Weaning age effects on some growth and development characteristics of Nelore calves at pasture

Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate some growth characteristics of Nelore calves, raised at pastures and weaned at two early ages (three, five and seven months). Male yearling weights were 146 (W3), 155 (E5) and 172 kg (W7), for weaning at the, five and 7 months, respectively. There was no difference between W3 and W5 or between W5 and W7. A high mortality was observed in the first group. Female weights at 12 and 24 months and at conception, and the age at first parturition were not affected (P < 0.05) by weaning age. The mean squares for these characteristics were 152 kg, 252 kg, 318 kg and 1,279 days, respectively. Based on the results it is concluded that weaning at five months may be practiced without interfering with calf growth, and development.