Changes in suckling behaviour during lactation in llamas (Lama glama)

A. Klinkert; M. Gerken

Changes in suckling behaviour during lactation in llamas (Lama glama)

In: Fibre production in South American camelids and other fibre animals

Authors:

A. Klinkert

A. Klinkert Department of Animal Sciences, University of Göttingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Göttingen, German; arubel@gwdg

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M. Gerken

M. Gerken Department of Animal Sciences, University of Göttingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Göttingen, German; arubel@gwdg

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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 229–231

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.3920/9789086867271_031

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Suckling behaviour plays an important role in the normal growth of progeny in mammals. There are only a few data on suckling behaviour in South American camelids (SAC), and long-term suckling behaviour is not well documented. The objective of our study was to observe the development of suckling behaviour during lactation and determine diurnal rhythms. Five female llamas and their crías were held under stable conditions (light schedule from 06:00 to 22:00 h) and videotaped with their offspring over two 24 h periods in 4 testing weeks (week 3, 10, 18 and 26 post partum (p.p.)). Videos were analysed for total suckling time, duration of single suckling bouts and suckling frequency, defining suckling events as a contact between the foal’s mouth and the udder for more than 5 sec. Furthermore, the diurnal distribution of suckling events was examined. Results show a decreasing frequency of suckling events during lactation, reaching 57.4±35.8 (mean ±SD), 56.8±19.7, 31.1±13.6 and 24.7±8.0 events per 24 h at week 3, 10, 18 and 26 p.p., respectively. The average daily suckling time showed a similar development, decreasing from 78.6±37.6 min in week 3 p.p. to 69.6 ±18.2 min in week 10 p.p. and subsequently falling to 51.6±12.2 min in week 18 p.p. and 41.0±9.0 min in week 26 p.p. The suckling time and suckling frequency varied strongly between individuals, ranging from 42.9 to 78.3 min/day and 25 to 63 suckling events/day across all measurement dates. Mean suckling duration/h averaged 2.8±1.4 min during the day and 2.0±0.7 min during the night. Thus, 26.5% of all suckling was performed during the 8 night hours and 73.5% during the light period. The highest suckling activity was observed during the last light hour (21:00-22:00), reaching 4.22±4.07 min/h. Regarding the circadian rhythmic of suckling behaviour no differences could be observed during the lactation period.

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Fibre production in South American camelids and other fibre animals

E-Book ISBN:: 9789086867271

Publisher:: Wageningen Academic

Print Publication Date:: 30 Oct 2011

Subjects
- Life Sciences
  - General
  - Animal & Veterinary

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Changes in suckling behaviour during lactation in llamas (Lama glama)

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Fibre production in South American camelids and other fibre animals

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