Weaning strategies to improve productivity and animal welfare in zebu (Bos indicus) and water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

Information on approaches to weaning zebu (Bos indicus) and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves is scarce in proportion to studies of breeds of B. taurus cattle, whether dairy or beef. Little research has been done to test or validate methods evolved in cattle-ranching to these other species. Hence, expanding our understanding of appropriate, speciesspecific methods of weaning could support the development of approaches or strategies that have the potential to improve animal welfare and productive performance in temperate or tropical climes. This review focuses on traditional and current weaning strategies in an attempt to improve productivity and animal welfare for water buffaloes and zebus. For the case of the water buffalo, it examines common, routine weaning techniques and procedures as well as novel approaches, while for the zebu it discusses abrupt versus gradual and early versus late weaning as strategies and routines usually employed during this process. Finally, it analyses how new weaning techniques may reduce stress while enhancing productivity at the same time. These approaches include fence-line weaning, nose-flaps (plastic devices that prevent the calf from grabbing a teat to suckle), restricted suckling and a section on practical tips to decrease the stress induced by weaning in zebus. A better understanding of certain weaning techniques could, therefore, benefit calf welfare while simultaneously increasing cows' reproductive performance. Unfortunately, data on such approaches is scant, so despite published findings, several key issues remain unsolved living room for additional studies.

Nose-Flap Devices Used for Two-Stage Weaning Produce Wounds in the Nostrils of Beef Calves: Case Report

“…Similarly, Taylor et al [ 2 ] reported that only one calf lost the device before removal. It is likely that these differences in the retention rate between studies are dependent on the breed, age of weaning, the number of days wearing the device, and the design of the nose-flap used [ 6 , 13 ].…”

“…Thus, as suggested by Tucker et al [ 12 ], there is a need for more research focusing on weaning methods aiming to reduce overall stress while improving the welfare of beef calves. Additionally, to the best of our knowledge, all studies carried out on two-stage weaning were conducted with British and Continental cattle breeds, lacking studies to evaluate or validate this weaning method in Bos indicus cattle [ 6 ].…”

“…However, despite the high occurrence of nasal wounds reported in different studies and the potential risk of calf health and welfare impoverishment, none of the authors recommended caution on the use of nose-flap devices and classification of their use in two-stage weaning as a low-stress method. Perhaps surprisingly, some authors did suggest that the nose-flap material, design, brand, and the number of days wearing the device need to be modified to minimize nasal injuries [ 3 , 6 , 13 ]. This is possibly questionable since distinct materials, design, and the number of days wearing anti-suckling devices resulted in the occurrence of nasal injuries across different studies for male and female calves of British and Continental breeds.…”

“…It has been well documented that the abrupt weaning (when cow-calf pairs are suddenly separated from each other) is a stressful process for beef cattle, leading to negative impacts on the health, welfare, and performance of both cows and calves [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Therefore, a number of studies have been carried out looking for alternative weaning strategies, such as the two-stage weaning method [ 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Suplementación estratégica con arbustivas forrajeras en el destete precoz de terneros BON x Cebú en Antioquia, Colombia

“…Los resultados indicarían que los terneros del destete precoz, no vieron retrasado su crecimiento con relación a los terneros en lactancia permanente (To). La edad promedio en que se destetaron (5,2 meses), está en el rango habitual de destete precoz usado en bovinos con componente racial cebuino, que es entre los 5,0 y 8,0 meses de edad, momento para el cual los terneros ya están habituados al pastoreo y a una dieta basada forrajes (Orihuela et al, 2020). La inclusión temprana de forraje durante el predestete, estimula el desarrollo de la capacidad y la función ruminal (Orihuela and Galina, 2019), ya que los terneros usados en el tratamiento experimental, desde el nacimiento estuvieron en condiciones de pastoreo, se pudo propiciar el consumo de forraje y en consecuencia dicho desarrollo ruminal.…”