Sumario: |
The backfat thickness (BFT) was used to forecast the onset of ovarian activity and predict
the calf growth. Eighty Brahman cows with their calves were allocated in two groups
of 40 distributed in 4 months according to the month of calving, starting in March and
finishing in June. One was synchronized and inseminated at fixed time following by natural
mating (TAI+NM); whilst the other only by natural mating (NM). The programs started
at 60 ± 5 days postpartum and ended 60 days later. From day 30 postpartum, serial
ultrasound examinations and progesterone samples were used to monitor the onset of
ovarian activity. The BFT in the rump area was measured by ultrasound from 30 days
postpartum and every 15 days thereafter. The weight of the calves was recorded at birth
and at weaning on 160 days. The adjusted effect of BFT on ovarian activity and the calves’
development was assessed by binomial logistic regression at 30, 60, 75, and 120 days
postpartum. The cycling cows averaged higher BFT irrespective of breeding program (P
< 0.001). Also, slower changes in BFT were recorded during the follow-up at each time
for all cows. However, the former had the higher BFT values from calving to the end of
the study (P < 0.001). At 60, 75, and 120 days, the BFT measured, at the preceding
time, was the only factor predicting the commencement of cyclicity (P < 0.001). The
accumulative pregnancy through time was higher in TAI+NM (P = 0.003). Daily weight
gain and weaning weight of the calves born in March was significantly heavier (P < 0.001)
than peers born in April, May, or June. The most critical element to forecast the onset
of ovarian activity is the monitoring of BFT around calving regardless of the breeding
program. BFT to estimate the development of the calves until weaning was unpredictable.
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