Effects of multiple suckling by dairy heifers for short periods before and after calving on subsequent milk yields

Abstract

The effects of multiple suckling by dairy heifers for short periods both before and after calving on milk production were studied. Results from heifers sucked by three calves per heifer for 1, 2, 3 and 4weeks after calving were pooled and a regression equation derived. This predicts that for each additional week that heifers are sucked in early lactation (up to 4 weeks), the post-suckling milk yield will be increased by 4.3 ± 0.8% (mean ± standard error) compared with similar heifers machine milked from the commencement of lactation. The sucking of heifers before calving did not enhance post-partum milk yields. However, the sucking of heifers for short periods after calving by calves that are being reared as dairy replacements offers a practical means of both increasing milk production, and possibly reducing the labour input of rearing the calves.