Twin-suckling beef cows using foster calves: effects on cow and
calf performance
W.H. McMillan, P.H. Evans, D.R.H. Hall, M. McLean
AgResearch Whatawhata, Private Bag 3089, Hamilton, New Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1993,
53: 203-205
Hereford x Friesian cows were used to compare the calf and cow
performance of 66 single-calved cows (Single Cows) rearing only their
own calf (Single Calf) and 45 contemporary single-calved cows (Foster
Cows) rearing their own calf (Own Calf) plus a foster calf (Foster
Calf). Fostering was succesful in 85% and 95% of attempts in 1990 and
1991, respectively. Mean weaning weight was lowest in the Foster Calf
group but comparable in the Own Claf and Single Calf groups (140 vs 194
vs 202 kg, P<o.oo1). Single Cow and Foster Cow groups were similar in
mean live weight immediately post-calving (413 vs 415 kg, NS) and at
weaning time (452 vs 437 kg, NS), and the mean interval to first oestrus
was about 7 weeks in both groups. Cow efficiency (ie calf weaned/kg cow
post calving liveweight) was approximately doubled in the Foster Cow
group. We conclude that twin-suckling dairy x beef breeding cows using a
foster calf appears to be a useful option for dramatically increasing
cow efficiency.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Foster calf; fostering; twin-suckling; beef cows; efficiency.
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
