Consequences of different suckling systems for reproductive activity and productivity of cattle in tropical conditions

Citation
Cs. Galina et al., Consequences of different suckling systems for reproductive activity and productivity of cattle in tropical conditions, APPL ANIM B, 72(3), 2001, pp. 255-262
Citations number
49
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences
Journal title
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
ISSN journal
01681591 → ACNP
Volume
72
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
255 - 262
Database
ISI
SICI code
0168-1591(20010502)72:3<255:CODSSF>2.0.ZU;2-1
Abstract
The late onset of ovarian activity in mature cattle raised under tropical c onditions is the major setback impeding a sound reproductive performance ne eded for the increasing demand of Livestock products in the area. The effec t of suckling has been circled as one of the most important factors impedin g ovarian activity. Farmers in this region have used the most diverse set o f management tools to overcome the suckling effect without compromising rep roduction, the health of the calf, growth until weaning, milk production an d a correct function of the mammary gland. Farmer interventions can be divided in: (1) early weaning (about 1 week of age); (2) weaning at 1, 3 or 5 months; (3) restricted suckling; (4) partial weaning. These systems can be affected by the breed of the animal, the loc ation of the enterprise, infrastructure in the farm, time of the year and s ystem of separation. The advantages and disadvantages of these systems are discussed in this review. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.