Factors affecting the time to first suckling in dairy calves

Abstract

ABSTRACT The time from birth to first suckling was recorded for 161 dairy calves. Of these calves, 0·32 failed to suckle within the first 6h of life. The most important factor determining the time to first suckling was the udder conformation of the dam but delays were also attributable to abnormal maternal behaviour, especially in heifers, and poor calf vigour, especially after difficult calvings. Delayed suckling was more common as the parity of the dam increased. Heifers' calves that were sired by a Sussex bull stood up earlier and suckled earlier than those sired by a Friesian bull. Offspring of different Friesian sires differed in the time to first standing and suckling. Delayed suckling became more common as the calving season progressed. Calves born within a group of animals suckled no later than calves born in individual calving pens but 0·15 of those calves first suckled from a cow other than their dam.