Influence of normal and limited suckling on body weight performance and postpartum ovarian activity in swamp buffaloes

Y. Nordin and M. R. Jainudeen

Abstract 

The influence of normal and limited suckling on body weight, body condition score (BCS) and resumption of ovarian activity was investigated in 36 swamp buffaloes from day 31 to day 150 postpartum. The treatments were normal suckling (S), restricted suckling (RS) and early weaning (EW). S calves remained with dams throughout the experimental period while RS calves were allowed to suckle once daily in the morning for 20–25 min and separated from the dam after suckling. EW calves were weaned from the dams at 30 days old. The postpartum interval to first ovulation was significantly higher (p <0.05) in S (91 days) as compared with RS (67 days) or EW (43 days). Only 8.3% of the S animals resumed ovarian activity before day 60 postpartum as compared with 41.7% in RS and 91.7% in EW. Animals under EW and RS regained body weight and BCS beginning week 6 postpartum, whereas the S animals continued losing body weight and BCS until week 14 postpartum. It is concluded that normal suckling delays while restricted suckling and early weaning enhance the resumption of postpartum ovarian activity of swamp buffaloes. The study also indicates that suckling frequency affects postpartum body weight and body condition.

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