Abstract
Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the characteristics of the maternal-offspring behavior of Guzerat bovines (Bos indicus) and the influence of this behavior on herd losses. A total of 73 gestating cows (multiparous and primiparous) and their respective calves were evaluated for the following behavioral traits: contact period between cow and calf (CPCC), cow age at calving, teat conditions, calf vigor at birth, need for human assistance (HA), and calf mortality until weaning. The mean weight of calves at birth was 29.12 kg. Vigor at birth was observed in 61.64% of calves; however, 27.4% of the calves required human assistance. Calf vigor was influenced by the CPCC, and calves without vigor needed more time with their mothers. Calves with low weight at birth required HA, whereas calves from cows with intermediate-sized teats did not. The absence of vigor at birth increased the mortality rate. The traits age of cows and vigor of calves at birth influence both the need for human assistance to calves in their first hours of life and herd losses.
Highlights
The productivity of beef cattle is guaranteed by a rate of one calf per cow a year
Guzerat breed is a significant representative of Zebu cattle in Brazil, and it is characterized by hardiness, parasite resistance, responsiveness towards its offspring, and adaptability to tropical climates
The Guzerat herd has shown issues in maternal behavior after calving, and their temperament is a complication factor (Peixoto et al, 2016), which can result in a low-birth rate associated with a high-mortality rate among calves
Summary
The recognition between the calf and its mother, the nursing time, and the environmental temperature at parturition are factors that influence the calf’s first actions after birth (Lidfors & Jensen, 1988; Jensen, 2011). Guzerat breed is a significant representative of Zebu cattle in Brazil, and it is characterized by hardiness, parasite resistance, responsiveness towards its offspring, and adaptability to tropical climates. It is considered a dual-purpose breed, with the majority assigned to beef cattle, and the rest to the dairy industry (Fonseca et al, 2016). The Guzerat herd has shown issues in maternal behavior after calving, and their temperament is a complication factor (Peixoto et al, 2016), which can result in a low-birth rate associated with a high-mortality rate among calves
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
