MANEJO NEONATAL EM BOVINOS LEITEIROS: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Abstract

The bovine neonatal period represents one of the most critical stages in the production chain, as calves are born without their own antibodies and rely exclusively on colostrum for initial immune protection. Failures in this process result in higher mortality rates, impaired growth, and reduced performance throughout the animal’s productive life. This literature review aimed to gather and discuss the main practices of neonatal management in cattle, from pre-calving care to weaning. The study addressed care of the pregnant cow, calving assistance, colostrum supply criteria, umbilical cord treatment, nutrition during the first weeks of life, housing conditions, and the main sanitary challenges of the period, with emphasis on neonatal diarrhea and respiratory diseases. Results indicate that efficient neonatal management depends on an integrated chain of care, in which each stage directly influences the next. Adequate colostrum feeding, carried out within the first hours of life using colostrum of proven quality, is the single most impactful procedure for calf survival and performance. It is concluded that investing in the neonatal period yields direct returns on productivity and economic sustainability of bovine livestock farming.