader trend within the industry in Brazil towards adopting more effective farming practices to ensure sustainability and profitability.
