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
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.