Cow and calf-level factors associated with nursing behaviours in beef cattle during the 24-hours following an assisted calving

Abstract

Nursing behaviour is essential following parturition to ensure transfer of passive immunity and the development of a strong cow-calf bond. One factor that could modify nursing behaviour is dystocia; however, little work has documented this effect. The objective of this study was to: 1) characterize nursing be­haviour in beef cattle for 24 hr following an assisted calving, 2) identify cow- and calf-level factors associated with nursing behaviours, and 3) determine the effects of cow and calf behav­iours on the transfer of passive immunity.