Does age at weaning influences behaviour of Murrah buffalo calves under semi-intensive management conditions?

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to compare the behaviour of neonatal Murrah buffalo calves reared under weaning and suckling methods. Initially, 42 newly born calves were selected and they were equally but alternately assigned into 3 groups as suckling (Gr 1), weaning at birth (Gr 2) and weaning on 45th day (Gr 3). The different behavioural parameters of calves were recorded for first 15 days of suckling/weaning during each milk-feeding hour. The average daily milk intake of calves was significantly lower in Gr 1than Gr 3 but higher than Gr 2. The time taken by calves for milk consumption was significantly higher in Gr 3 than Gr 1 or Gr 2. The learning time for selffeeding in Gr 2 was significantly higher than Gr 3 and Gr 1. The incidence of inter-suckling was significantly higher in Gr 3 than Gr 1 (11.49%) and Gr 2 (59.08%). The incidence of defecation and urination was non significantly higher in suckling than weaning groups. The total suckling score was significantly higher in Gr 3 than Gr 1 and Gr 2. Weaning in buffalo calves at birth yielded more success rate than weaning at 45th day. This study highlights deeper understanding of weaned calf behaviour which can be useful for adopting weaning management practice in buffaloes to promote clean milk production and to get other established benefits of weaning similar to dairy cattle.