Maternal-calf relationships and their influence on calves up to 120 days

Abstract

Objectives. To research parental behavior and measure the weight of Nelore and Guzerat calves up to 120 days of age, collecting data from birth up to the first lactation. Materials and methods. Seven different corporal positions were considered to obtain specific data for each of the following categories: time to stand (TP), time to intend to feed after standing (TPTM), weight at birth (PN), weight at 120 days (P120), and time in contact with the calf (TCC). Additionally, independent variables were also evaluated, organized by class: weight at birth (CPN), number of calvings (CNP), order of calving in relation with the herd (CLPR), time of calving (CHP), and finally, hindering to feed (CTAT).Results. There was a significant result in favor of the Nelore race over the Guzerat race. The statistical averages for Nelore and Guzerat were: Time to stand averaged 71 and 153 minutes; time to intend to feed after standing, 39 minutes for Nelore and of 114 minutes for Guzerat. For variable weight at 120 days, Nelore reached an average of 122 kg, and Guzerat 109 kg. For the time in contact with the calf variable there was no significant variance between races. Conclusions. Results showed the superiority of the Nelore race, considering it better adapted to local environmental conditions.

Maternal Behavior in Beef Cattle: The Physiology, Assessment and Future Directions—A Review

“…Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative traits that are easily measured and could be used as indicators of maternal behavior. Studies performed in beef and sheep cattle which aim to predict or record maternal behavior typically include a mix of mostly observational qualitative studies—which involve either scoring systems or subjective assessments [ 2 , 13 , 25 , 39 , 47 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 82 ], and a few quantitative measurement studies involving beef cows typically under extensive settings using remote monitoring devices [ 21 , 38 , 40 , 43 , 44 ]. Table 1 (page 6) provides a summary of some of the studies in which maternal behaviour specifically has been recorded.…”