Reproduction in Domestic Animals

Mother–Offspring Interactions 215and suckle than the dairy ones. The reason for suchdifference is probably because of selection, as we expectthat dairy cows give milk without the offspring stimulation.In such conditions, most of the calves’ needs aresupplied by human beings, which result in the relaxationof the selection pressure, turning the survival of calvesless dependent on its own and mother behaviours.There are few studies estimating the genetic varianceof mother–offspring behaviour, probably due mainly tothe difficulties for data recording. Only three studiesaddressing this specific subject were found. Two of themwith lambs (Cloete et al. 1998, 2002), showed lowcoefficients of heritability (h 2 , direct and maternal) forthe latencies to stand up (h 2 = 0.10 ± 0.05 and0.09 ± 0.04, respectively) and to suckle after standingup (h 2 = 0.07 ± 0.04 and 0.19 ± 0.04, respectively),and one study with Nelore cattle (Schmidek 2003),which also showed low coefficients of heritability for thelatencies for calves to stand up, to suckle after stand upand to suckle (h 2 = 0.16 ± 0.17, 0.09 ± 0.16 and0.13 ± 0.18, respectively) and the percentages of timespent by cows in contact with the calves and disturbingthe calves (h 2 = 0.22 ± 0.14, 0.00 ± 0.12 and0.13 ± 0.18, respectively). These results are suggestive,indicating the existence of additive genetic variabilityfor, at least, three variables: the latencies to stand upand to suckle, (which could be used as an indicator ofcalf vigour) and the percentage of time that a cow was incontact with its calf (which is an indicator of maternalability).ConclusionsThe rate of calf survival is an important indicator ofreproductive efficiency in a cattle herd. As reported,there are many factors determining the risk of calfdeath, and the role of most of them is still not wellunderstood. It is necessary to keep on working to clarifythis subject and understand the relationship among cowand calf behaviour and their reproductive performance.The results presented in this paper bring some light onthe subject, and reinforce the idea that the appropriatedexpression of mother–offspring behaviour is essential toachieve a high level in the reproductive performance.Taking the results of the behavioural studies in account,one can adopt some practical handling procedures todecrease the risk of fail or delay in the first suckling. Thedefinition of the space availability in the birth paddock,for example, allows a cow to move away from the herdjust before birth, and this is important to establish anappropriated attachment between mother and offspring.Special attention should be given to the first calvingcows, including a special paddock for calving. Theyrequire better environment and more intensive assistanceto achieve good reproductive performance; doingthis, it is possible to decrease the risk of abandonedcalves and first suckling fail or delay.It is also recommended to organize periodic inspectionsin the calving paddock, ideally three times in theday (early morning, noon and late afternoon). Doingthis, it will be possible to assess the risk for cows andneonates, identifying situations that would result inproblems for both, and giving the opportunity to actpreventively, reducing deaths and optimizing the reproductiveefficiency of the herd.The results also indicate the possibility to improve thecalf survival through selective breeding, consideringbehavioural traits (percentage of time spent by a cow incontact with its offspring, and the latencies to stand upand to suckle) as indicators of maternal ability and calfvigour, respectively.In conclusion, there is some information availableabout the mother–offspring interactions that could beused to improve Zebu cattle reproductive performance.However, the picture is not complete; there are manyquestions without answers and problems to be solved.The field is still open for the development of futureresearch.AcknowledgementsFinancial support was provided by Fapesp (Fundação de Ampaso doEstado de Sa˜ o Paulo) and CNPq (Conselho Nacional de DesenvolvimentoCientifico e Technologico).ReferencesBroom DM, 1983: Cow-calf and sow-piglet behaviour inrelation to colostrum ingestion. 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