EFFECT OF WEANING ON MILKING BEHAVIOUR, PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION OF INDIGENOUS THARPARKAR CATTLE

Abstract

The present study was conducted to see the effect of weaning on the performance of newly calved Tharparkar cattle reared at Cattle & Buffalo Farm (Livestock Production and Management Section), Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh (India). A total of 14 Tharparkar cows were selected as per their due date of calving and randomly divided into two equal groups i.e. Group S (Suckling) and Group W (Weaned). The animals in the weaning group (n=7) were isolated from their calves just after calving and animals in suckling (n=7) group were allowed to suckle twice daily. Various parameters were observed like milking temperament, milking behaviour traits i.e. let down time, milk flow rate, milking time; productive and reproductive performance. The temperament score of weaning system (2.45±0.18) was higher than sucking system (2.22±0.23). There was highly significant effect (P≤0.01) on milking behavioural traits as the daily yield per milking, milking time and milk flow rate were lower in weaned as compared to suckling whereas let down time of weaned was higher than suckled counterparts. The daily milk yield and total milk yield were higher for suckling group. The overall mean for days to express first heat after calving was more for suckling (69.40±22.03 days) as compared to weaned (42.86±10.29 days) whereas service period was 109.00 d v/s 82.33±11.84 d. Present findings provide baseline information on weaning system of rearing of Indigenous native breed of cattle. Weaning in indigenous cattle can be done but it should be practiced judiciously with giving due care to the welfare of animal and their calves.