Factors Affecting Calves Suckling Behaviour

Abstract

The aim of paper was to assess effects of environmental and physiological related factors on suckling behaviour patterns. The study was carried out on 120 Romanian Spotted calves. Two behavioural traits were considered: total daily required interval and required interval for each meal. Traits were studied according to: calves viability, calving season, and type of calving, calving ease and meal sequence. Significant differences were recorded for calves viability (viable vs. morbid, p≤0.001), type of calving (single vs. twinning, p≤0.001), and calving ease (eutocia vs. dystocia, p≤0.001), being a proof of welfare, conferred by adaptability to new environment. No significant effect was recorded for season of calving (summer vs. winter, p≥0.05). Significant differences concerning required suckling interval, were recorded between meals, both seasons, for viable (p≤0.001), morbid (p≤0.05), singles (p≤0.05) and calves born from eutocic births (p≤0.001). No significant differences (p≥0.05) recorded for twins and calves born from dystocia. Multifactorial regression model used reveals that main effects on studied traits had viability (p≤0.001), type of calving (p≤0.01) and calving ease (p≤0.05). It is reasonable to assume that the knowledge of suckling behaviour contributes to optimal management of calves. Knowledge of these factors helps to develop adequately systems to improve calves suckling response.

Keywords

• calves welfare
• influence factors
• suckling behaviour