Adaptation of calves in the transition from intensive to dual-purpose system during extreme drought

Resumen

Objective: Evaluate the adaptation of calves in the transition from intensive to dual-purpose system during extreme drought.

Design/methodology/approach: The study was carried out in Tamaulipas, Mexico with calves in transition from an Intensive Production System (IPS) in Ciudad Victoria to a Dual-Purpose System (DPS) located in Altamira. Two groups of Swiss×Gyr×Holstein cross calves were analyzed, control group (CG; n = 8) born in DPS, and the adapted group coming from IPS (GA; n =6), zoometric measurements were recorded: height at the withers, length of the animal, chest circumference, pelvis length, pelvis width, height at the rump, body condition and weight, the blood concentration of betahydroxybutyrates (BHB) and glucose were measured. An ANDEVA was carried out with a factorial design and a correlation analysis.

Results: There were differences between GA and GC (P < 0.01), as well as in the date factor (P < 0.01). Blood concentrations of BHB and glucose had no difference between groups (P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation (R = - 0.47; P < 0.05) between BHB and body condition.

Limitations on study/implications: Although the dual-purpose system is very versatile, in the study area only 33% of ranchers manage it, due to the accentuation of drought and climate change.

Findings/conclusions: The calves showed adequate development with good adaptation in the transition from SPI to SDP, although there was an effect of the factors, the calves responded favorably to management