O desmame em bovinos de corte

Abstract

The beef cattle industry is an activity of great commercial importance to Brazil, the largest herd in the world. However, the predominant creation systems are characterized by low production indices. The process of creating is the most striking component of the complete cycle of cattle. However, it has very low production rates in Brazilian herds, so the number of calves weaned in relation to the number of mated bellies is still very low. Ideally one calf weaned / cow / year, but this does not always occur due to the high mortality rate, and especially the low birthrate. The weaning period is the separation of the calf and cow, and relevant to the producer because the heavier the calves are weaned, the faster the rate of termination. Depending on the intensity or frequency of breastfeeding stress on the cow may be greater, occurring drop in body condition and delay in the first postpartum estrus. To ease the stress of the cow due to breastfeeding without harming the development of calf, weaning is carried us create systems traditionally at 7-8 months of age, usually between the months from March to May, depending on the producer and production system. At this age, the animal is already considered by ingesting solid ruminant fodder, and besides, from the third month of lactation, the share of milk in the diet of the calf is small. The weaning is traumatic for the calf by the separation of mother and dietary changes, weight loss and stress can happen, and are more susceptible to these diseases due to weakened immune system. Some methods of weaning are presented in this work. The application of the method more suited to each case weaning can improve the reproductive performance of the breeding herd, without affecting the development of the calf, since taking some precautions.