The Effects of Weaning Age on the Growth, Milk and Milk Fat Characteristics of Brown Swiss Cattle

Authors: METE YANAR, RECEP AYDIN

Abstract: In this research, the effects of early weaning on the growth rate and milk production characteristics of Brown Swiss cattle in later years were investigated. The calves used in the study were weaned at 5, 7 and 9 weeks of age, and the weights obtained at 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months of age were not significantly affected by the age of weaning. The weight gains determined between 6 and 18 months of ages with 3-month intervals were also not significantly affected by the different ages of weaning. The various ages of weaning did not result in a significant adverse effect on the 305-day milk yield, the percentage of milk fat or the 305-day milk fat yield characteristics. The results of this study suggested that the early weaning of Brown Swiss female calves at 5 weeks of age would not have a detrimental effect on the subsequent growth, milk and milk fat yield traits.

Keywords: Cattle, Brown Swiss, Early Weaning, Growth, 305-day Milk Yield

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