Temperamento materno filial, desmame interrompido e produtividade em bovinos de corte

Abstract

This study aimed to observe the influence of the interrupted weaning, body condition and mother-young behaviour association in the fertility of postpartum beef cows, as to avaliate the mother-young behaviour in different postpartum periods, correlated with the daily weight gain. The research was conducted with 98 lactant cows of a comercial herd, comprising of Braford, Brangus, Hereford and Angus animals. It were realized weighing, body condition avaluations and temperament tests: moviment in the balance/containment measures, body position, lowing, kick, breath and tension during the balance management. The reactivity was measured by composite score, escape velocity, output time and swril location. To the temporary weaning, the calves of 49 cows were separated at 40 days age bu 72 hours. In the control group the calves were weaned at six months of age. The statistical analysis was made in SPSS 18 program, using Chi-square test and Student t test. The results of composite score showed that the reactivity decreased throughtout the experiment, having positive relationship with body condition, but didn't have influence in pregnancy rate. The temperament did not affect significantly the daily weight gain of cows and calves. Sintetic animals (indicus x taurus) showed more reactives than european (taurus x taurus). The increment of cows body condition increased the pregnancy frequency in animals with 4,5 score, as the employment of interrupted weaning. We concluded that the interrupted weaning may be a useful tool in beef cattle management, as a adeqauted nutrition during milking. Also, the temperament tests may be used to evaluate the reactivity, as selection tool, and in the planning of a damage reduction in critical moments of the management.