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The effects of plane of nutrition, live weight, temporary weaning and breed on the occurrence of oestrus in beef cows during the post-partum period

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

D. H. Holness ,
J. D. H. Hopley  and
D. H. Hale
D. H. Holness
Affiliation:
Henderson Research Station, Department of Research and Specialist Services, Private Bag 222 A, Salisbury, Rhodesia
J. D. H. Hopley
Affiliation:
Henderson Research Station, Department of Research and Specialist Services, Private Bag 222 A, Salisbury, Rhodesia
D. H. Hale
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Rhodesia, PO Box MP 167, Salisbury, Rhodesia
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Abstract

The occurrence of oestrus and ovarian function during the post-partum period was examined in 160 lactating beef cows of the Africander and Mashona breeds. Cows were fed either to gain 12 to 14% (High) or to lose 12 to 14% (Low) of their autumn peak live weight (early pregnancy) by mid-breeding season. Half the cows in each group were subjected to an increase (Low-High) or decrease (High-Low) in nutrient intake for a 25-day period starting at 25 days partum. Nursing was interrupted for an 8-day period in half of the cows at 50 days post partum by the application of nose plates to their calves.

Oestrus occurred significantly earlier in the high than the low plane cows (66 v. 75 days post partum respectively, P< 0·05), but short-term fluctuations in nutrient supply had no apparent effect on the incidence of oestrus. Temporary weaning significantly reduced the mean time from calving to first oestrus in the high-plane (P< 0·01) but not in the low-plane cows, and in Mashona (P<0·05) but not in Africander cows. There was a lower incidence of ‘silent’ oestrus and the mean occurrence of oestrus was significantly earlier (P< 0·001) in the Mashona when compared with the Africander cows.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 26 , Issue 1 , February 1978 , pp. 47 - 54
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1978

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References

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