Relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu-type cows (Bos indicus)
María Fernanda Enriquez, Libia Pérez-Torres, Agustín Orihuela, Ivette Rubio, Manuel Corro, Carlos Salvador Galina
Abstract
To determine a possible relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu cows, 30 cow-calf pairs were estrus synchronized at 25 days post-partum. No differences were observed in the number of cows displaying estrus or ovulating between those cows reacting to more calves with higher intensity, and the rest of the herd (P > 0.05). However, significant negative correlations were found between cows reacting to more calves and the presence of follicles (-0.39; P = 0.03), and cows displaying a more intense reaction toward their calf and estrous display (-0.46; P = 0.01). Current results suggest that protective maternal components might affect some reproductive variables.
Keywords
References
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Submitted date:
01/26/2021
Reviewed date:
02/26/2021
Accepted date:
02/27/2021
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