Does age at weaning influences behaviour of Murrah buffalo calves under semi-intensive management conditions?

P K BHARTI; TRIVENI DUTT; B H M PATEL; H O PANDEY; A K S TOMAR

doi:10.56093/ijans.v85i9.51749

Authors

P K BHARTI Scientist, Division of Livestock Production, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya
TRIVENI DUTT Principal Scientist, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh 243 122 India
B H M PATEL Senior Scientist, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh 243 122 India
H O PANDEY Scientist, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh 243 122 India
A K S TOMAR Principal Scientist, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh 243 122 India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v85i9.51749

Keywords:

Behaviour, Calves, Murrah buffalo, Suckling, Weaning

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to compare the behaviour of neonatal Murrah buffalo calves reared under weaning and suckling methods. Initially, 42 newly born calves were selected and they were equally but alternately assigned into 3 groups as suckling (Gr 1), weaning at birth (Gr 2) and weaning on 45^th day (Gr 3). The different behavioural parameters of calves were recorded for first 15 days of suckling/weaning during each milk-feeding hour. The average daily milk intake of calves was significantly lower in Gr 1than Gr 3 but higher than Gr 2. The time taken by calves for milk consumption was significantly higher in Gr 3 than Gr 1 or Gr 2. The learning time for selffeeding in Gr 2 was significantly higher than Gr 3 and Gr 1. The incidence of inter-suckling was significantly higher in Gr 3 than Gr 1 (11.49%) and Gr 2 (59.08%). The incidence of defecation and urination was non significantly higher in suckling than weaning groups. The total suckling score was significantly higher in Gr 3 than Gr 1 and Gr 2. Weaning in buffalo calves at birth yielded more success rate than weaning at 45^th day. This study highlights deeper understanding of weaned calf behaviour which can be useful for adopting weaning management practice in buffaloes to promote clean milk production and to get other established benefits of weaning similar to dairy cattle.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Babu L K, Pandey H N and Sahoo A. 2004. Effect of individual versus group rearing onethological and physiological responses of crossbred calves. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 87: 177–91. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2004.01.006

Church J C. 1997. ‘The effects of production practices on the behaviour of ruminant animals (Bos taurus, Bison bison, and Cervus elaphus).’ Ph.D. Thesis – University of Alberta.

Garnsworthy P C. 2005. Calf and Heifer Rearing: Principles of Rearing the Modern Dairy Heifer from Calf to Calving. 1st edn. Nottingham University Press, Nottingham, England.

Kantharaja K J. 2011. ‘Comparative study of weaned Murrah buffalo calves at cattle andbuffalo farm of IVRI.’ Thesis, M.V.Sc. Deemed University, Indian VeterinaryResearch Institute, Izatnagar, India.

Lay D C, Friend T H, Randel R D, Bowers C L, Grissom K K, Neuendorff D A and Jenkins O C. 1998. Effects of restricted nursing on physiological and behavioural reactions of Brahman calves to subsequent restraint and weaning. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 56: 109–19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(97)00103-2

Loberg J M, Hernandez C E, Thierfelder T, Jensen MB, Berg C and Lidfors L. 2008.Weaning and separation in two steps - a way to decrease stress in dairy calves suckled by foster cows. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 111: 222–34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2007.06.011

Mateous J R, Piranhas C, Lucia G and Augusto V S. 2006.Suckling behaviour of Nellore, Gir and Caracu calves and their crosses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 101: 276–87. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2006.02.006

Nema M K and Wolfgang L. 2001. The development of intersucking in dairy calves around weaning. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 72: 295–308. Sikka P, Sethi R K and Tomer A K S. 2002. Biochemical studies of suckling vs. Nonsuckulingbuffalo calves in relation to performance of dams. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 72(6): 492–95. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(00)00207-0

Snedecor G W and Cochran W G. 1994.Statistical Methods. 8th edn. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co., Kolkata.

Veissier I, Neindre P L and Trillat G. 1989. Adaptability of calves during weaning. Biology of Behaviour 14: 66–87.

Yadav R S, Yadav M S and Mehla O P. 1999. Effect of three rearing systems on growth performance of young buffalo calves. Indian Journal of Animal Production Management 15 (1): 26–28.