Effect of restricted suckling on pregnancy rates and calf performance in Brahman cows

Seventy-six Brahman cows and first-calf heifers were assigned to one of two groups: 1) normal suckling (34 cows) or 2) twice-daily suckling (45 minutes of suckling each time; 42 cows). Twice-daily suckling was carried out from 30 days postcalving until weaning (seven months). All animals were maintained under artificial insemination for a four-month breeding period. Mean pregnancy rate was 63.06 +/- 0.06% and was influenced by suckling group (P<0.01) and number of parturitions (P<0.05). The pregnancy rates were 33% higher in twice-daily suckled cows. Forty-four percent of the first calf heifers in the twice-daily suckling group became pregnant compared to 9% in the normal suckling group (P<0.01). Twice-daily suckling improved pregnancy rate without depressing preweaning calf performance.