Maternal and Neonatal Behaviour in Italian Mediterranean Buffaloes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the neonatal and maternal behaviour of Italian Mediterranean buffaloes. Thirty primiparous buffaloes were moved into individual pens 12.5 (±2.5) days before calving. Maternal and neonatal behaviours were recorded for 48 h after calving and the analysis was performed in continuous sampling with the software BORIS. Calves’ clinical evaluations (temperature, weight, and heart and respiratory rates) were performed at different time intervals and correlated with behavioural data from the dam. Data were analysed with parametric and non-parametric methods after controlling their distribution. The maternal behavioural pattern found highlighted buffaloes’ priorities during the post-partum period: firstly, they stand and start grooming to ensure proper care for the calf; it is only after this that they dedicate time to maintenance behaviours (feeding and lying). The dams mainly groomed the calf during the first six hours after calving (average time in the 1–6-h interval: 7.7 ± 2.5 min., F = (2.5, 60.2) = 75.0; p < 0.001) to ensure the formation of the mother–infant bond; thereafter, the behaviour decreased over time. As reported in the literature, inexperienced mothers could sometimes delay the calf’s first suckling with aggressive or rejection behaviours. In this regard, 16 buffalo dams showed at least one maternal rejection behaviour, which was found to negatively correlate with calves’ daily weight gain (DWG) at 14 (rs = −0.5, p = 0.02) and 21 days (rs = −0.7, p < 0.001). The calves took on average 212.0 ± 110.0 min to suckle, and this behaviour was mainly shown during the first six hours. Overall, suckling behaviour was correlated with standing: (rs = 0.6, p < 0.001) and walking (rs = 0.9, p < 0.001). The calves’ live weight and DWG were consistently higher than the values reported in the literature. Our results present a detailed description of maternal and neonatal behaviour in the early post-partum period in Italian Mediterranean buffaloes. We also found that maternal rejection behaviours can negatively influence the calves’ growth. Finally, we think that such results can improve the management of buffaloes during the period around parturition.

Evaluation of Brix Refractometry to Estimate Immunoglobulin G Content in Buffalo Colostrum and Neonatal Calf Serum

“…All data were normally distributed. Mean time between birth and calves first suckle was 212 ± 110 min, as reported by Lanzoni et al (2020) [42]. The mean IgG content measured by ELISA in first-milking maternal colostrum was 64.9 ± 29.3 mg/mL with a range from 21.0 to 110.0 mg/mL.…”

Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Cow–Calf Bonding in Buffalo and Other Farm Animals

“…In general, the offspring stand and suckle shortly after birth [26]. Lanzoni et al [22] found that Italian Mediterranean buffalo calves took on average 212.0 ± 110.0 min to suckle, and this behavior was mainly shown during the first six hours. Furthermore, they also found that calves that took more time to stand also took more time to make the first suckling attempt, results that could be related to the calf's vitality.…”

“…Multiparous mothers spent more time licking their calves than primiparous, which suggests a higher degree of maternal care expressed by more experienced mothers [58]. In Italian Mediterranean buffalo the dams mainly groomed the calf during the first six hours after calving, to ensure the formation of the cow-calf bond; thereafter, the behavior decreased over time [22]. Both in cattle and buffalo, cows ingest the fetal membranes during this process of conditioning and cleaning of the offspring, whereas sheep and goats normally do not express this behavior [24,26].…”

“…However, in buffaloes, there have been reports of the existence of communal rearing, including allo-suckling [20,21], so that the role played by the mother could be at least partially replaced by other females. Due to the lack of studies relating imprinted bonding to the corresponding underlying neurological pathways [22], the objective of this review is to summarize and discuss current knowledge on the imprinting process, focusing on buffaloes, and identify welfare-related problems triggered during this sensitive period. In addition, environmental factors, and their effects on the development of the subsequent mother-young bond will be investigated, with a focus on buffaloes.…”

The Clinical Effect of Xylazine Premedication in Water Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis) Undergoing Castration under General Anaesthesia

“…Water buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis ) is a valuable species with excellent zootechnical characteristics for both milk and meat production [ 1 ]. As a result of the growing economic interest, buffalo farming moved from traditional extensive techniques to more intensive systems [ 2 , 3 ]. Such changes increased the expression of undesired behaviours, such as excessive aggressive interactions, negatively affecting buffalo behaviour, welfare and production efficiency [ 1 , 2 ].…”