The objective of the current study was to reduce the stress associated with weaning process for a mother and its weaned
calf by increasing the productive performance of the mother and reproductive performance (early return to estrous and
conception), increasing the growth rate and some body measurements of calves post-weaning, as well as improving
the immunological responses of both mother and calf. Egyptian buffaloes and their calves used in this study (n = 40)
were divided into two weaning system groups: 20 buffaloes in fence-line and 20 buffaloes in traditional weaning system.
Buffaloes and their calves were placed on opposite sides of strong fence. They had nose-to-nose contact; fence-line
visits gradually decreased after the first three days. Milk production and its components were measured. Blood samples
were taken for analyzing weekly after calving until 8th week. As a result, regression coefficients of the equation of Wood
lactation curve showed that weaning system had different (P < 0.001) a, b and c parameters. Buffaloes with fence-line
weaning had the highest (P < 0.001) milk production and milk component values during 8 months of lactation. Fence-line
weaning calves had superior (P < 0.001) performance than traditional weaning calves. Immunoglobulin content
(immunity) was increased in buffaloes and their calves weaned using the fence-line system. Calves' sex and dams parity
effects showed the normal expression. In conclusion, the fence-line system can provide to gain more milk yield, calf
growth performance and immunity, and therefore, we recommend this system for buffalo's producers. |
