Effect of suckling regime on calf growth, milk production and offtake of zebu cattle in Mali.

In order to assess the effect of suckling regime on calf growth and milk yield and offtake of zebu cattle in Mali, 59 zebu cow-calf pairs were allocated to suckling regimes: RI, cows were milked completely and the milk was bottle-fed ad libitum to their calves; RII, calves were suckled ad libitum by their dams prior to milking; RIII, cows were milked partially then allowed to suckle their calves; RIV, ad libitum suckling of calves prior to milking during the first three months of lactation and partial milking prior to suckling thereafter. The highest lactation milk yield (1150.6 kg) and offtake (647.6 kg), but the poorest calf growth (261 g/d to weaning) were observed in RIII. RIV significantly improved calf growth, 310 g/d, while allowing a milk offtake of 294.4 kg.