Effect of weaning strategy on performance, behaviour and blood parameters of yak calves (Poephagus grunniens)
Peipei Liu A B , Shujie Liu C , Allan Degen D , Qiang Qiu A , Quanmin Dong C , Xiaoping Jing A , Jiaojiao Zhang A , Qi Yan A , Wenming Zheng E and Luming Ding A F
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 73000, China.
B Key Laboratory of Alpine Ecology and Biodiversity, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
C National Key Laboratory of Cultivating Base of Plateau Grazing Animal Nutrition and Ecology of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Academy of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Xining 810016, China.
D Desert Animal Adaptations and Husbandry, Wyler Department of Dryland Agriculture, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel.
E Haibei Demonstration Zone of Plateau Modern Ecological Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Haibei 812200, China.
F Corresponding author. Email: dinglm@lzu.edu.cn
The Rangeland Journal 40(3) 263-270 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ17112
Submitted: 7 November 2018 Accepted: 9 April 2018 Published: 15 May 2018
Abstract
Early weaning can improve the body condition and reproductive performance of cows, but can be very stressful to both the calf and cow. The objectives of this study were to examine and compare the performance, behaviour and blood parameters of yak calves that were weaned using different methods. Twenty-six calves (94.3 ± 2.4 days old) were assigned to four weaning treatments: (1) weaned naturally following ad libitum sucking (NW, n = 13); (2) weaned abruptly and separated permanently from their mothers (AW, n = 5); (3) separated temporarily from their mothers for 15 days and then reunited (TW, n = 5); and (4) fitted with nose plates to prevent sucking for 15 days but allowed free access to their mothers (NP, n = 3). Girth size, as a measure of calf performance, was largest in NW and AW calves, intermediate in NP calves and smallest in TW calves. This indicated that the AW calves were able to consume adequate energy to compensate for the absence of milk. The weaned calves (TW and NP) spent more time grazing and, in general, played less than NW calves. In addition, TW calves stood more but walked less, whereas NP calves lay more but grazed and stood less than NW calves. Blood insulin was lower on Day 19 in the TW calves than in the other three treatments. We concluded that abrupt and permanent weaning was an appropriate strategy for yak calves on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau.
Additional keywords: early weaning, grazing management, Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, stress response.
References
Alvez, P., Quintans, G., Hötzel, M., and Ungerfeld, R. (2016). Two-step weaning in beef calves: permanence of nose flaps for 7 or 21 days does not influence the behaviour response. Animal Production Science 56, 866–870.| Two-step weaning in beef calves: permanence of nose flaps for 7 or 21 days does not influence the behaviour response.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bittar, C. M. M., Nápoles, G. G. O., Oltramari, C. E., Silva, J. T., De Paula, M. R., Santos, F. H. R., Gallo, M. P. C., and Mourão, G. B. (2017). Crude glycerin as a replacement for corn in starter feed: performance and metabolism of pre-weaned dairy calves. Animal Production Science 57, 649–655.
| Crude glycerin as a replacement for corn in starter feed: performance and metabolism of pre-weaned dairy calves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Blome, R., Drackley, J., McKeith, F., Hutjens, M., and McCoy, G. (2003). Growth, nutrient utilization, and body composition of dairy calves fed milk replacers containing different amounts of protein. Journal of Animal Science 81, 1641–1655.
| Growth, nutrient utilization, and body composition of dairy calves fed milk replacers containing different amounts of protein.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ciccioli, N. H., Wettemann, R. P., Spicer, L. J., Lents, C. A., White, F. J., and Keisler, D. H. (2003). Influence of body condition at calving and postpartum nutrition on endocrine function and reproductive performance of primiparous beef cows. Journal of Animal Science 81, 3107–3120.
| Influence of body condition at calving and postpartum nutrition on endocrine function and reproductive performance of primiparous beef cows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
de Castro, T., Lbarra, D., Rodriguez, M., Valdez, L., Benquet, N., and Rubianes, E. (2011). Resumption of postpartum ovarian cyclicity after different suckling manipulation treatments in primiparous beef cows. Animal Production Science 51, 111–114.
| Resumption of postpartum ovarian cyclicity after different suckling manipulation treatments in primiparous beef cows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Degen, A. A., Kam, M., Panday, S. B., Upreti, C. R., Panday, S., and Regmi, P. (2007). Transhumant pastoralism in yak production in the Lower Mustang district of Nepal. Nomadic Peoples 11, 57–85.
| Transhumant pastoralism in yak production in the Lower Mustang district of Nepal.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ding, L. M., Wang, Y. P., Kreuzer, M., Guo, X. S., Mi, J. D., Gou, Y. J., Shang, Z. H., Zhang, Y., Zhou, J. W., Wang, H. C., and Long, R. J. (2013). Seasonal variations in the fatty acid profile of milk from yaks grazing on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. The Journal of Dairy Research 80, 410–417.
| Seasonal variations in the fatty acid profile of milk from yaks grazing on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ding, L. M., Chen, J. Q., Long, R. J., Gibb, M. J., Wang, J., Sang, C., Mi, J. D., Zhou, J. W., Liu, P. P., Shang, Z. H., Guo, X. S., Qiu, Q., and Marquardt, S. (2015). Blood hormonal and metabolite levels in grazing yak steers undergoing compensatory growth. Animal Feed Science and Technology 209, 30–39.
| Blood hormonal and metabolite levels in grazing yak steers undergoing compensatory growth.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Enríquez, D. H., Ungerfeld, R., Quintans, G., Guidoni, A. L., and Hötzel, M. J. (2010). The effects of alternative weaning methods on behaviour in beef calves. Livestock Science 128, 20–27.
| The effects of alternative weaning methods on behaviour in beef calves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Enríquez, D. H., Hötzel, M. J., and Ungerfeld, R. (2011). Minimising the stress of weaning of beef calves: a review. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 53, 28–35.
| Minimising the stress of weaning of beef calves: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hammond, A. C. (1992). Use of blood urea nitrogen concentration to guide protein supplementation in cattle. In: ‘3rd Annual Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium’. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. pp. 9–18.
Hammond, A. C. (1997). Update on BUN and MUN as a guide for protein supplementation in cattle. In: ‘Proceedings Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium’. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. pp. 43–52.
Hess, B. W., Lake, S. L., Scholljegerdes, E. J., and Moss, G. E. (2005). Nutritional controls of beef cow reproduction. Journal of Animal Science 83, E90–E106.
| Nutritional controls of beef cow reproduction.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hötzel, M. J. G., Quintans, G., and Ungerfeld, R. (2012). Behaviour response to two-step weaning is diminished in beef calves previously submitted to temporary weaning with nose flaps. Livestock Science 149, 88–95.
| Behaviour response to two-step weaning is diminished in beef calves previously submitted to temporary weaning with nose flaps.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Krachun, C., Rushen, J., and Passillé, J. R. (2010). Play behaviour in dairy calves is reduced by weaning and by a low energy intake. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 122, 71–76.
| Play behaviour in dairy calves is reduced by weaning and by a low energy intake.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Loberg, J. M., Hernandez, C. E., Thierfelder, T., Jensen, M. B., 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, 222–234.
| Weaning and separation in two steps – A way to decrease stress in dairy calves suckled by foster cows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lynch, E. M., Earley, B., McGee, M., and Doyle, S. (2010). Characterisation of physiological and immunological responses in beef cows to abrupt weaning and subsequent housing. BMC Veterinary Research 6, 37–44.
| Characterisation of physiological and immunological responses in beef cows to abrupt weaning and subsequent housing.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Montiel, F., and Ahuja, C. (2005). Body condition and suckling as factors influencing the duration of postpartum anestrus in cattle: a review. Animal Reproduction Science 85, 1–26.
| Body condition and suckling as factors influencing the duration of postpartum anestrus in cattle: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Newberry, R. C., and Swanson, J. C. (2008). Implications of breaking mother-young social bonds. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 110, 3–23.
| Implications of breaking mother-young social bonds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Penning, P. D., and Gibb, M. J. (1979). The effect of milk intake on the intake of cut and grazed herbage by lambs. Animal Production 29, 53–67.
| The effect of milk intake on the intake of cut and grazed herbage by lambs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Price, E. O., Harris, J. E., Borgward, R. E., Sween, M. L., and Connor, J. M. (2003). Fenceline contact of beef calves with their dams at weaning reduces the negative effects of separation on behaviour and growth rate. Journal of Animal Science 81, 116–121.
| Fenceline contact of beef calves with their dams at weaning reduces the negative effects of separation on behaviour and growth rate.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Quintans, G., Vázquez, A. I., and Weigel, K. A. (2009). Effect of suckling restriction with nose plates and premature weaning on postpartum anestrous interval in primiparous cows under range conditions. Animal Reproduction Science 116, 10–18.
| Effect of suckling restriction with nose plates and premature weaning on postpartum anestrous interval in primiparous cows under range conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Quintans, G., Banchero, G., Carriquiry, M., López-Mazz, C., and Baldi, F. (2010). Effect of body condition and suckling restriction with and without presence of the calf on cow and calf performance. Animal Production Science 50, 931–938.
| Effect of body condition and suckling restriction with and without presence of the calf on cow and calf performance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Radunz, A., Fluharty, F., Day, M., Zerby, H., and Loerch, S. (2010). Prepartum dietary energy source fed to beef cows: I. Effects on pre-and postpartum cow performance. Journal of Animal Science 88, 2717–2728.
| Prepartum dietary energy source fed to beef cows: I. Effects on pre-and postpartum cow performance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Sartori, R., Gimenes, L. U., Monteiro, P. L. J., Melo, L. F., Baruselli, P. S., and Basto, M. R. (2016). Metabolic and endocrine differences between Bos taurus and Bos indicus females that impact the interaction of nutrition with reproduction. Theriogenology 86, 32–40.
| Metabolic and endocrine differences between Bos taurus and Bos indicus females that impact the interaction of nutrition with reproduction.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Sejian, V., Maurya, V. P., and Naqvi, S. M. K. (2010). Adaptive capability as indicated by endocrine and biochemical responses of Malpura ewes subjected to combined stresses (thermal and nutritional) in a semi-arid tropical environment. International Journal of Biometeorology 54, 653–661.
| Adaptive capability as indicated by endocrine and biochemical responses of Malpura ewes subjected to combined stresses (thermal and nutritional) in a semi-arid tropical environment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Solano, J., Orihuela, A., Galina, C. S., and Aguirre, V. (2007). A note on behavioural responses to brief cow-calf separation and reunion in cattle (Bos indicus). Journal of Veterinary Behavior 2, 10–14.
| A note on behavioural responses to brief cow-calf separation and reunion in cattle (Bos indicus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Stevenson, J., Knoppel, E., Minton, J., Salfen, B., and Garverick, H. (1994). Estrus, ovulation, luteinizing hormone, and suckling-induced hormones in mastectomized cows with and without unrestricted presence of the calf. Journal of Animal Science 72, 690–699.
| Estrus, ovulation, luteinizing hormone, and suckling-induced hormones in mastectomized cows with and without unrestricted presence of the calf.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Vizcarra, J., Wettemann, R., Spitzer, J., and Morrison, D. (1998). Body condition at parturition and postpartum weight gain influence luteal activity and concentrations of glucose, insulin, and nonesterified fatty acids in plasma of primiparous beef cows. Journal of Animal Science 76, 927–936.
| Body condition at parturition and postpartum weight gain influence luteal activity and concentrations of glucose, insulin, and nonesterified fatty acids in plasma of primiparous beef cows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Zi, X. D. (2003). Reproduction in female yaks (Bos grunniens) and opportunities for improvement. Theriogenology 59, 1303–1312.
| Reproduction in female yaks (Bos grunniens) and opportunities for improvement.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
