Resumen

PEREZ-HERNANDEZ, Ponciano et al. EFFECT OF DELAYED SUCKLING ON POSTPARTUM ACTIVITY OF COWS AND CALVES IN A DUAL PURPOSE SYSTEM. INCI [online]. 2006, vol.31, n.10, pp.748-752. ISSN 0378-1844.

The pourpose of this study was to estimate the effects of delayed suckling on daily weight gain (GDP) and milk intake (CL) of calves before weaning, as well as time from parturition to the next ovulation (IPPO), total follicle number (NTF), follicle diameter (DF), size (TF) and growth rate (TC) of the largest follicle, milk yield (PL) and change in live weight (CPC) of cows during 100 days after parturition. Thirty cow and calf pairs from a dual purpose system were distributed randomly to three suckling treatments: traditional (AT), restricted (LC) and delayed (AR). Cows in AT and AR were completely milked, while only three udders were milked in LC cows. After milking, calves in AT stayed with their mothers for 8h, while calves in LC and AR were allowed to nurse for 30min or 8h after milking, respectively, before being isolated. The GDP of calves was similar in AR and AT (p<0.05), but greater than that for LC (p<0.05). Milk intake was greater in AR than in LC (p<0.05). Similar proportions of cows ovulated within 100 days from parturition in groups LC and AR (P>0.05), but fewer did in group AT (P<0.05). The treatments did not affect cow responses (P>0.05) except for total PL. Cows in AR produced 3,2kg/day more milk than LC (P<0.05). Delaying suckling for 8h after milking and restricting nursing to 30min/day does not reduce postpartum anoestrus, but improves calf growth and increases total milk yield in cows.

Palabras clave : Amamantamiento ; Anestro Posparto ; Becerros -Vacas ; Sistemas de Doble Propósito .