Suckling Behaviour of Beef Calves during the First Five Days Postpartum

Observations of 17 heifer-calf pairs were collected over the first 5 days postpartum (p.p.) to study nursing and maternal behaviour beef cattle. Cattle managed in a 6 ha paddock heifer–calf interactions determined from both regular visual observations video recordings. Of potential calves, one was stillborn 3 died p.p. associated with dystocia congenital malformation. Four further neonatal calf mortality risks identified, which included poor calving site selection (n = 1), misadventure separation 3) mismothering 3), each resulting distress, physical exhaustion impaired nursing. There marked variation between heifers expression optimal behaviours, only 39% classified as ‘good’ mothers. Dam terminated bouts 27% shorter duration than bouts; 29% at least 50% time. Only 68% observed suckling considered effective. On average, lasted 7.0 min, sucking making up 54% total time, rate 2.0 sucks/s, calves performed 7.5 teat-switches, 2.4 butts 0.9 teat-strips per min In 67% interactions, sucked on all four teats. By three p.p., developed clear, consistent pattern. Prior this, had bouts, spent less time manipulating udder, paused more, switched teats butted less, slower rate. The some (i.e., low teat fidelity high levels milk stimulation behaviours) suggested that their dam availability low. This has quantified early post-partum highlighted behaviours may adversely affect intake and, therefore, impact survival.