Abstract:
Separation of calves from mother cows (MC] is practicing 2-3 hours after birth affecting minimum welfare
of both mother and the new born calf. Aim of the present study was to determine the maternal-offspring
behavior at different parities to understand the separation response among the calves and MC.
Randomized complete block design was adopted. First four parities (Pt,Pz, P: and Pa) were considered as
treatments. Blocking was done against randomly selected 5 mothers and their calves come under each
parity (n=40J. Behaviors were recorded by direct visual scans at 3 stages; behavior of MC at parturition,
before separation (BS], after separation [AS) and behavior of calves BS and AS. Parity number [pNJ was
significantly [p<0.05J affected on MC behavior AS (Z4o/o) compared to onset of parturition [7%J and
BS(40lol. At parturition, only eating placenta was significantly [p<0.05) affected and the lowest [0.00t00/o)
and the highest [3.6t2o/o) showed by Pr and P4 respectively. Before separation, bellowing was the only
significant (p< 0.05J behavioral difference found among the MC and the highest (4.2o/o ! 4l at prand the
lowest (0.BtU at P+ indicating reduction of bellowing behavior with parity advancement. Calves showed
none of the behaviors affected, BS. However, AS body shaking, drinking, wagging tail and liking own body
were significantly (p<0.05J affected in calves produced at different parities. The separation induced stress
may affect for increasing the changes of behavior among both groups of animals. With parity
enhancement, certain behaviors that showed maternal-offspring bond have been reduced. In conclusion,
with increasing parity, certain behaviors that showed maternal-offspring bond have been reduced. It is
suggested further research are needed to find the exact timing for separation in various parities with
minimum welfare limitations.
