Effect of restricted suckling on the onset of follicular dynamics and body condition score in Brahman cattle raised under tropical conditions

With the aim of evaluating the effect of restricted suckling on the onset of follicular dynamics and body condition, multiparous Bos indicus cows were distributed in two groups. One group (RS = 36) was subjected to a scheme of restricted suckling starting at 21 days postpartum. Calves were allowed to suckle once per day for a period of two h whilst the control group (C = 18) remained with their dams at all times. At calving, body condition score, back fat thickness and body weight had similar values (p > 0.05) for both groups. By day 85 postpartum both groups had recorded losses in body weight. The cows in the continuous group formed a greater (p < 0.05) number of follicles of class size <6 mm in both periods before and after synchronization. The proportion of cows showing estrus and ovulation before 45 days, was not different (p > 0.05). The number of cows that exhibited estrus after 45 days, was greater (p < 0.05) in RS than C group, 72.2% and 55.5%, respectively. Same situation (p < 0.05) occurred in cows that ovulated, 88.8 and 66.7%, for groups RS and C, respectively. The subset in the intensive observations showed that the size of the bigger follicle was larger (p < 0.05) for RS cows than C cows from 36 h after CIDR withdrawal. At 57 h, the size of the biggest follicle recorded was not different between groups (p > 0.05). A regime of restricted suckling favors the earlier growth of follicles and the prompt restoration of ovarian activity.