United States

Department of

Agriculture

Animal and

Plant Health

Inspection

Service

Veterinary

Services

National

Animal Health

Monitoring

System

May 2007

Cattle and Calves

Nonpredator Death

Loss in the United

States, 2005
Mention of companies or commercial products does

not imply recommendation or endorsement by the

USDA over others not mentioned. USDA neither

guarantees nor warrants the standard of any product

mentioned. Product names are mentioned solely to

report factually on available data and to provide

specific information.

USDA:APHIS:VS:CEAH

NRRC Building B, M.S. 2E7

2150 Centre Avenue

Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117

970.494.7000

E-mail: NAHMS@aphis.usda.gov

http://nahms.usda.aphis.gov

#N462.0507

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where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status,

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Cover photo courtesy of ARS
USDA APHIS VS / i

Acknowledgments

This report was a cooperative effort between two U.S. Department of Agriculture

(USDA) Agencies: the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and the

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Thanks to the NASS enumerators who contacted cattle producers and collected

the data. Their hard work and dedication were invaluable. Thanks also to the

personnel at the USDA–APHIS–Veterinary Services’ Centers for Epidemiology and

Animal Health for their efforts in generating and distributing this report.

All participants are to be commended, particularly the producers whose voluntary

efforts made this report possible.

Larry Granger

Director

Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health
ii / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

Suggested bibliographic citation for this report:

USDA. 2007. Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss in the United States,

2005

USDA-APHIS-VS, CEAH, National Animal Health Monitoring System, Fort Collins,

CO #N462.0507

Contacts for further information:

Questions or comments on the Cattle and Calves Death Loss, 2005 study

methods or requests for additional data analysis: Dr. David Dargatz 970.494.7000

Information on reprints or other NAHMS reports: Mr. Brandon O’Neal

970.494.7000

E-mail: NAHMS@aphis.usda.gov
USDA APHIS VS / iii

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Terms Used In This Report 2

Section I: Population Estimates—Number of Head 3

A. U.S. Demographics 3

1. Inventory—January 1, 1996-2006 3

2. Operations—1995-2005 3

3. Calf crop—1996–2006 6

B. Regional Demographics 6

1. Cattle and calves inventory—January 1, 1992, 1996, 2001, and 2006 6

2. Beef and dairy cow inventory—January 1, 1992, 1996, 2001, and 2006 7

3. Calf crop—1991, 1995, 2000, and 2005 8

C. U.S. Annual Death Loss 8

1. Loss from all causes—1991-2005 8

2. U.S. nonpredator and predator death loss (excluding Alaska)—1991, 1995,

2000, and 2005 10

3. Regional predator and nonpredator death loss—1991, 1995, 2000, and

2005 12

4. Regional predator and nonpredator death loss—1995, 2000, and 2005 14

Section II: Population Estimates—Nonpredator Losses 18

A. Operation Classification 18

1. Operation classification process 18

2. Operation characteristics 18

B. Nonpredator Cattle Death Loss 21

1. Losses as a percentage of inventory—2005 21

2. Cause of loss—1991, 1995, 2000, and 2005 26

3. Cause of loss by size of operation—2005 32

4. Cause of loss by region—2005 36

C. Nonpredator Calf Death Loss 40

1. Losses as a percentage of calf crop—2005 40

2. Cause of loss—1991, 1995, 2000, and 2005 46

3. Cause of loss by size of operation—2005 53

4. Cause of loss by region—2005 57

Section III: Methodology 61

A. Reliability of Cattle and Calf Death Loss Estimates 61

1. Survey procedures 61

2. Estimating procedures 61

3. Reliability 61

Appendix: U.S. Populations and Operations 62

Introduction

USDA APHIS VS / 1

Introduction

Each January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural

Statistics Service (NASS) collects cattle data on inventory, calf crop, and total

death losses for State and national estimating programs. Inventory and calf crop

estimates (number of head) are published in January, while cattle and calves death

losses (number of head) are published annually in April via the Meat Animals:

Production, Disposition and Income report. For the January 1992, 1996, 2001, and

2006 surveys, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

provided funding for a detailed breakdown of total losses for producer-attributed

cause of loss occurring the previous year. Death losses (number of head) by

cause for predator and nonpredator losses were estimated and subsequently

published by NASS (Cattle Death Loss, May 5, 2006).

This report provides additional analysis of cattle and calves losses in 2005 from all

causes. Death losses by size group and region are also provided, with special

emphasis on nonpredator causes of loss. When possible, the 1991, 1995, and

2000 death losses are provided for comparison.
Introduction

2 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

Terms Used In

This Report

Beef operation: If an operation had more beef cows than milk cows and milk

cows were fewer than five head, the operation was classified as a beef operation.

Cattle: All cows, bulls, steers, and heifers 500 lb or more.

Calves: All bulls, steers, and heifers less than 500 lb.

Dairy operation: If an operation had more milk cows than beef cows and beef

cows were fewer than five head, the operation was classified as a dairy operation.

Mixed operation: If an operation had more than five beef cows and more than five

milk cows, or if the number of beef cows equaled the number of milk cows, the

operation was classified as a mixed operation.

Other operation: Operation that did not meet the criteria to be classified as beef,

dairy, or mixed operation.

N/A: Not available

Regions: The United States was divided into six regions for the purposes of

providing data on smaller geographic areas. Alaska is not included because

cause-of-loss estimates are not generated for the State.

North Central: Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota

Northeast: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine,

Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New

York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia,

 Wisconsin

Northwest: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming

South Central: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas

Southeast: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North

Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

Southwest: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico,

 Utah

Operation size: Total number of cows for beef, dairy, and mixed operations.

For beef operations size groups are: 1-49, 50-99, 100-499, and 500 or

 more head.

For dairy operations size groups are: 1-29, 30-49, 50-99, 100-199, 200-

499, and 500 or more head.

For mixed operations size groups are: 1-99, 100-499, and 500 or more

 head.

For other operations (total number of cattle and calves) size groups are:

1-99 head, 100-499 , 500-999, and 1,000 or more head.
Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

USDA APHIS VS / 3

Section I: Population Estimates—Number of Head

A. U.S. Demographics 1. Inventory—January 1, 1996-20061

Number of cattle and calves, by year:

2. Operations—1995-2005

a. Number of operations with cattle and calves, beef cows, and milk cows, by

year:

Number Operations 

 Year 

 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

Cattle 

and 

calves 1,190,630 1,176,700 1,148,050 1,114,650 1,095,560 1,076,370 1,049,170 1,036,430 1,013,570 989,460 982,510 

Beef 

cows 897,660 885,980 872,840 855,460 844,170 831,270 814,520 808,110 792,050 774,930 770,170 

Milk 

cows 139,670 130,980 123,700 117,145 110,855 105,055 97,460 91,240 86,360 81,520 78,300 

January 1 Number (x 1,000)* 

 Year 

Class 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 

All cattle and 

calves 103,548 101,656 99,744 99,115 98,199 97,298 96,723 96,100 94,888 95,438 96,702 

Cattle 500 lb 

or more 85,164 83,830 82,343 81,825 81,383 81,082 80,971 80,555 79,679 80,188 81,237 

Beef 

cows 35,319 34,458 33,885 33,750 33,575 33,398 33,134 32,983 32,861 32,915 32,994 

Dairy 

cows 9,420 9,318 9,199 9,128 9,183 9,172 9,106 9,142 8,990 9,005 9,063 

Heifers, 

steers, 

and bulls 40,426 40,054 39,259 38,946 38,625 38,511 38,731 38,430 37,828 38,268 39,180 

Calves 18,384 17,826 17,401 17,290 16,816 16,216 15,753 15,545 15,210 15,250 15,465 

*Numbers may not add up due to rounding 

1

NASS multiple reports
Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

4 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

b. Percentage of operations with beef cows, by size of operation and by year:

c. Percentage of operations with dairy cows, by size of operation and by year:

Percent Operations 

Year 

Size of 

Operation 

(Number of 

Beef Cows) 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

1 to 49 79.8 79.4 79.3 79.3 79.0 78.8 78.5 78.4 78.3 77.6 77.5 

50 to 99 11.8 12.0 12.0 11.9 12.0 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.1 12.4 12.3 

100 to 499 7.8 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.4 8.5 8.7 8.7 8.9 9.3 9.5 

500 or more 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

Percent Operations 

Year 

Size of 

Operation 

(Number of 

Dairy Cows) 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

1 to 29 34.5 32.9 31.6 30.8 29.7 29.3 29.0 28.9 29.0 29.2 28.7 

30 to 49 22.2 22.3 22.1 21.8 21.7 21.1 20.4 19.8 19.5 19.0 19.0 

50 to 99 28.1 28.7 29.0 29.1 29.6 29.7 29.8 30.0 29.9 29.5 29.6 

100 to 199 10.2 10.7 11.3 11.8 11.9 12.2 12.6 12.7 12.7 12.8 12.8 

200 or more 5.0 5.4 6.0 6.5 7.1 7.7 8.2 8.6 8.9 9.5 9.9 

 200 to 499 N/A N/A 4.1 4.4 4.8 5.1 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.8 6.0 

 500 or more N/A N/A 1.9 2.1 2.3 2.6 2.9 3.2 3.4 3.7 3.9 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
USDA APHIS VS / 5

Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

d. Percentage of beef cow inventory, by size of operation and by year:

e. Percentage of dairy cow inventory, by size of operation and by year:

Percent Inventory 

Year 

Size of 

Operation 

(Number of 

Beef Cows) 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

1 to 49 31.2 30.8 30.4 30.5 29.9 29.5 29.0 29.0 29.1 28.1 27.9 

50 to 99 19.2 19.6 19.4 18.8 19.1 19.1 19.1 19.2 19.0 19.1 19.0 

100 to 499 35.3 35.4 35.9 36.1 36.6 36.7 37.0 37.3 37.5 38.3 38.5 

500 or more 14.3 14.2 14.3 14.6 14.4 14.7 14.9 14.5 14.4 14.5 14.6 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

Percent Inventory 

Year 

Size of 

Operation 

(Number of 

Dairy Cows) 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

1 to 29 4.0 4.0 3.5 3.6 3.2 2.9 2.7 2.4 2.3 2.1 2.0 

30 to 49 13.0 12.0 11.5 10.5 10.2 9.1 8.0 7.4 6.9 6.6 6.4 

50 to 99 28.0 27.0 26.0 24.3 23.3 22.0 20.8 19.6 18.8 17.8 17.1 

100 to 199 20.0 20.0 20.0 19.3 18.4 18.1 17.2 16.4 15.7 15.1 14.6 

200 or more 35.0 37.0 39.0 42.3 44.9 47.9 51.3 54.2 55.3 58.4 59.9 

 200 to 499 N/A N/A 14.6 15.5 16.3 16.6 16.3 15.9 15.4 15.5 15.4 

 500 or more N/A N/A 24.4 26.8 28.6 31.3 35.0 38.3 40.9 42.9 44.5 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

6 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

B. Regional

Demographics

3. Calf crop—1995–2005

1. Cattle and calves inventory—January 1, 1992, 1996, 2001, and 2006

NASS does not conduct a cause-of-loss survey in Alaska; therefore Alaska is

excluded from regional demographics tables and nonpredator loss estimates.

Overall, the national inventory of cattle and calves remained relatively stable from

1992 to 2006, with 96.7 million head present on January 1, 2006.

Number of cattle and calves and number of cattle over 500 lb, by region and by

year:

Calf crop and calf crop per 100 cows on hand, by year:

Year 

 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

Calf crop

(1,000 

Head) 40,264 39,823 38,961 38,812 38,796 38,631 38,300 38,224 37,903 37,505 37,575 

Calf crop 

per 100 

cows on 

hand 

(January 1) 90.1 89.0 89.0 

 

90.1 90.5 90.3 90.0 90.5 90.0 89.6 89.6 

January 1—Number (x 1,000) 

 Cattle and Calves Cattle Over 500 lb 

Region 1992 1996 2001 2006 1992 1996 2001 2006 

North Central 18,000 19,110 18,830 18,120 15,248 16,555 16,884 16,390 

Northeast 18,638 18,184 16,111 16,185 14,598 14,259 12,903 12,852 

Northwest 8,300 8,920 8,600 8,460 7,320 8,018 7,796 7,734 

South Central 30,480 33,610 31,500 32,410 24,565 27,390 25,650 26,920 

Southeast 10,760 11,710 9,925 9,460 8,152 8,845 7,506 7,194 

Southwest 11,270 12,004 12,320 12,051 9,331 10,089 10,334 10,134 

Total* 97,548 103,538 97,286 96,686 79,214 85,156 81,073 81,224 

*Excludes Alaska, so total of regions does not match published United States total.
USDA APHIS VS / 7

Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

2. Beef and dairy cow inventory—January 1, 1992, 1996, 2001, and 2006

From 1992 to 2006, U.S. inventory of beef cows fluctuated between 33 million and

35 million head, while dairy cow inventory decreased from 9.7 million to 9.0 million

head. In 2006, the South Central region had more beef cows than any other region

(12.2 million head), while the Northeast region had more dairy cows than any other

region (3.8 million).

Number of beef and dairy cows that had calved, by region and by year:

 January 1—Number (x 1,000)

 Beef Cows Dairy Cows 

Region 1992 1996 2001 2006 1992 1996 2001 2006 

North 

Central 5,618.0 6,072.0 6,151.0 6,029.0 12,320.0 1,078.0 949.0 806.0 

Northeast 3,832.3 3,926.6 3,510.5 3,695.0 4,787.4 4,417.1 4,017.6 3,831.5 

Northwest 3,641.0 3,874.0 3,721.0 3,543.0 549.0 626.0 714.0 857.0 

South 

Central 11,484.0 12,520.0 11,895.0 12,185.0 856.0 820.0 715.0 645.0 

Southeast 5,262.0 5,760.0 5,077.0 4,885.0 763.0 640.0 543.0 421.0 

Southwest 3,167.0 3,153.0 3,040.0 2,650.4 1,540.0 838.0 2,178.0 2,501.6 

Total* 33,004.3 35,315.6 33,394.5 32,987.4 9,727.4 9,419.1 9,170.6 9,062.1 

*Excludes Alaska, so total of regions does not match published United States total. 
Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

8 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

3. Calf crop—1991, 1995, 2000, and 2005

About 30 percent of the 37.6 million calves born in 2005 were born in the South

Central region.

Calendar year calf crop, by region and by year:

C. U.S. Annual

Death Loss

1. Loss from all causes—1991-2005

A total of 1.7 million cattle and 2.3 million calves were lost to all causes during

2005. These totals represent 2.1 and 6.2 percent of cattle inventory and calf crop,

respectively. While the percentage of cattle inventory lost remained stable, the

percentage of calf crop lost declined from 7.0 percent in 1991 to 6.2 percent in

2005.

a. Number of cattle and calf death losses due to all causes, by year:

Calf Crop (x 1,000)

 Year 

Region 1991 1995 2000 2005 

North Central 6,570 6,770 6,730 6,420 

Northeast 7,823 7,5767 6,813 6,569 

Northwest 3,945 4,280 4,410 4,410 

South Central 11,070 11,910 11,330 11,450 

Southeast 5,205 5,475 4,880 4,560 

Southwest 3,968 4,249 4,464 4,361 

Total* 38,581 40,261 38,627 37,570 

*Excludes Alaska, so total of regions does not match published United States total. 

 Number (x 1,000) 

Year 

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

Cattle 1,540 1,677 1,702 1,589 1,645 1,761 1,847 1,668 1,658 1,711 1,722 1,710 1,710 1,711 1,718 

Calves 2,707 2,689 2,921 2,681 2,739 2,811 2,829 2,541 2,455 2,387 2,487 2,366 2,320 2,292 2,335 

Total 4,247 4,366 4,623 4,270 4,384 4,572 4,676 4,209 4,113 4,098 4,209 4,076 4,030 4,003 4,053 
USDA APHIS VS / 9

Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

b. Cattle death losses as a percentage of January 1 inventory of cattle over 500 lb

on January 1 of the following year, by year:

Percent Inventory 

Year 

991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

1.9 2.1 2.0 1.9 1.9 2.1 2.2 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 

c. Calf death losses as a percentage of calf crop, by year:

Percent Calf Crop 

Year 

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

7.0 6.9 7.4 6.7 6.8 7.1 7.3 6.5 6.3 6.2 6.5 6.2 6.1 6.1 6.2 

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

1991 1993 1995 1999 2001 2003 2005

Year

Percent

1.9

2.1

2.0

1.9 1.9

2.1

2.2

2.0 2.0

2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1

1997

Cattle Death Losses as a Percentage of January 1 Inventory of Cattle Over 500 lb on

January 1 of the Following Year, by Year
Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

10 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

2. U.S. nonpredator and predator death loss (excluding Alaska)—19912,

19952, 20002, and 2005

Since 1991, nonpredator causes accounted for the majority of cattle and calf

losses; 95.3 percent of losses in 2005 were attributed to nonpredator causes. As

expected, predators accounted for a larger percentage of calf losses than cattle

losses (6.7 and 2.0 percent, respectively).

a. Number and percentage of cattle and calf death losses, by cause and by year:

 Year 

 1991 1995 2000 2005 

Cause 

Number 

(x 1,000) Pct. 

Number 

(x 1,000) Pct. 

Number 

(x 1,000) Pct. 

Number 

(x 1,000) Pct. 

Nonpredator 4,143.4 97.6 4,263.6 97.3 3,952.0 96.4 3,861.0 95.3 

Predator 102.0 2.4 118.8 2.7 144.6 3.6 190.0 4.7 

Total 4,245.4 100.0 4,382.4 100.0 4,096.6 100.0 4,051.0 100.0 

0

2

4

6

8

1991 1993 1995 1999 2001 2003 2005

Year

Percent

1997

Calf Death Losses as a Percentage of Calf Crop, by Year

7.0 6.9

7.4

6.7 6.8

7.1 7.3

6.5 6.3 6.2

6.5

6.2 6.1 6.1 6.2
USDA APHIS VS / 11

Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

b. Number and percentage of cattle death losses, by cause and by year:

c. Number and percentage of calf death losses, by cause and by year:

2

NASS estimates of total death loss were revised in subsequent publications. However,

estimates of predator and nonpredator death loss were not revised. The ratio of predator to

nonpredator losses in the initial publication was maintained and applied to the revised total loss

estimate to generate the losses due to predators and nonpredators in tables a, b, and c. For the

1991 estimates, cattle losses were revised from 1,583,800 to 1,539,100, and calf losses were

revised from 2,786,300 to 2,706,300. For the 1995 estimates, cattle losses were revised from

1,635,100 to 1,644,100, and calf losses were revised from 2,745,300 to 2,738,300. For the 2000

estimates, cattle losses were revised from 1,721,100 to 1,710,100, and calf losses were revised

from 2,409,500 to 2,386,500.

 Year 

 1991 1995 2000 2005 

Cause 

Number 

(x 1,000) Pct. 

Number 

(x 1,000) Pct. 

Number 

(x 1,000) Pct. 

Number 

(x 1,000) Pct. 

Nonpredator 1523.7 99.0 1,622.7 98.7 1,689.6 98.8 1,683.0 98.0 

Predator 15.4 1.0 21.4 1.3 20.5 1.2 34.0 2.0 

Total 1,539.1 100.0 1,644.1 100.0 1,710.1 100.0 1,717.0 100.0 

 Year 

 1991 1995 2000 2005 

Cause 

Number 

(x 1,000) Pct. 

Number 

(x 1,000) Pct. 

Number 

(x 1,000) Pct. 

Number 

(x 1,000) Pct. 

Nonpredator 2,619.7 96.8 2,640.9 96.5 2,262.4 94.8 2,178.0 93.3 

Predator 86.6 3.2 97.4 3.5 124.1 5.2 156.0 6.7 

Total 2,706.3 100.0 2,738.3 100.0 2,386.5 100.0 2,334.0 100.0 
Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

12 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

3. Regional predator and nonpredator death loss—1991, 1995, 2000, and

2005

a. Number of cattle death losses from all causes, by region and by year:

In 2005, the Northwest and North Central regions lost a smaller percentage of

cattle (1.5 and 1.6 percent, respectively) than the other regions.

b. Cattle death losses as a percentage of January 1 inventory of cattle over 500 lb

on January 1 of the following year, by year:

Number Losses (x 1,000) 

 Year 

Region 1991 1995 2000 2005 

North Central 264.0 277.0 281.0 267.0 

Northeast 312.1 311.1 291.1 300.0 

Northwest 103.0 115.0 124.0 117.0 

South Central 498.0 522.0 625.0 635.0 

Southeast 183.0 201.0 174.0 174.0 

Southwest 179.0 218.0 215.0 224.0 

Total* 1,539.1 1,644.1 1,710.1 1,717.0 

*Excludes Alaska, so total of regions does not match published United States total.

Percent Inventory 

 Year 

Region 1991 1995 2000 2005 

North Central 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.6 

Northeast 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.3 

Northwest 1.4 1.4 1.6 1.5 

South Central 2.0 1.9 2.4 2.4 

Southeast 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.4 

Southwest 1.9 2.2 2.1 2.4 

Total 1.9 1.9 2.1 2.1 
USDA APHIS VS / 13

Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

c. Number of calf death losses from all causes, by region and by year:

The Northeast region lost the largest percentage of calf crop (8.2 percent) in 2005,

compared all other regions.

d. Calf death losses as a percentage of calf crop, by region and by year:

Number Losses (x 1,000) 

 Year 

Region 1991 1995 2000 2005 

North Central 493.0 553.0 425.0 392.0 

Northeast 717.3 673.3 538.5 543.0 

Northwest 204.0 216.0 225.0 205.0 

South Central 689.0 675.0 620.0 638.0 

Southeast 297.0 313.0 266.0 238.0 

Southwest 306.0 308.0 312.0 318.0 

Total* 2,706.3 2,738.3 2,386.5 2,334.0 

*Excludes Alaska, so total of regions does not match published United States total.

Percent Calf Crop 

 Year 

Region 1991 1995 2000 2005 

North Central 7.5 8.2 6.3 6.1 

Northeast 9.2 8.9 7.9 8.2 

Northwest 5.2 5.0 5.1 4.8 

South Central 6.2 5.7 5.5 5.5 

Southeast 5.7 5.7 5.5 5.2 

Southwest 7.7 7.2 7.0 7.2 

Total 7.0 6.8 6.2 6.2 
Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

14 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

4. Regional predator and nonpredator death loss—1995, 2000, and 2005

In all regions, nonpredator causes accounted for the majority of cattle losses.

With the exception of the North Central and South Central regions, the

percentages of losses due to nonpredator causes decreased in all regions from

1995 to 2005. In the Southeast region, the percentage of losses due to

nonpredator causes decreased from 98.5 percent in 1995 to 94.9 percent in 2005.

a. Number and percentage of cattle death losses by cause—by region and by

year:

 Year 

 1995 2000 2005 

Region Cause Number 

(x1,000) Percent 

Number

(x1,000) Percent 

Number

(x1,000) Percent 

Nonpredator 274.8 99.2 280.2 99.7 265.6 99.5 

Predator 2.2 0.8 0.8 0.3 1.4 0.5 North 

Central 

Total 277.0 100.0 281.0 100.0 267.0 100.0 

Nonpredator 308.3 99.1 288.2 99.0 294.7 98.2 

Northeast Predator 2.8 0.9 2.9 1.0 5.3 1.8 

Total 311.1 100.0 291.1 100.0 300.0 100.0 

Nonpredator 113.5 98.7 121.9 98.3 114.1 97.5 

Northwest Predator 1.5 1.3 2.1 1.7 2.9 2.5 

Total 115.0 100.0 124.0 100.0 117.0 100.0 

Nonpredator 514.2 98.5 619.7 99.2 625.0 98.4 

Predator 7.8 1.5 5.3 0.8 10.0 1.6 South 

Central 

Total 522.0 100.0 625.0 100.0 635.0 100.0 

Nonpredator 198.0 98.5 170.5 98.0 165.1 94.9 

Southeast Predator 3.0 1.5 3.5 2.0 8.9 5.1 

Total 201.0 100.0 174.0 100.0 174.0 100.0 

Nonpredator 214.1 98.2 208.8 97.1 218.5 97.5 

Southwest Predator 3.9 1.8 6.2 2.9 5.5 2.5 

Total 218.0 100.0 215.0 100.0 224.0 100.0 
USDA APHIS VS / 15

Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

0

20

40

60

80

100

Predator

Nonpredator

Cause

North

Central

Northeast Northwest South

Central

Southeast Southwest

Region

99.5

0.5

98.2

1.8

97.5

2.5

98.4

1.6

94.9

5.1

97.5

2.5

Percent

Percentage of 2005 Cattle Death Losses, by Cause and by Region
Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

16 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

In all regions in 2005, nonpredator causes accounted for the majority of calf

losses. However, the percentage of total losses due to nonpredator causes ranged

from 86.4 percent in the Southeast region to 97.5 percent in the North Central

region.

b. Number and percentage of calf death losses by cause—by region and by year:

 Year 

 1995 2000 2005 

Region Cause Number 

(x1,000) Percent 

Number

(x1,000) Percent 

Number

(x1,000) Percent 

Nonpredator 545.3 98.6 416.9 98.1 382.1 97.5 

Predator 7.7 1.4 8.1 1.9 9.9 2.5 North 

Central 

Total 553.0 100.0 425.0 100.0 392.0 100.0 

Nonpredator 662.5 98.4 526.1 97.7 520.3 95.8 

Northeast Predator 10.8 1.6 12.4 2.3 22.7 4.2 

Total 673.3 100.0 538.5 100.0 543.0 100.0 

Nonpredator 206.1 95.4 210.1 93.3 191.4 93.4 

Northwest Predator 9.9 4.6 14.9 6.7 13.6 6.6 

Total 216.0 100.0 225.0 100.0 205.0 100.0 

Nonpredator 636.5 94.3 581.6 93.8 581.0 91.1 

Predator 38.5 5.7 38.4 6.2 57.0 8.9 South 

Central 

Total 675.0 100.0 620.0 100.0 638.0 100.0 

Nonpredator 299.5 95.7 242.4 91.1 205.6 86.4 

Southeast Predator 13.5 4.3 23.6 8.9 32.4 13.6 

Total 313.0 100.0 266.0 100.0 238.0 100.0 

Nonpredator 292.3 94.9 284.5 91.2 297.6 93.6 

Southwest Predator 15.7 5.1 27.5 8.8 20.4 6.4 

Total 308.0 100.0 312.0 100.0 317.0 100.0 
USDA APHIS VS / 17

Section I: Population Estimates, Number of Head

0

20

40

60

80

100

Predator

Nonpredator

Cause

North

Central

Northeast Northwest South

Central

Southeast Southwest

Region

97.5

2.5

95.8

4.2

93.4

6.6

91.1

8.9

86.4

13.6

93.6

6.4

Percent

Percentage of 2005 Calf Death Losses, by Cause and by Region
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

18 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

Section II: Population Estimates—Nonpredator Losses

A. Operation

Classification

1. Operation classification process

This section reports death loss and cause of loss on three operation types: beef,

dairy, and mixed operations (see p. 2 for definition of operation types). NASS

collects inventory numbers of beef cows, milk cows, and heifers on each

operation. However, animal breed is not specified in death-loss numbers. To

estimate death loss, operations were classified based on inventory numbers of

beef and dairy cows.

2. Operation characteristics

Nearly two-thirds (65.6 percent) of the January 1, 2006, inventory of cattle and

calves was on beef operations. Over 98 percent of beef cows were on beef

operations, and 1.4 percent were on mixed operations. Ninety percent of the dairy

cow inventory was on dairy operations, and 9.9 percent was on mixed operations.

a. Percentage of January 1, 2006, inventory for all cattle and calves, beef cows,

and dairy cows, by operation type:

Percent Inventory 

All Cattle and 

Calves Beef Cows Dairy Cows 

Operation 

Type Percent 

Std. 

Error Percent 

Std. 

Error Percent 

Std. 

Error 

Beef 65.6 (0.8) 98.6 (0.1) 0.1 (0.0) 

Dairy 15.6 (0.4) 0.0 (0.0) 90.0 (1.7) 

Mixed 2.6 (0.4) 1.4 (0.1) 9.9 (1.7) 

Other 16.2 (0.8) 0.0 (--) 0.0 (--) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 19

Across all operation types, nonpredator causes accounted for the majority of

cattle losses in 2005.

b. Percentage of 2005 cattle death losses, by cause and by operation type:

Percent Losses 

Operation Type 

Beef Dairy Mixed Other 

Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Nonpredator 96.6 (0.3) 99.7 (0.1) 99.6 (0.1) 99.3 (0.2) 

Predator 3.4 (0.3) 0.3 (0.1) 0.4 (0.1) 0.7 (0.2) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

Just over 90 percent of calf losses on beef operations were due to nonpredator

causes, compared to at least 97 percent of losses on dairy, mixed, and other

operations (99.0, 97.0, and 98.9 percent of losses, respectively).

c. Percentage of 2005 calf death losses, by cause and by operation type:

Percent Losses 

Operation Type 

Beef Dairy Mixed Other 

Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Nonpredator 90.1 (0.4) 99.0 (0.1) 97.0 (0.9) 98.9 (0.3) 

Predator 9.9 (0.4) 1.0 (0.1) 3.0 (0.9) 1.1 (0.3) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

20 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

Half of cattle losses (51.4 percent) and 61.0 percent of calf losses in the United

States occurred on beef operations, which is most likely a reflection of the fact

that the majority of U.S. cattle and calves are on beef operations.

d. Percentage of nonpredator cattle and calf death losses, by operation type:

0

20

40

60

80

100

Predator

Nonpredator

90.1

9.9

99.0

1.0

97.0

3.0

98.9

1.1

Beef Dairy Mixed Other

Percent

Operation Type

Percentage of 2005 Calf Losses, by Cause and by Operation Type

Cause

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

 Cattle Calf 

Operation Type Percent Std. Error Percent Std. Error 

Beef 51.4 (1.4) 61.0 (1.5) 

Dairy 24.9 (0.8) 21.0 (0.7) 

Mixed 3.2 (0.6) 3.6 (0.4) 

Other 20.5 (1.7) 14.4 (1.9) 

Total 100.0 100.0 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 21

B. Nonpredator

Cattle Death Loss

1. Losses as a percentage of inventory—2005

The percentage of cattle inventory lost to nonpredator causes ranged from 1.5

percent in the Northwest region to 2.6 percent in the South Central region.

a. Percentage of cattle inventory lost,* by region:

Percent Inventory 

Region Percent Standard Error 

North Central 1.8 (0.1) 

Northeast 2.3 (0.1) 

Northwest 1.5 (0.1) 

South Central 2.6 (0.1) 

Southeast 2.2 (0.1) 

Southwest 2.3 (0.1) 

*2005 death loss divided by end-of-year (January 1, 2006) inventory of cattle 500 lb or greater X 100. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

22 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

Overall, 1.7 percent of cattle inventory on beef operations was lost to nonpredator

causes. Across all regions, operations with 1 to 49 operations lost a higher

percentage of inventory to nonpredator causes than operations with 500 or more

cows.

b. For beef operations, percentage of cattle inventory lost by region and by size of

operation:

Percent Inventory* 

Size of Operation (Number of Cows)

 1-49 50-99 100-499 

500 or 

More 

All 

Operations 

Region Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

North Central 1.8 (0.3) 1.2 (0.1) 1.1 (0.1) 1.1 (0.1) 1.2 (0.1) 

Northeast 1.7 (0.1) 1.4 (0.1) 1.2 (0.1) 1.1 (0.1) 1.5 (0.1) 

Northwest 1.6 (0.2) 1.2 (0.2) 0.9 (0.1) 0.8 (0.1) 1.0 (0.1) 

South Central 3.1 (0.2) 2.3 (0.2) 2.0 (0.2) 1.3 (0.1) 2.3 (0.1) 

Southeast 2.3 (0.1) 2.2 (0.2) 1.9 (0.2) 1.1 (0.1) 2.0 (0.1) 

Southwest 2.2 (0.3) 1.7 (0.2) 1.2 (0.1) 1.3 (0.1) 1.4 (0.1) 

All operations 2.4 (0.1) 1.8 (0.1) 1.5 (0.1) 1.1 (0.1) 1.7 (0.0) 

*2005 death loss divided by end-of-year (January 1, 2006) inventory of cattle 500 lb or greater x 100. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 23

Overall, 3.6 percent of cattle inventory on dairy operations was lost to nonpredator

causes, ranging from 3.1 percent of inventory in the Northeast region to 6.1

percent in the South Central region. Across all regions, the percentage of inventory

lost was higher on dairy operations than on beef operations (table b).

c. For dairy operations, percentage of cattle inventory lost by region and by size

of operation:*

Percent Inventory 

Size of Operation (Number of Cows)

 1-29 30-49 50-99 100-199 200-499 

500 

or More 

All 

Operations 

Region 

 

Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

 

Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

 

Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

 

Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

 

Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

 

Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

 

Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

North Central 3.8 (1.1) 3.7 (0.7) 3.3 (0.3) 3.6 (0.4) 4.1 (0.4) 9.0 (0.6) 4.5 (0.2) 

Northeast 3.1 (0.5) 2.4 (0.2) 2.8 (0.1) 3.0 (0.2) 3.4 (0.2) 4.0 (0.3) 3.1 (0.1) 

Northwest 2.0 (0.6) 4.4 (1.1) 3.9 (0.5) 3.3 (0.3) 3.7 (0.3) 4.0 (0.4) 3.9 (0.3) 

South Central 2.2 (1.1) 7.2 (1.8) 6.0 (0.9) 4.9 (0.6) 5.6 (0.8) 7.1 (1.1) 6.1 (0.6) 

Southeast ** 3.9 (0.3) 4.6 (0.5) 4.4 (0.3) 3.3 (0.2) 4.0 (0.3) 4.0 (0.2) 

Southwest ** ** 3.0 (0.6) 3.9 (0.7) 3.8 (0.3) 3.0 (0.3) 3.2 (0.3) 

All operations 3.9 (0.9) 2.7 (0.2) 3.1 (0.1) 3.4 (0.1) 3.7 (0.2) 3.8 (0.2) 3.6 (0.1) 

*2005 death loss divided by end-of-year (January 1, 2006) inventory of cattle 500 lb or greater X 100. 

**Too few operations to report.
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

24 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

On mixed operations, 2.7 percent of inventory was lost to nonpredator causes.

d. For mixed operations, percentage of cattle inventory lost by region and by size

of operation:*

Percent Inventory 

Size of Operation (Number of Cows)

1-99 100-499 500 or More All Operations 

Region Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

North Central 3.3 (0.5) 2.2 (0.4) 2.6 (0.9) 2.6 (0.3) 

Northeast 2.8 (0.5) 2.3 (0.3) 3.2 (0.6) 2.6 (0.2) 

Northwest ** 2.2 (0.5) 1.9 (0.3) 2.0 (0.3) 

South Central 4.4 (1.3) 2.5 (0.4) 2.2 (0.8) 2.9 (0.4) 

Southeast 2.6 (0.8) 2.7 (0.3) 2.6 (0.5) 2.7 (0.3) 

Southwest ** 0.9 (0.2) 3.6 (0.3) 3.0 (0.6) 

All operations 3.2 (0.3) 2.1 (0.2) 3.1 (0.3) 2.7 (0.2) 

*2005 death loss divided by end-of-year (January 1, 2006) inventory of cattle 500 lb or greater X 100. 

** Too few operations to report. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 25

On “other” operations, 2.7 percent of inventory was lost to nonpredator causes.

e. For other operations, percentage of cattle inventory lost by region and by size

of operation:*

Percent Inventory

Size of Operation (Number of Cattle and Calves)

 1-99 100-499` 500-999 

1,000 or 

More 

All 

Operations 

Region Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

North Central 4.8 (0.9) 2.6 (0.3) 1.9 (0.2) 3.1 (0.2) 3.0 (0.1) 

Northeast 2.7 (0.4) 2.0 (0.3) 1.8 (0.3) 1.4 (0.2) 2.1 (0.2) 

Northwest 6.9 (1.7) 1.6 (0.5) 1.0 (0.2) 1.7 (0.2) 2.0 (0.2) 

South Central 9.0 (2.6) 2.9 (0.6) 1.8 (0.4) 3.0 (0.5) 3.2 (0.4) 

Southeast 5.1 (1.6) 1.5 (0.6) 3.2 (0.5) 2.3 (0.4) 3.5 (0.6) 

Southwest 4.5 (1.5) 2.6 (0.8) 2.1 (0.4) 2.6 (0.2) 2.6 (0.2) 

All operations 5.0 (0.6) 2.4 (0.2) 2.0 (0.2) 2.8 (0.3) 2.9 (0.2) 

*2005 death loss divided by end-of-year (January 1, 2006) inventory of cattle 500 lb or greater X100. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

26 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

2. Cause of loss—1991, 1995, 2000, and 2005

Since 1991, respiratory problems accounted for the highest percentage of

nonpredator cattle losses (24.8 percent). Other common causes of loss in 2005

included unknown causes (13.3 percent) and calving problems (11.1 percent).

a. Percentage of cattle death losses, by cause and by year:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Nonpredator Cause 1991 1995 2000 2005 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, parasites, 

enterotoxemia, acidosis, 

etc.) 12.8 12.2 10.5 11.1 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 26.1 26.0 27.1 24.8 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass tetany, 

etc.) N/A N/A 4.0 3.6 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 7.4 8.3 8.0 6.5 

Theft (stolen) 1.0 0.5 1.2 0.6 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious feeds, 

noxious weeds, etc.) 3.2 2.0 1.6 1.4 

Calving problems 16.2 15.3 12.4 11.1 

Mastitis* N/A N/A N/A 4.0 

Lameness/injury** N/A N/A N/A 5.3 

Other diseases*** N/A N/A 6.1 5.8 

Other causes*** 33.3 35.7 13.2 12.5 

Unknown causes*** N/A N/A 15.9 13.3 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

*Mastitis included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995 and in “other diseases” in 2000. 

**Lameness/injury included in “other causes” in 1991, 1995, and 2000. 

*** “Other diseases” and “unknown causes” included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995.
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 27

0 5 10 15 20 25

Digestive

problems

Repiratory

problems

Metabolic

problems

Weatherrelated causes

Theft

Poisoning

Calving

problems

Mastitis*

Lameness/

injury**

Other

diseases***

Other

causes***

Unknown

causes***

Nonpredator

cause

Percent

11.1

24.8

3.6

6.5

0.6

1.4

11.1

4.0

5.3

5.8

12.5

13.3

Percentage of 2005 Cattle Death Losses, by Cause

*Mastitis included in "other causes" in 1991 and 1995 and in "other diseases" in 2000.

**Lameness/injury included in "other causes" in 1991, 1995, and 2000.

***"Other diseases" and "unknown causes" included in "other causes" in 1991 and 1995.
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

28 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

Respiratory problems accounted for just under one-fifth of cattle losses

(18.7 percent) on beef operations. Not surprisingly, the percentage of losses due

to mastitis was higher on dairy operations than on beef operations (12.8 and 0.5

percent, respectively.) Mastitis also accounted for 15.8 percent of losses on mixed

operations, likely because almost 10 percent of the dairy cow inventory was on

mixed operations (see table 2a, p. 18). Respiratory problems accounted for over

half of nonpredator losses (54.2 percent) on “other” operations; many operations in

the this category are feedlots, which commonly experience problems with bovine

respiratory disease.

b. For beef operations, percentage of cattle death losses by cause and by year:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Nonpredator Cause 19911 19951 2000 

Std. 

Error 2005 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, parasites, 

enterotoxemia, 

acidosis, etc.) 9.3 10.3 7.5 (0.4) 7.5 (0.5) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

ever, etc.) 12.8 14.2 16.9 (0.8) 18.7 (1.8) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass tetany, 

etc.) N/A N/A 1.7 (0.2) 1.2 (0.1) 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 10.0 10.0 11.9 (0.7) 9.1 (0.6) 

Theft (stolen) 2.3 0.6 2.2 (1.2) 0.9 (0.2) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious feeds, 

noxious weeds, etc.) 6.1 3.2 2.6 (0.3) 2.2 (0.4) 

Calving problems 18.9 19.0 15.5 (0.7) 14.2 (0.6) 

Mastitis* N/A N/A N/A (--) 0.5 (0.1) 

Lameness/injury** N/A N/A N/A (--) 3.4 (0.2) 

Other diseases*** N/A N/A 3.4 (0.4) 5.4 (0.5) 

Other causes*** 40.6 42.7 16.8 (0.7) 19.8 (0.9) 

Unknown causes*** N/A N/A 21.5 (0.9) 17.1 (0.8) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

1

Standard errors not available for 1991 and 1995. 

*Mastitis included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995 and in “other diseases” in 2000. 

**Lameness/injury included in “other causes” in 1991, 1995, and 2000. 

*** “Other diseases” and “unknown causes” included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 29

c. For dairy operations, percentage of cattle death losses by cause and by year:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Nonpredator 

Cause 19911

 19951 2000 

Std. 

Error 2005 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, 

parasites, 

enterotoxemia, 

acidosis, etc.) 14.3 15.2 12.2 (0.5) 12.3 (0.6) 

Respiratory 

problems 

(pneumonia, 

shipping fever, etc.) 11.4 18.6 14.6 (0.6) 14.4 (0.8) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass 

tetany, etc.) N/A N/A 10.6 (0.5) 9.9 (0.5) 

Weather-related 

causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 4.4 8.2 4.3 (0.8) 2.0 (0.2) 

Theft (stolen) 0.3 0.0 0.2 (0.1) 0.1 (0.1) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, 

noxious feeds, 

noxious weeds, 

etc.) 1.9 0.9 0.6 (0.2) 0.5 (0.1) 

Calving problems 26.3 19.3 13.8 (0.5) 12.5 (0.6) 

Mastitis* N/A N/A N/A (--) 12.8 (0.5) 

Lameness/injury** N/A N/A N/A (--) 10.5 (0.5) 

Other diseases*** N/A N/A 15.4 (0.7) 8.3 (1.4) 

Other causes*** 41.4 37.8 15.3 (1.0) 6.2 (0.6) 

Unknown causes*** N/A N/A 13.0 (0.5) 10.5 (0.7) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

1

Standard errors not available for 1991 and 1995. 

*Mastitis included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995 and in “other diseases” in 2000. 

**Lameness/injury included in “other causes” in 1991, 1995, and 2000. 

*** “Other diseases” and “unknown causes” included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

30 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

d. For mixed operations, percentage of cattle death losses by cause and by year:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Nonpredator 

Cause 19911

 19951 2000 

Std. 

Error 2005 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, 

parasites, 

enterotoxemia, 

acidosis, etc.) 12.8 19.9 11.3 (1.3) 7.7 (1.7) 

Respiratory 

problems 

(pneumonia, 

shipping fever, etc.) 9.4 22.5 16.8 (1.7) 15.2 (3.6) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass 

tetany, etc.) N/A N/A 10.1 (1.4) 11.9 (3.2) 

Weather-related 

causes (chilling, 

drowning, lightning, 

etc.) 8.7 8.8 10.0 (1.5) 3.5 (1.0) 

Theft (stolen) 0.4 0.01 1.7 (1.2) 0.1 (0.1) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, 

noxious feeds, 

noxious weeds, 

etc.) 3.1 0.01 0.4 (0.2) 0.8 (0.4) 

Calving problems 28.3 15.0 16.0 (1.4) 12.7 (3.2) 

Mastitis* N/A N/A N/A (--) 15.8 (6.4) 

Lameness/injury** N/A N/A N/A (--) 7.4 (1.8) 

Other diseases*** N/A N/A 7.3 (0.9) 4.3 (1.3) 

Other causes*** 37.3 33.8 10.5 (1.5) 10.1 (2.6) 

Unknown*** N/A N/A 15.9 (1.5) 10.5 (3.5) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

1

Standard errors not available for 1991 and 1995. 

*Mastitis included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995 and in “other diseases” in 2000. 

**Lameness/injury included in “other causes” in 1991, 1995, and 2000. 

*** “Other diseases” and “unknown causes” included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 31

e. For other operations, percentage of cattle death losses by cause and by year:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Nonpredator 

Cause 19911

 19951 2000 

Std. 

Error 2005 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, 

parasites, 

enterotoxemia, 

acidosis, etc.) 15.6 12.1 14.9 (0.9) 18.8 (2.9) 

Respiratory 

problems 

(pneumonia, 

shipping fever, etc.) 58.4 67.2 64.1 (2.5) 54.2 (2.7) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass 

tetany, etc.) N/A N/A 1.2 (0.1) 0.6 (0.1) 

Weather-related 

causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 6.9 3.3 3.5 (0.3) 6.0 (1.5) 

Theft (stolen) 0.3 0.01 0.1 (0.0) 0.4 (0.2) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, 

noxious feeds, 

noxious weeds, 

etc.) 0.7 0.01 0.6 (0.3) 0.4 (0.2) 

Calving problems 1.7 1.5 3.6 (2.0) 1.4 (0.6) 

Mastitis* N/A N/A N/A (--) 0.1 (0.0) 

Lameness/injury** N/A N/A N/A (--) 3.7 (1.0) 

Other diseases*** N/A N/A 1.6 (0.4) 3.9 (0.9) 

Other causes*** 16.4 15.9 3.5 (0.8) 2.4 (0.5) 

Unknown causes*** N/A N/A 6.9 (0.9) 8.1 (1.0) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

1

Standard errors not available for 1991 and 1995. 

*Mastitis included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995 and in “other diseases” in 2000. 

**Lameness/injury included in “other causes” in 1991, 1995, and 2000. 

*** “Other diseases” and “unknown causes” included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

32 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

3. Cause of loss by size of operation—2005

The percentage of losses due to calving problems decreased as the size of

operation increased, ranging from 18.9 percent on operations with 1 to 49 cows to

10.7 percent on operations with 500 or more cows.

a. For beef operations, percentage of cattle death losses by cause and by size of

operation:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Size of Operation (Number of Cows) 

1-49 50-99 100-499 500 or More 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, parasites, 

enterotoxemia, 

acidosis, etc.) 8.2 (1.0) 7.4 (1.0) 7.1 (0.7) 6.8 (0.8) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 12.9 (1.3) 14.8 (1.7) 26.6 (4.5) 21.0 (1.9) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass 

tetany, etc.) 1.3 (0.3) 1.8 (0.4) 0.7 (0.1) 1.1 (0.2) 

Weather-related 

causes (chilling, 

drowning, lightning, etc.) 8.0 (0.9) 10.4 (1.5) 10.0 (1.4) 8.0 (0.8) 

Theft (stolen) 0.4 (0.1) 0.8 (0.3) 1.1 (0.4) 2.6 (1.1) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious 

feeds, noxious 

weeds, etc.) 2.3 (0.9) 2.1 (0.7) 1.8 (0.3) 3.3 (0.4) 

Calving problems 18.9 (1.2) 12.6 (1.0) 11.0 (1.1) 10.7 (0.9) 

Mastitis 0.6 (0.2) 0.5 (0.2) 0.4 (0.1) 0.6 (0.2) 

Lameness/injury 4.0 (0.5) 3.4 (0.5) 2.6 (0.4) 3.7 (0.5) 

Other diseases 4.7 (0.7) 5.5 (0.9) 5.8 (1.0) 6.0 (0.9) 

Other 22.4 (1.6) 23.7 (1.7) 16.5 (1.5) 14.0 (1.6) 

Unknown 16.3 (1.2) 17.0 (1.5) 16.4 (1.6) 22.2 (2.1) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 33

Respiratory problems accounted for a higher percentage of losses on operations

with 1-29 cows (31.6 percent) than on all other operation sizes. Mastitis

accounted for 15.0 of nonpredator losses on operations with 500 or more cows

and 3.9 percent of losses on operations with 1 to 29 cows.

b. For dairy operations, percentage of cattle death losses by cause and by size of

operation:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

 Size of Operation (Number of Cows) 

1-29 30-49 50-99 100-199 200-499 

500 or 

More 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, parasites, 

enterotoxemia, acidosis, 

etc.) 14.1 (5.0) 13.7 (3.1) 10.0 (1.1) 15.1 (2.9) 12.2 (1.0) 12.2 (0.8) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 31.6 (5.4) 8.3 (2.0) 8.9 (1.1) 13.3 (1.3) 11.6 (1.0) 17.0 (1.5) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass tetany, 

etc.) 9.2 (3.9) 10.3 (1.6) 10.7 (1.2) 8.9 (1.3) 11.2 (1.3) 9.5 (0.7) 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 1.1 (0.7) 1.0 (0.5) 2.3 (0.7) 2.1 (0.4) 2.0 (0.4) 2.0 (0.4) 

Theft (stolen) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.3 (0.3) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.1 (0.1) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious 

feeds, noxious weeds, 

etc.) 0.3 (0.2) 0.5 (0.3) 1.5 (0.6) 0.4 (0.2) 0.4 (0.1 0.2 (0.1) 

Calving problems 9.0 (2.8) 19.2 (2.4) 17.0 (2.2) 14.0 (1.1) 13.3 (1.3) 9.9 (0.7) 

Mastitis 3.9 (2.0) 9.6 (2.0) 10.6 (1.5) 9.9 (1.0) 13.0 (1.1) 15.0 (0.9) 

Lameness/injury 8.7 (2.3) 11.2 (1.8) 13.2 (1.3) 10.2 (1.0) 13.0 (1.3) 9.0 (0.6) 

Other diseases 7.8 (3.9) 9.9 (2.6) 8.1 (1.5) 7.0 (1.0) 9.3 (1.8) 8.4 (2.7) 

Other 8.7 (3.0) 7.2 (1.4) 7.3 (1.2) 9.3 (1.4) 5.3 (1.2) 5.0 (1.0) 

Unknown 5.6 (2.9) 9.1 (1.8) 10.1 (1.6) 9.8 (1.3) 8.7 (1.3) 11.7 (1.3) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

34 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

Almost one-fifth of losses on mixed operations with 500 or more cows (19.3

percent) were due to metabolic problems, while only 2.5 percent of losses on

operations 1 to 99 cows were due to metabolic problems.

c. For mixed operations, percentage of cattle death losses by cause and by size

of operation:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

 Size of Operation (Number of Cows) 

 1-99 100-499 500 or More 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems (bloat, 

scours, parasites, 

enterotoxemia, acidosis, etc.) 9.2 (2.8) 7.4 (1.4) 7.1 (3.2) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 14.4 (4.5) 16.3 (2.3) 14.8 (7.4) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass tetany, etc.) 2.5 (1.0) 8.2 (1.4) 19.3 (4.0) 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 7.2 (2.5) 4.8 (1.2) 0.9 (0.5) 

Theft (stolen) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.2 (0.2) 

Poisoning (nitrate poisoning, 

noxious feeds, noxious 

weeds, etc.) 1.5 (1.4) 1.3 (0.5) 0.0 (0.0) 

Calving problems 21.6 (8.3) 16.1 (2.1) 5.9 (2.7) 

Mastitis 3.4 (1.3) 8.6 (2.2) 27.2 (9.5) 

Lameness/injury 8.0 (2.3) 10.8 (2.6) 4.5 (2.3) 

Other diseases (mastitis, etc.) 5.2 (1.7) 6.9 (2.6) 1.9 (1.0) 

Other 6.5 (2.0) 9.6 (2.0) 12.2 (4.8) 

Unknown 20.5 (11.2) 10.0 (2.5) 6.0 (3.1) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 35

Respiratory problems accounted for the majority of nonpredator losses on “other”

operations. Operations with 1 to 99 head had a smaller percentage of losses due

to respiratory problems compared to all other operation sizes.

d. For other operations, percentage of cattle death losses by cause and by size of

operation:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Size of Operation (Number of Cattle and Calves) 

 1-99 100-499 500-999 

1,000 or 

More 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, parasites, 

enterotoxemia, acidosis, 

etc.) 9.3 (2.2) 5.5 (1.1) 10.6 (2.0) 24.0 (3.8) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 33.9 (5.3) 66.1 (4.3) 66.3 (3.6) 55.5 (3.5) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass tetany, 

etc.) 2.1 (0.8) 0.9 (0.5) 1.0 (0.4) 0.2 (0.1) 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 12.5 (7.7) 2.5 (0.9) 5.4 (1.5) 5.1 (1.2) 

Theft (stolen) 0.6 (0.6) 2.4 (1.7) 0.7 (0.6) 0.0 (0.0) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious 

feeds, noxious weeds, 

etc.) 1.9 (1.1) 0.0 (0.0) 0.5 (0.3) 0.2 (0.1) 

Calving problems 8.8 (3.6) 0.5 (0.3) 0.4 (0.3) 0.0 (0.0) 

Mastitis 0.3 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 0.1 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 

Lameness/injury 9.0 (5.2) 3.2 (0.9) 3.2 (0.9) 2.6 (0.7) 

Other diseases 3.6 (1.3) 5.2 (3.2) 3.5 (1.7) 3.8 (1.1) 

Other 9.8 (2.3) 4.8 (1.9) 2.4 (0.9) 0.4 (0.2) 

Unknown 8.2 (2.0) 8.9 (2.7) 5.9 (1.8) 8.2 (1.4) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

36 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

4. Cause of loss by region—2005

On beef operations, the percentage of losses due to respiratory problems ranged

from 8.5 percent in the Southeast region to 29.1 in the North Central region. The

percentage of losses due to weather-related causes ranged from 4.7 percent in the

Northwest region to 16.7 percent in the Southeast region.

a. For beef operations, percentage of cattle death losses by cause and by region:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Region 

North 

Central Northeast Northwest 

South 

Central Southeast Southwest 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, 

parasites, enterotoxemia, acidosis, etc.) 9.4 (1.0) 9.9 (1.2) 9.2 (1.2) 6.0 (0.9) 7.0 (1.0) 9.6 (1.5) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 29.1 (2.1) 16.3 (2.0) 14.5 (1.6) 20.0 (3.6) 8.5 (1.1) 17.0 (2.0) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass 

tetany, etc.) 0.7 (0.3) 1.8 (0.4) 2.5 (1.0) 0.9 (0.2) 1.7 (0.4) 0.3 (0.1) 

Weather-related 

causes (chilling, 

drowning, lightning, 

etc.) 11.2 (1.0) 6.9 (1.0) 4.7 (0.6) 7.5 (0.9) 16.7 (2.5) 5.8 (0.9) 

Theft (stolen) 0.5 (0.2) 0.3 (0.1) 0.9 (0.4) 1.1 (0.4) 0.1 (0.0) 3.3 (1.0) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious 

feeds, noxious weeds, 

etc.) 0.8 (0.3) 1.8 (0.6) 4.5 (0.6) 1.7 (0.7) 1.9 (0.5) 8.5 (1.8) 

Calving problems 7.8 (1.7) 17.5 (1.5) 7.1 (0.8) 15.7 (1.2) 18.5 (1.3) 10.6 (1.7) 

Mastitis 0.3 (0.1) 0.2 (0.1) 0.3 (0.2) 0.4 (0.1) 0.9 (0.3) 1.4 (0.6) 

Lameness/injury 5.0 (0.7) 4.8 (0.6) 4.8 (0.7) 2.2 (0.3) 4.2 (0.8) 3.1 (0.6) 

Other diseases 6.5 (1.4) 3.5 (0.5) 7.7 (2.3) 5.7 (0.8) 3.7 (0.8) 4.4 (0.8) 

Other 14.4 (1.3) 16.8 (1.4) 17.8 (1.5) 22.4 (1.7) 21.8 (1.5) 15.7 (1.6) 

Unknown 14.3 (1.6) 20.2 (1.7) 26.0 (3.0) 16.4 (1.4) 15.0 (1.3) 20.3 (2.0) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 37

On dairy operations, the percentage of losses due to mastitis ranged from 7.7

percent in the South Central region to 16.9 percent in the Southwest region.

b. For dairy operations, percentage of cattle death losses by cause and by region:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Region 

North 

Central Northeast Northwest 

South 

Central Southeast Southwest 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, 

parasites, enterotoxemia, acidosis, 

etc.) 14.7 (2.0) 11.2 (0.8) 10.6 (1.7) 10.7 (1.8) 16.3 (6.9) 14.2 (1.0) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 12.0 (1.4) 11.9 (0.8) 19.0 (5.2) 14.6 (2.4) 10.8 (1.2) 18.7 (1.6) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass 

tetany, etc.) 8.8 (1.2) 11.3 (0.8) 10.5 (1.3) 5.6 (1.2) 7.2 (1.2) 10.0 (1.1) 

Weather-related 

causes (chilling, 

drowning, lightning, 

etc.) 1.6 (0.4) 1.6 (0.3) 0.2 (0.1) 2.5 (0.7) 5.5 (0.9) 2.7 (0.8) 

Theft (stolen) 0.0 (0.0) 0.1 (0.1) 0.2 (0.1) 0.5 (0.4) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious 

feeds, noxious 

weeds, etc.) 0.3 (0.1) 0.7 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 1.2 (0.5) 0.1 (0.1) 0.1 (0.0) 

Calving problems 12.7 (1.1) 12.9 (0.7) 8.9 (1.5) 16.2 (3.8) 14.6 (1.6) 11.2 (1.0) 

Mastitis 11.8 (1.1) 13.1 (0.9) 9.5 (1.4) 7.7 (1.5) 12.3 (1.7) 16.9 (1.3) 

Lameness/injury 11.6 (1.6) 12.9 (0.7) 9.1 (1.3) 6.2 (1.2) 10.8 (1.5) 8.2 (0.8) 

Other diseases 6.3 (1.0) 8.0 (0.9) 5.9 (1.0) 20.5 (10.3) 4.5 (1.1) 6.1 (1.4) 

Other 11.2 (1.8) 5.1 (0.5) 3.2 (0.6) 10.8 (2.7) 6.0 (1.1) 5.2 (1.9) 

Unknown 9.0 (2.0) 11.2 (1.2) 22.9 (3.6) 3.5 (0.8) 11.9 (2.2) 6.7 (0.9) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

38 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

On mixed operations, metabolic problems such as milk fever or grass tetany

accounted for 22.5 percent of losses in the Southwest region and 2.9 percent of

losses in the North Central region.

c. For mixed operations, percentage of cattle death losses by cause and by

region:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Region 

North 

Central Northeast Northwest 

South 

Central Southeast Southwest 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, 

parasites, enterotoxemia, acidosis, 

etc.) 8.0 (3.2) 9.9 (2.1) 9.3 (1.8) 9.9 (2.7) 8.6 (1.9) 3.9 (2.7) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 29.8 (10.0) 13.9 (3.1) 16.8 (3.5) 21.1 (4.9) 17.8 (4.1) 4.4 (3.1) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass 

tetany, etc.) 2.9 (1.1) 8.0 (1.9) 12.4 (4.2) 10.4 (3.6) 4.6 (1.3) 22.5 (3.7) 

Weather-related 

causes (chilling, 

drowning, lightning, 

etc.) 9.3 (3.1) 2.7 (0.9) 2.8 (0.9) 3.2 (1.7) 9.0 (2.8) 0.2 (0.2) 

Theft (stolen) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.2 (0.2) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious 

feeds, noxious 

weeds, etc.) 0.4 (0.4) 0.9 (0.6) 0.4 (0.4) 2.4 (1.7) 0.7 (0.6) 0.1 (0.0) 

Calving problems 9.2 (3.1) 13.5 (3.0) 11.3 (3.0) 24.4 (9.1) 22.0 (3.4) 4.7 (3.1) 

Mastitis 4.4 (1.2) 8.5 (2.0) 7.9 (2.9) 8.5 (4.1) 7.6 (1.5) 35.3 (9.1) 

Lameness/injury 8.2 (2.3) 13.1 (3.7) 11.2 (3.7) 4.5 (1.5) 7.9 (1.9) 3.3 (2.8) 

Other diseases 9.4 (5.3) 4.0 (1.2) 4.2 (1.8) 3.4 (1.4) 2.6 (0.8) 2.8 (2.1) 

Other 10.4 (3.9) 6.2 (1.6) 7.0 (2.3) 7.6 (2.7) 7.6 (2.2) 15.7 (4.9) 

Unknown 8.0 (3.3) 19.3 (9.9) 16.7 (5.9) 4.6 (1.4) 11.6 (2.0) 6.9 (5.5) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 39

Across all regions, respiratory problems accounted for the highest percentage of

nonpredator losses on “other” operations, ranging from 34.7 percent in the

Southwest region to 62.3 percent in the North Central region.

d. For other operations, percentage of cattle death losses by cause and by

region:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Region 

North 

Central Northeast Northwest 

South 

Central Southeast Southwest 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, 

parasites, enterotoxemia, acidosis, etc.) 13.9 (1.4) 13.7 (2.4) 10.3 (1.7) 23.9 (5.2) 1.9 (0.8) 17.3 (2.3) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 62.3 (2.4) 58.6 (4.3) 45.5 (4.6) 56.3 (5.0) 53.2 (12.4) 34.7 (2.1) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass 

tetany, etc.) 0.6 (0.3) 2.0 (0.8) 0.1 (0.1) 0.4 (0.2) 4.2 (3.3) 0.1 (0.1) 

Weather-related 

causes (chilling, 

drowning, lightning, 

etc.) 11.3 (2.2) 2.6 (0.8) 1.5 (0.4) 6.1 (2.9) 3.7 (2.2) 0.5 (0.2) 

Theft (stolen) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.1 (0.1) 0.6 (0.4) 3.6 (3.4) 0.0 (0.0) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious 

feeds, noxious weeds, 

etc.) 0.4 (0.3) 1.0 (1.0) 0.9 (0.4) 0.2 (0.2) 4.8 (4.8) 0.0 (0.0) 

Calving problems 0.4 (0.2) 0.8 (0.4) 0.9 (0.5) 1.9 (1.1) 10.0 (8.1) 0.1 (0.1) 

Mastitis 0.1 (0.0) 0.5 (0.3) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 

Lameness/injury 3.2 (0.5) 4.0 (0.7) 6.6 (2.6) 2.9 (1.8) 0.7 (0.3) 6.4 (1.9) 

Other diseases 1.9 (0.5) 6.1 (4.5) 5.5 (1.5) 1.2 (0.5) 0.1 (0.1) 15.3 (2.7) 

Other 1.4 (0.4) 3.7 (1.4) 7.1 (3.9) 2.7 (0.8) 6.7 (2.5) 0.7 (0.3) 

Unknown 4.5 (0.9) 7.0 (1.7) 21.5 (3.7) 3.8 (1.3) 11.1 (7.3) 24.9 (2.9) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

40 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

C. Nonpredator Calf

Death Loss

1. Losses as a percentage of calf crop—2005

Overall, 5.8 percent of the calf crop was lost to nonpredator causes. Losses were

highest in the Northeast and Southwest regions (7.9 and 7.5 percent of calf crop,

respectively).

a. Percentage of calf crop (born during 2005) lost,* by region:

Percent Calf Crop* 

Region Percent Standard Error 

North Central 5.8 (0.1) 

Northeast 7.9 (0.4) 

Northwest 4.6 (0.1) 

South Central 5.1 (0.2) 

Southeast 4.3 (0.1) 

Southwest 7.5 (1.1) 

All operations 5.8 (0.1) 

*Calf deaths in 2005 / 2005 calf crop x 100. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 41

012345678

North

Central

Northeast

Northwest

South

Central

Southeast

Southwest

All

Operations

Region

Percent

5.8

7.9

4.6

5.1

4.3

7.5

5.8

Percentage of 2005 Calf Crop lost, by Region
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

42 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

On beef operations, 4.5 percent of the calf crop was lost to nonpredator causes in

2005. The lowest percentage of losses (3.0 percent) occurred on operations with

500 or more cows.

b. For beef operations, percentage of calf crop (born during 2005) lost* by region

and by size of operation:

Percent Calf Crop 

Size of Operation (Number of Cows)

 1-49 50-99 100-499 500 or More 

All 

Operations 

Region Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

North Central 7.3 (0.6) 5.7 (0.3) 4.0 (0.1) 3.2 (0.2) 4.7 (0.1) 

Northeast 6.4 (0.3) 5.5 (0.4) 4.6 (0.3) 3.0 (0.2) 5.7 (0.2) 

Northwest 6.2 (0.8) 4.5 (0.4) 3.5 (0.1) 3.6 (0.2) 3.9 (0.1) 

South Central 5.4 (0.3) 4.5 (0.2) 4.6 (0.3) 2.8 (0.4) 4.6 (0.1) 

Southeast 4.4 (0.2) 4.0 (0.2) 3.3 (0.2) 2.1 (0.1) 3.8 (0.1) 

Southwest 8.1 (1.3) 5.1 (0.6) 3.9 (0.3) 2.9 (0.3) 4.3 (0.2) 

All Operations 5.7 (0.2) 4.8 (0.1) 4.1 (0.1) 3.0 (0.1) 4.5 (0.1) 

*Calf deaths in 2005 / 2005 calf crop x 100. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 43

Overall, 7.1 percent of the calf crop on dairy operations was lost to nonpredator

causes in 2005. The percentage of calf crop lost varied across regions, ranging

from 4.5 percent in the Southwest region to 10.5 percent in the North Central

region.

c. For dairy operations, percentage of calf crop (born during 2005) lost* by region

and by size of operation:

Percent Calf Crop 

Size of Operation (Number of Cows)

 1-29 30-49 50-99 100-199 200-499 

500 or 

More 

All 

Operations 

Region Pct. 

Std. 

Err. Pct. 

Std. 

Err. Pct. 

Std. 

Err. Pct. 

Std. 

Err. Pct. 

Std. 

Err. Pct. 

Std. 

Err. Pct. 

Std. 

Err. 

North Central 10.1 (2.8) 11.1 (1.5) 11.8 (0.8) 12.0 (1.1) 8.9 (0.8) 7.7 (1.4) 10.5 (0.5) 

Northeast 12.1 (2.4) 7.7 (0.5) 9.2 (0.4) 8.6 (0.5) 6.7 (0.4) 4.7 (0.3) 7.7 (0.2) 

Northwest 5.9 (2.8) 11.4 (1.4) 8.8 (0.9) 8.1 (0.7) 6.5 (0.5) 5.5 (0.3) 5.9 (0.3) 

South Central 3.0 (1.5) 8.3 (1.8) 10.9 (2.0) 9.8 (1.0) 9.6 (1.1) 7.6 (0.7) 8.4 (0.6) 

Southeast ** 12.3 (2.3) 9.5 (1.1) 11.5 (2.6) 8.9 (0.7) 6.8 (0.5) 8.5 (0.7) 

Southwest ** ** 11.0 (1.2) 8.6 (1.2) 6.1 (0.5) 4.3 (0.3) 4.5 (0.3) 

All Operations 9.5 (1.5) 8.3 (0.5) 9.6 (0.4) 9.4 (0.4) 7.1 (0.3) 5.0 (0.2) 7.1 (0.1) 

*Calf deaths in 2005 / 2005 calf crop x 100. 

**Too few operations to report. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

44 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

Overall, 8.7 percent of the calf crop on mixed operations was lost to nonpredator

causes.

d. For mixed operations, percentage of calf crop (born during 2005) lost* by region

and by size of operation:

Percent Calf Crop

 Size of Operation (Number of Cows)

1-99 100-499 500 or More 

All 

Operations 

Region Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

North Central 14.7 (3.1) 8.8 (1.2) 8.7 (1.8) 10.6 (1.3) 

Northeast 12.4 (3.3) 9.0 (1.1) 7.0 (1.3) 10.0 (1.4) 

Northwest ** 7.2 (1.8) 4.9 (0.5) 6.1 (0.9) 

South Central 8.7 (2.8) 7.9 (1.0) 6.8 (1.9) 7.6 (1.0) 

Southeast 10.1 (3.5) 7.3 (0.8) 5.6 (0.6) 6.9 (0.6) 

Southwest ** 8.0 (1.7) 8.0 (2.7) 8.0 (2.1) 

All Operations 12.2 (2.0) 8.3 (0.5) 7.1 (1.3) 8.7 (0.6) 

*Calf deaths in 2005 / 2005 calf crop x 100. 

**Too few operations to report. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 45

Note: Very few calves were born on “other” operations. Therefore,

inventory of calves weighing less than 500 lb was used in place of calf

crop.

Overall, 11.6 percent of calf inventory was lost to nonpredator causes on “other”

operations. On operations with fewer than 100 head, 25.1 percent of inventory was

lost, compared to 3.9 percent of inventory on operations with 500-999 head.

Regionally, losses ranged from 8.1 percent of calf inventory in the South Central

region to 17.2 percent of inventory in the North Central region.

e. For other operations, percentage of calf inventory lost* by region and by size

of operation:

Percent Inventory

Size of Operation (Number of Cattle and Calves)

 1-99 100-499 500-999 

1,000 or 

More 

All 

Operations 

Region Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

North Central 26.3 (6.2) 8.2 (2.4) 10.5 (3.6) 24.2 (14.9) 17.2 (3.2) 

Northeast 34.9 (15.7) 8.4 (1.4) 3.5 (0.8) 1.9 (1.5) 9.1 (4.1) 

Northwest 29.2 (11.0) 13.9 (4.4) 5.0 (3.3) 13.5 (2.1) 14.5 (2.0) 

South Central 14.8 (4.1) 11.7 (4.5) 3.1 (1.0) 7.3 (1.6) 8.1 (1.3) 

Southeast 14.8 (5.7) 7.8 (3.8) 2.1 (0.7) 8.9 (3.3) 10.6 (2.4) 

Southwest 26.3 (13.4) 16.7 (8.0) 3.3 (1.7) 16.0 (4.1) 16.1 (3.8) 

All Operations 25.1 (6.3) 9.6 (1.4) 3.9 (0.7) 10.6 (3.1) 11.6 (2.0) 

*2005 death loss divided by end-of-year (January 1, 2006) inventory of calves 500 lbs or less X100. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

46 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

2. Cause of loss—1991, 1995, 2000, and 2005

The highest percentages of nonpredator calf losses in 2005 were due to

respiratory problems (31.8 percent) and digestive problems (21.2 percent).

a. Percentage of calf death losses, by cause and by year:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Nonpredator Cause 1991 1995 2000 2005 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, parasites, 

enterotoxemia, acidosis, 

etc.) 26.0 25.2 19.8 21.2 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 35.2 29.6 30.0 31.8 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass tetany, 

etc.) N/A N/A 0.8 0.8 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 6.2 10.7 10.6 7.6 

Theft (stolen) 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.5 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious feeds, 

noxious weeds, etc.) 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.7 

Calving problems 13.2 15.1 16.7 17.7 

Lameness/injury* N/A N/A N/A 1.9 

Other diseases N/A N/A 3.2 3.5 

Other causes** 18.0 18.4 3.2 2.8 

Unknown causes** N/A N/A 14.8 11.5 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

*

Lameness/injury included with other causes in 1991, 1995, and 2000. 

**Other causes and unknown causes combined in 1991 and 1995.
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 47

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

21.2

31.8

0.8

7.6

0.5

0.7

17.7

1.9

3.5

2.8

11.5

Digestive

problems

Respiratory

problems

Metabolic

problems

Weatherrelated causes

Theft

Poisoning

Calving

problems

Lameness/

injury*

Other

diseases

Other

causes**

Unknown

causes**

Percent

Nonpredator

cause

Percentage of 2005 Calf Death Losses, by Cause

*Lameness/injury included with other causes in 1991, 1995, and 2000.

**Other causes and unknown causes combined in 1991 and 1995.
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

48 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

On beef operations in 2005, the two most common causes of calf losses were

respiratory problems and calving problems (27.7 and 24.2 percent of losses,

respectively).

b. For beef operations, percentage of calf death losses by cause and by year:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Nonpredator Cause 19911 19951 2000 

Std. 

Error 2005 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, parasites, 

enterotoxemia, acidosis, 

etc.) 19.2 17.4 13.8 (0.5) 13.0 (0.5) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 25.6 23.5 23.2 (0.7) 27.7 (0.8) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass tetany, 

etc.) N/A N/A 0.7 (0.1) 0.6 (0.1) 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 10.8 14.7 13.5 (0.5) 10.2 (0.5) 

Theft (stolen) 1.0 0.4 0.6 (0.1) 0.7 (0.2) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, 

noxious feeds, noxious 

weeds, etc.) 1.2 0.8 0.7 (0.1) 0.9 (0.1) 

Calving problems 20.4 20.4 23.5 (0.6) 24.2 (0.7) 

Lameness/injury* N/A N/A N/A (--) 1.7 (0.2) 

Other diseases** N/A N/A 2.1 (0.3) 3.5 (0.3) 

Other causes** 21.8 22.8 3.5 (0.3) 3.5 (0.3) 

Unknown causes** N/A N/A 18.4 (0.6) 14.0 (0.5) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

1

Standard errors not available for 1991 and 1995. 

*Lameness/injury included in “other causes” in 1991, 1995, and 2000. 

** “Other diseases” and “unknown causes” included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 49

On dairy operations in 2005, digestive and respiratory problems were the most

common causes of calf loss (35.8 and 33.2 percent of losses, respectively).

c. For dairy operations, percentage of calf death losses by cause and by year:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Nonpredator 

Cause 19911

 19951 2000 

Std. 

Error 2005 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, 

parasites, 

enterotoxemia, 

acidosis, etc.) 36.6 40.5 35.4 (1.4) 35.8 (1.0) 

Respiratory 

problems 

(pneumonia, 

shipping fever, etc.) 33.0 35.3 30.7 (1.3) 33.2 (0.9) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass 

tetany, etc.) N/A N/A 1.1 (0.1) 1.5 (0.4) 

Weather-related 

causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 2.5 3.9 6.8 (3.2) 2.2 (0.2) 

Theft (stolen) 0.2 0.1 0.1 (0.0) 0.1 (0.0) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, 

noxious feeds, 

noxious weeds, 

etc.) 0.5 0.2 0.2 (0.0) 0.3 (0.2) 

Calving problems 10.6 8.3 9.8 (0.6) 10.4 (0.6) 

Lameness/injury* N/A N/A N/A (--) 1.5 (0.2) 

Other diseases** N/A N/A 2.5 (0.3) 4.4 (0.7) 

Other causes** 16.6 11.7 3.1 (0.9) 2.0 (0.7) 

Unknown causes** N/A N/A 10.3 (0.6) 8.6 (0.6) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

1

Standard errors not available for 1991 and 1995. 

*Lameness/injury included in “other causes” in 1991, 1995, and 2000. 

** “Other diseases” and “unknown causes” included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

50 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

On mixed operations in 2005, digestive and respiratory problems were the most

common causes of calf loss (28.9 and 30.0 percent of losses, respectively).

d. For mixed operations, percentage of calf death losses by cause and by year:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Nonpredator 

Cause 19911

 19951 2000 

Std. 

Error 2005 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, 

parasites, 

enterotoxemia, 

acidosis, etc.) 37.5 41.3 31.0 (2.1) 28.9 (4.6) 

Respiratory 

problems 

(pneumonia, 

shipping fever, etc.) 34.9 41.5 34.1 (2.0) 30.0 (3.9) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass 

tetany, etc.) N/A N/A 1.5 (0.7) 1.2 (0.7) 

Weather-related 

causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 4.1 3.1 6.8 (0.9) 7.1 (4.6) 

Theft (stolen) 0.4 0.0 0.0 (0.0) 0.1 (0.1) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, 

noxious feeds, 

noxious weeds, 

etc.) 0.2 0.0 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 

Calving problems 11.3 5.3 10.7 (1.4) 11.8 (1.9) 

Lameness/injury* N/A N/A N/A (--) 3.1 (1.8) 

Other diseases** N/A N/A 1.3 (0.5) 3.4 (1.1) 

Other causes** N/A N/A 1.8 (0.6) 2.3 (0.9) 

Unknown causes** 11.6 8.8 12.8 (2.4) 12.1 (3.4) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

1

Standard errors not available for 1991 and 1995. 

*Lameness/injury included in “other causes” in 1991, 1995, and 2000. 

** “Other diseases” and “unknown causes” included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 51

On “other” operations, digestive and respiratory problems accounted for the

highest percentage of calf losses (32.5 and 47.1 percent of losses, respectively).

The percentage of calf losses due to respiratory causes was higher on other

operations than on beef, dairy, or mixed operations.

e. For other operations, percentage of calf death losses by cause and by year:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Nonpredator 

Cause 19911

 19951 2000 

Std. 

Error 2005 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, 

parasites, 

enterotoxemia, 

acidosis, etc.) 16.0 27.7 15.1 (3.3) 32.5 (5.4) 

Respiratory 

problems 

(pneumonia, 

shipping fever, etc.) 65.9 61.7 56.5 (9.2) 47.1 (3.0) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass 

tetany, etc.) N/A N/A 0.3 (0.2) 0.8 (0.4) 

Weather-related 

causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 3.1 2.5 5.6 (2.3) 4.5 (1.3) 

Theft (stolen) 0.5 <0.01 0.0 (0.0) 0.2 (0.1) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, 

noxious feeds, 

noxious weeds, 

etc.) 0.4 <0.01 0.3 (0.2) 0.8 (0.5) 

Calving problems 0.7 1.8 1.7 (0.5) 1.8 (0.4) 

Lameness/injury* N/A N/A N/A (--) 3.4 (1.5) 

Other diseases** N/A N/A 9.9 (5.3) 2.3 (0.7) 

Other causes** 13.4 6.3 2.5 (1.2) 1.0 (0.4) 

Unknown causes** N/A N/A 8.1 (2.9) 5.6 (1.3) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

1

Standard errors not available for 1991 and 1995. 

*Lameness/injury included in “other causes” in 1991, 1995, and 2000. 

** “Other diseases” and “unknown causes” included in “other causes” in 1991 and 1995. 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

52 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

0

20

40

60

Respiratory problems

Digestive problems

Percent

Cause

All Beef Dairy Mixed Other

Operation Type

21.2

31.8

13.0

27.7

35.8

33.2

28.9 30.0

32.5

47.1

Percentage of 2005 Calf Death Losses, by Cause
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 53

3. Cause of loss by size of operation—2005

Calving problems accounted for 31.4 percent of losses on beef operations with 1 to

49 cows and 19.5 percent of losses on operations with 500 or more cows.

a. For beef operations, percentage of calf death losses by cause and by size of

operation:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Size of Operation (Number of Cows) 

1-49 50-99 100-499 500 or More 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, parasites, 

enterotoxemia, acidosis, 

etc.) 11.2 (0.9) 14.7 (1.1) 13.1 (0.8) 16.0 (1.8) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 19.7 (1.2) 26.8 (1.4) 35.5 (1.6) 30.6 (1.8) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass tetany, 

etc.) 0.8 (0.2) 0.5 (0.2) 0.4 (0.1) 0.5 (0.2) 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 8.7 (0.7) 10.8 (1.2) 11.0 (0.8) 10.8 (1.4) 

Theft (stolen) 0.8 (0.3) 0.7 (0.3) 0.3 (0.1) 2.2 (1.0) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious 

feeds, noxious weeds, 

etc.) 0.8 (0.2) 0.7 (0.2) 1.0 (0.2) 1.2 (0.3) 

Calving problems 31.4 (1.4) 20.6 (1.2) 20.4 (0.9) 19.5 (2.6) 

Lameness/injury 2.7 (0.4) 1.0 (0.3) 1.2 (0.2) 1.0 (0.2) 

Other diseases 3.5 (0.5) 5.1 (1.2) 2.7 (0.4) 3.6 (0.8) 

Other 5.1 (0.7) 3.8 (0.7) 2.1 (0.3) 2.1 (0.8) 

Unknown 15.3 (0.9) 15.3 (1.2) 12.3 (0.9) 12.5 (1.3) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

54 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

The percentage of calf losses due to respiratory problems was higher on

operations with 500 or more cows than on operations with 1-29 cows.

b. For dairy operations, percentage of calf death losses by cause and by size of

operation:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Size of Operation (Number of Cows) 

 1-29 30-49 50-99 100-199 200-499 500 or More 

Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive 

problems (bloat, 

scours, parasites, 

enterotoxemia, 

acidosis, etc.) 34.5 (8.1) 35.7 (3.5) 38.6 (2.1) 40.6 (3.0) 38.9 (2.0) 29.9 (1.5)

Respiratory 

problems 

(pneumonia, 

shipping fever, 

etc.) 20.2 (4.8) 31.9 (3.0) 31.7 (2.1) 33.1 (2.3) 35.1 (1.7) 35.3 (1.4)

Metabolic 

problems (milk 

fever, grass 

tetany, etc.) 0.8 (0.8) 0.0 (0.0) 1.9 (1.5) 0.6 (0.2) 0.9 (0.3) 2.6 (0.8)

Weather-related 

causes (chilling, 

drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 1.3 (0.6) 4.4 (1.4) 1.5 (0.5) 2.2 (0.5) 1.5 (0.3) 2.6 (0.4)

Theft (stolen) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.1 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.1 (0.1)

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious 

feeds, noxious 

weeds, etc.) 0.7 (0.7) 0.1 (0.1) 0.2 (0.1) 1.2 (1.1) 0.3 (0.3) 0.0 (0.0)

Calving problems 10.5 (3.2) 13.3 (2.2) 14.2 (1.7) 9.0 (1.2) 9.0 (1.2) 8.4 (0.8)

Lameness/injury 1.4 (0.7) 2.6 (0.8) 0.9 (0.2) 1.0 (0.2) 1.6 (0.4) 1.8 (0.3)

Other diseases 13.3(10.5) 2.6 (1.0) 3.0 (0.7) 6.3 (2.4) 4.5 (1.0) 3.6 (0.4)

Other 13.6(11.5) 1.1 (0.6) 1.4 (0.6) 0.7 (0.3) 0.5 (0.2) 2.6 (1.3)

Unknown 3.7 (1.9) 8.3 (1.7) 6.5 (0.9) 5.3 (0.9) 7.7 (1.5) 13.1 (1.5)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 55

Across all sizes of mixed operations, at least one-quarter of calf losses were due

to respiratory problems. Operations with 500 or more cows had a

disproportionately high percentage of weather-related losses.

c. For mixed operations, percentage of calf death losses by cause and by size of

operation:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Size of Operation (Number of Cows) 

1-99 100-499 500 or More 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems (bloat, 

scours, parasites, 

enterotoxemia, acidosis, etc.) 35.0 (10.4) 32.4 (3.6) 17.1 (6.6) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping fever, 

etc.) 30.7 (6.4) 32.3 (3.0) 25.4 (10.2) 

Metabolic problems (milk 

fever, grass tetany, etc.) 0.2 (0.2) 0.6 (0.2) 3.1 (2.7) 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, lightning, 

etc.) 1.4 (1.0) 2.2 (0.9) 20.9 (11.9) 

Theft (stolen) 0.1 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 0.4 (0.3) 

Poisoning (nitrate poisoning, 

noxious feeds, noxious 

weeds, etc.) 0.0 (0.0) 0.1 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 

Calving problems 10.1 (3.3) 11.3 (2.1) 14.4 (4.1) 

Lameness/injury 1.0 (0.5) 0.8 (0.4) 9.0 (4.5) 

Other diseases 3.7 (2.8) 4.1 (1.6) 1.8 (0.8) 

Other 1.9 (1.5) 3.4 (1.6) 0.7 (0.7) 

Unknown 15.9 (9.1) 12.8 (4.1) 7.2 (2.9) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

56 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

For other operations, the causes of calf loss were similar across operation sizes.

d. For other operations, percentage of calf death losses by cause and by size of

operation:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Size of Operation (Number of Cattle and Calves) 

 1-99 100-499 500-999 

1,000 or 

More 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, parasites, 

enterotoxemia, acidosis, 

etc.) 21.0 (3.9) 38.0 (5.7) 20.3 (4.4) 38.6 (8.8) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 46.6 (3.9) 53.4 (5.2) 58.4 (6.2) 44.5 (4.7) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass tetany, 

etc.) 1.2 (0.9) 2.1 (2.1) 0.8 (0.5) 0.1 (0.0) 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 6.7 (1.4) 1.2 (0.8) 2.0 (0.9) 4.5 (2.2) 

Theft (stolen) 0.1 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 2.8 (2.6) 0.0 (0.0) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious 

feeds, noxious weeds, 

etc.) 2.7 (1.3) 0.0 (0.0) 0.4 (0.4) 0.0 (0.0) 

Calving problems 5.1 (1.6) 0.3 (0.2) 0.4 (0.3) 0.4 (0.2) 

Lameness/injury 3.9 (1.9) 0.8 (0.5) 0.5 (0.3) 4.1 (2.7) 

Other diseases 2.9 (0.8) 0.4 (0.3) 7.8 (3.8) 2.2 (1.3) 

Other 1.8 (0.9) 1.0 (0.8) 0.0 (0.0) 0.6 (0.5) 

Unknown 8.0 (2.6) 2.8 (1.1) 6.6 (2.5) 5.0 (2.1) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 57

4. Cause of loss by region—2005

On beef operations, the percentage of calf losses due to unknown causes ranged

from 7.8 percent in the North Central region to 20.4 percent in the Southeast

region.

a. For beef operations, percentage of calf death losses by cause and by region:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Region 

North 

Central Northeast Northwest 

South 

Central Southeast Southwest 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems (bloat, 

scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, acidosis, etc.) 18.1 (1.2) 15.3 (1.3) 18.1 (1.7) 8.9 (0.8) 8.6 (0.9) 15.7 (2.1) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping fever, 

etc.) 29.0 (1.3) 22.5 (1.8) 25.8 (1.6) 33.0 (1.8) 19.6 (1.5) 23.8 (2.2) 

Metabolic problems (milk 

fever, grass tetany, etc.) 0.4 (0.2) 0.9 (0.2) 0.4 (0.1) 0.4 (0.1) 1.2 (0.4) 0.3 (0.1) 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, lightning, 

etc.) 12.4 (1.1) 10.8 (1.3) 13.8 (1.2) 7.3 (0.7) 11.2 (1.4) 10.4 (1.6) 

Theft (stolen) 0.1 (0.1) 0.8 (0.6) 0.7 (0.2) 0.7 (0.2) 0.6 (0.3) 2.9 (1.4) 

Poisoning (nitrate poisoning, 

noxious feeds, noxious 

weeds, etc.) 0.3 (0.1) 0.7 (0.3) 1.4 (0.3) 1.1 (0.2) 0.7 (0.3) 1.4 (0.4) 

Calving problems 24.0 (1.3) 22.8 (2.0) 22.2 (1.5) 24.4 (1.3) 27.6 (1.5) 24.3 (3.1) 

Lameness/injury 1.1 (0.2) 2.2 (0.5) 1.6 (0.4) 1.8 (0.3) 2.4 (0.5) 0.6 (0.2) 

Other diseases 3.3 (0.8) 3.3 (0.6) 2.8 (0.8) 3.8 (0.7) 3.4 (0.6) 4.4 (1.3) 

Other 3.5 (0.7) 2.7 (0.6) 2.7 (0.4) 3.8 (0.7) 4.3 (0.7) 2.7 (0.7) 

Unknown 7.8 (0.7) 18.0 (1.6) 10.5 (1.0) 14.8 (1.1) 20.4 (1.3) 13.5 (1.7) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

58 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

For dairy operations, digestive problems accounted for a higher percentage of calf

losses in the North Central region (40.7 percent) than in the South Central and

Southwest regions (27.2 and 26.8 percent, respectively).

b. For dairy operations, percentage of calf death losses by cause and by region:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Region 

North 

Central Northeast Northwest 

South 

Central Southeast Southwest 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems (bloat, 

scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, acidosis, etc.) 40.7 (2.7) 39.0 (1.4) 31.9 (2.4) 27.2 (2.9) 37.1 (8.2) 26.8 (2.1) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping fever, 

etc.) 30.0 (2.1) 32.9 (1.3) 32.3 (2.0) 41.4 (4.3) 25.4 (4.1) 36.5 (1.9) 

Metabolic problems (milk 

fever, grass tetany, etc.) 1.0 (0.5) 0.6 (0.2) 0.9 (0.3) 6.2 (4.7) 1.0 (0.2) 3.6 (1.5) 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, lightning, 

etc.) 3.5 (0.8) 1.4 (0.2) 0.7 (0.2) 1.7 (0.6) 4.5 (1.6) 3.8 (0.9) 

Theft (stolen) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.6 (0.3) 0.0 (0.0) 0.2 (0.1) 

Poisoning (nitrate poisoning, 

noxious feeds, noxious 

weeds, etc.) 0.0 (0.0) 0.7 (0.4) 0.1 (0.1) 0.3 (0.2) 0.1 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 

Calving problems 16.9 (1.9) 8.9 (0.9) 9.9 (1.4) 13.7 (2.2) 9.5 (1.7) 8.5 (1.3) 

Lameness/injury 1.0 (0.3) 1.8 (0.3) 1.1 (0.2) 0.8 (0.4) 1.5 (0.4) 1.4 (0.4) 

Other diseases 1.8 (0.7) 4.9 (1.0) 3.5 (0.7) 2.7 (0.8) 11.3 (7.3) 3.8 (0.7) 

Other 1.3 (0.4) 1.8 (1.0) 0.5 (0.1) 3.1 (1.9) 0.6 (0.4) 4.1 (2.7) 

Unknown 3.8 (0.9) 8.0 (0.8) 19.1 (3.5) 2.3 (0.6) 9.0 (1.9) 11.3 (1.6) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

USDA APHIS VS / 59

The percentage of losses due to calving problems ranged from 7.5 percent in the

Northeast region to 18.5 percent in the Southwest region. The Southwest region

had a disproportionately high percentage of weather-related losses.

c. For mixed operations, percentage of calf death losses by cause and by region:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Region 

North 

Central Northeast Northwest 

South 

Central Southeast Southwest 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems (bloat, 

scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, acidosis, etc.) 31.6 (6.2) 37.8 (8.9) 27.7 (4.5) 33.1 (6.7) 22.3 (3.6) 7.2 (4.6) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping fever, 

etc.) 43.9 (6.0) 23.2 (4.6) 37.9 (4.1) 38.3 (5.8) 33.1 (4.9) 13.0 (8.0) 

Metabolic problems (milk 

fever, grass tetany, etc.) 0.0 (0.0) 0.6 (0.3) 2.4 (1.2) 5.0 (4.1) 0.4 (0.3) 0.0 (0.0) 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, lightning, 

etc.) 1.0 (0.5) 1.0 (0.4) 2.2 (1.0) 3.5 (2.3) 7.3 (4.0) 32.5 (12.9) 

Theft (stolen) 0.0 (0.0) 0.1 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.1 (0.0) 0.6 (0.6) 

Poisoning (nitrate poisoning, 

noxious feeds, noxious 

weeds, etc.) 

0.1 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 

Calving problems 13.4 (4.0) 7.5 (2.5) 16.7 (4.1) 8.0 (2.6) 15.1 (3.5) 18.5 (4.1) 

Lameness/injury 0.5 (0.3) 1.7 (0.7) 0.0 (0.0) 1.7 (1.4) 0.0 (0.0) 13.1 (5.1) 

Other diseases 2.5 (1.6) 6.9 (3.1) 1.0 (0.4) 0.6 (0.3) 2.4 (0.9) 1.2 (1.0) 

Other 3.1 (2.5) 1.0 (0.6) 2.5 (1.1) 4.4 (2.8) 0.0 (0.0) 2.5 (2.7) 

Unknown 3.9 (1.5) 20.2 (8.5) 9.6 (4.0) 5.4 (1.9) 19.3 (4.5) 11.4 (9.5) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section II: Population Estimates, Nonpredator Losses

60 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss, 2005

On “other” operations in all regions, digestive and respiratory problems combined

accounted for at least 60 percent of calf losses.

d. For other operations, percentage of calf death losses by cause and by region:

Percent Nonpredator Loss 

Region 

North 

Central Northeast Northwest 

South 

Central Southeast Southwest 

Nonpredator Cause Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error Pct. 

Std. 

Error 

Digestive problems 

(bloat, scours, 

parasites, enterotoxemia, acidosis, etc.) 32.8 (8.2) 25.8 (4.8) 47.5 (9.9) 15.8 (5.6) 18.3 (4.6) 43.8 (10.5) 

Respiratory problems 

(pneumonia, shipping 

fever, etc.) 37.4 (6.8) 49.8 (3.3) 32.7 (7.1) 65.3 (5.7) 45.1 (7.3) 42.2 (5.2) 

Metabolic problems 

(milk fever, grass 

tetany, etc.) 0.0 (0.0) 2.4 (1.6) 0.0 (0.0) 0.8 (0.8) 0.2 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 

Weather-related causes 

(chilling, drowning, 

lightning, etc.) 16.0 (7.4) 3.7 (1.8) 6.1 (2.9) 1.9 (1.0) 9.9 (5.1) 2.3 (1.7) 

Theft (stolen) 1.1 (1.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.6 (0.5) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 

Poisoning (nitrate 

poisoning, noxious 

feeds, noxious weeds, 

etc.) 0.0 (0.0) 2.7 (1.5) 0.0 (0.0) 0.8 (0.7) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 

Calving problems 3.4 (1.3) 0.9 (0.4) 0.5 (0.3) 4.6 (1.7) 8.1 (3.1) 0.2 (0.2) 

Lameness/injury 1.0 (0.4) 4.3 (2.1) 1.1 (0.6) 0.1 (0.1) 1.4 (0.8) 5.4 (3.6) 

Other diseases 2.3 (1.4) 2.5 (0.7) 2.7 (1.0) 1.4 (0.7) 4.8 (2.9) 2.3 (1.7) 

Other 2.8 (2.3) 0.6 (0.3) 2.9 (2.4) 1.8 (1.2) 2.0 (2.0) 0.1 (0.1) 

Unknown 3.2 (1.3) 7.3 (2.6) 5.9 (2.0) 7.5 (3.1) 10.2 (3.2) 3.7 (2.4) 

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Section III: Methodology

USDA APHIS VS / 61

Section III: Methodology

A. Reliability of Cattle

and Calf Death Loss

Estimates

1. Survey procedures

A random sample of U.S. cattle producers was surveyed to provide data for these

estimates. Survey procedures ensured that all producers (except those in Alaska)

had an opportunity to participate in the survey, regardless of operation size. Large

operations were sampled more heavily than small operations. Data were collected

during the first half of January by mail, telephone, and face-to-face interviews from

about 77,000 producers in 1992, 50,000 in 1996, 50,000 in 2001, and 50,000 in

2006. Regardless of when producers responded, they were asked to report death

losses for cattle and calves for the 1991, 1995, 2000, and 2005 calendar years

and the January 1, 1992, 1996, 2001, and 2006 cattle and calf inventories by

class.

Based on the original data collected during January, NASS’s Cattle and Calves

Death Loss report was issued in May 1992, May 1996, and May 2006. NASS’s

Cattle Predator Loss report was published in May 2001. These reports contained

data for death loss by cause, including predator losses and losses from other

causes. These estimates were on State and regional levels. NASS’s Cattle report

was issued in February 1992, February 1996, January 2001, and January 2006

and contained January 1 inventory estimates.

Data in the reports mentioned above as well as additional summaries from the

original data provided estimates for this report. The original data were

resummarized to break the losses out by class and size group based on reported

inventory. The classes included beef cattle, dairy cattle, mixed, and “other” cattle

operations. These classes and size groups are further defined on p. 2 of this report

(Terms Used in This Report).

2. Estimating procedures

Estimates of total death loss and death loss by cause were prepared by the

Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Branch, NASS, and the National Animal Health

Monitoring System, APHIS. Total cattle and calf death losses from all causes

were published in NASS’s 1991, 1995, 2000, and 2005 Meat Animal Production,

Disposition, and Income reports, released in April 1992, 1996, 2001, and 2006.

Breakdowns by cause of loss and value of loss were published in the NASS Cattle

and Calves Death Loss reports issued in May 1992, 1996, and 2006. Only the

NASS Cattle Predator Loss report was issued in May 2001.

3. Reliability

Since all cattle producers are not included in the sample, survey estimates are

subject to sampling variability. Survey results also are subject to nonsampling

errors such as omissions; duplications; and mistakes in reporting, recording, and

processing data. The effects of these nonsampling errors cannot be measured

directly. They are minimized through rigid quality controls in the data collection

process and through a careful review of all reported data for consistency and

reasonableness.
 Appendix: U.S. Populations and Operations

62 / Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss

Appendix: U.S. Populations and Operations*

Number of Cattle and Calves on January 1, 2006, and Number of Operations in 2005

*Source: NASS Cattle 2007; NASS Farms, Land in Farms, and Livestock Operations, 2007

Region State 

Number cattle 

and calves 

(1,000 head) Number Operations 

North Central Iowa 3,800 31,000 

 Minnesota 2,350 26,000 

 Nebraska 6,500 24,000 

 North Dakota 1,720 11,700 

 South Dakota 3,750 17,000 

 Total 18,120 109,700 

Northeast Connecticut 52 1,100 

 Delaware 23 420 

 Illinois 1,330 19,800 

 Indiana 900 19,000 

 Kentucky 2,380 45,000 

 Maine 92 1,700 

 Maryland 230 4,000 

 Massachusetts 47 1,100 

 Michigan 1,030 14,400 

 New Hampshire 39 850 

 New Jersey 42 1,500 

 New York 1,400 14,700 

 Ohio 1,280 27,000 

 Pennsylvania 1,590 28,000 

 Rhode Island 5 220 

 Vermont 275 2,500 

 Virginia 1,660 25,000 

 West Virginia 410 12,500 

 Wisconsin 3,400 36,000 

 Total 16,185 254,790 

Northwest Idaho 2,110 10,400 

 Montana 2,400 12,600 

 Oregon 1,420 15,300 

 Washington 1,100 13,000 

 Wyoming 1,430 5,800 

 Total 8,460 57,100 

South Central Arkansas 1,710 30,000 

 Kansas 6,650 32,000 

 Missouri 4,500 64,000 

 Oklahoma 5,450 56,000 

 Texas 14,100 150,000 

 Total 32,410 332,000 

Southeast Alabama 1,280 25,000 

 Florida 1,680 18,800 

 Georgia 1,180 21,000 

 Louisiana 820 14,500 

 Mississippi 990 21,000 

 North Carolina 860 21,000 

 South Carolina 410 10,000 

 Tennessee 2,240 48,000 

 Total 9,460 179,300 

Southwest Arizona 940 2,600 

 California 5,450 17,000 

 Colorado 2,650 12,900 

 Hawaii 161 800 

 Nevada 500 1,600 

 New Mexico 1,550 7,600 

 Utah 800 7,000 

 Total 12,1051 49,500 

Total 

(49 States) 

 96,686 982,390 

 

Total U.S. 

(50 States) 

 96,701.5 982,510