New insights on ill-thriftiness in early-weaned buffalo calves

Abstract

Aim:The present study was designed to: (1) Investigate the effect of weaning time on various metabolic indices and growth pattern in buffalo calves compared to cow calves under field condition and (2) Shed light on the potential relationship between early weaning, growth metabolites, and suboptimal growth (ill-thrift) in buffalo calves.Materials and Methods:A total number of 18 neonatal calves of both sexes and species (cattle and buffalo) were included in the study. Animals were divided into three groups according to their age at weaning as following: Cow calves (n=8) weaned at 4.5 months, buffalo calves (n=6) weaned at 3.5 months (early-weaned), and buffalo calves (n=4) weaned at 5.5 months (late-weaned). Morphological traits, growth metabolites, and hormonal profile were measured at monthly interval over the period of the study and around the time of weaning (2 weeks pre- and post-weaning).Results:The obtained results showed that the trend of growth pattern was significantly increased in a linear pattern in cow calves and late-weaned buffalo calves, whereas early-weaned buffalo calves showed sharp decline in their body weight (BW) post-weaning. By the end of the study, early-weaned buffalo calves showed the lowest BW gain (ill-thrift). There is a positive association between the morphological traits and various growth metabolites and hormonal indices. A significant decrease (p<0.05) in the concentrations of growth hormones (insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1] and insulin) and other metabolites were reported in early-weaned buffalo calves compared to other animals. There is no association between stress indices (cortisol level and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio) and growth rate.Conclusion:Suboptimal growth rate (ill-thriftiness) is common in early-weaned buffalo calves and is attributed to low blood levels of growth metabolites, in particularly, IGF-1. In addition, the strong positive associations between concentrations of IGF-1 and morphological characters of growth suggest that IGF-1 is a reliable indicator for assessing metabolic status of individual calves.

Effect of weaning age on growth measurements and sero-biochemical parameters in Murrah buffalo calves

“…The growth of calves in weaned groups might be affected due to difference in immunoglobulin level through passive transfer (Mastellone et al 2011, Bharti et al 2015c. However, in contrast to our findings, Aref et al (2016) reported no association between growth rate and stress in early weaned buffalo calves.…”

“…Kantharaja (2011) reported that the effect of system of rearing was significant (P<0.01) on most of the heart girths during 1-28 weeks. The suckling calves showed more increase in HG over their weaned counterparts (Aref et al 2016).…”

Effect of weaning on performance of dairy buffaloes in tropical conditions - A review

“…However, buffalo calves are more vulnerable to stress than cattle calves when separated from the mothers, as they are highly social animals with strong maternal instincts and developing a close bond with their mothers (Mustafa et al 2010). According to a study in buffaloes, cortisol levels showed a slight increase at weaning compared to cattle (Aref et al 2016). Contrary to these findings, weaning did not affect the health and immunity status of buffalo calves when negative emotional arousal caused by the interruption of mother-calf physical contact is avoided (Ahmad et al 2009, Bharti et al 2015c.…”

“…Autumn-born calves could be early weaned in early spring while their dams grazed in low quality forest pastures, which can be efficiently used by dry cows (Casasus et al 2005). Compared to cattle, buffalo calves struggle to achieve a successful weaning transition (Aref et al 2016), which could compromise their future performance (Fernandez et al 1977, Zicarelli et al 2007.…”

“…According to some reports, early weaning may be associated with higher vulnerability to illness, high mortality rates as well as sub-optimal growth rate in buffalo calves (Aref et al 2016). The late rumen development in buffaloes as compared to cattle may be due to reduced milk intake, postponed dental eruption and requirement of more care before being able to eat on their own (Vecchio et al 2013, Bharti et al 2015a.…”