Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of umbilical lesions in calves within livestock enterprises and to assess the economic losses they incur. The analysis is based on clinical data from 815 umbilical lesion cases recorded over a 17-year period, supplemented by findings from a Delphi survey conducted with expert veterinarians. The results indicated that umbilical lesions predominantly occur in March and April, and 53 of affected calves are younger than one month old. It was observed that 72.8 of umbilical lesions occurred in Simmental calves. Additionally, umbilical urachus fistula was more commonly diagnosed in females, while omphalitis was more prevalent in males. The incidence rate of umbilical lesions was calculated at 38.6, with a surgical success rate of 73.9. Postoperative complications were observed in 28.9 of cases, and 53.8 of the calves were culled due to growth retardation or further complications. The estimated cost of surgical intervention and postoperative treatment for umbilical lesions was determined to be 101.3 per calf. However, this cost increased to 245.6 in cases complicated by postoperative complications and developmental delays. Despite the fact that umbilical lesions can be largely prevented through simple postnatal hygiene measures, their incidence remains high, leading to substantial economic losses in Turkiye. © (2025), (Scienceline Publication). All rights reserved.