Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Optimum use of milk in traditionally managed cattle herds in the tropics

  • Reviews
  • Published:
Tropical Animal Health and Production Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In traditional cattle systems in the tropics, the milk produced is generally shared between the calf and the cattle keeper. This literature review evaluates the socio-economic aspects related to milk production and milk use in traditional cattle systems and identifies the best strategies of milk allocation in order to improve food security and maximise income. The available literature indicates that milk, in terms of economic, social and subsistence value, is more valuable than meat. Thus, under the conditions that characterise traditional cattle systems in the tropics, it is appropriate to have a higher milk offtake at the expense of calf growth. This review also found that certain management practices, such as restricted suckling, can be useful to minimise mortality of calves, while improving milk offtake for human consumption.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Agyemang, K., Dwinger, R. H., Grieve, A. S. and Little, D. A., 1991. Studies on the effects of milking on calf growth and viability and on cow reproductive performance in traditionally managed N’Dama herds. Animal Production, 53, 11–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Agyemang, K., Jeannin, P., Grieve, A. S., Bah, M. L. and Dwinger, R. H., 1988. Milk extraction for human consumption from N’Dama cattle under village management conditions in The Gambia, Nairobi, English Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barasa, M., Catley, A., Machuchu, D., Laqua, H., Puot, E., Kot, D. T. and Ikiror, D., 2008. Foot-and-mouth disease vaccination in South Sudan: benefit–cost analysis and livelihoods impact. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 55, 339–351.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bartl, K., Mayer, A. C., Gómez, C. A., Muñoz, E., Hess, H. D. and Holmann, F., 2009. Economic evaluation of current and alternative dual-purpose cattle systems for smallholder farms in the central Peruvian highlands. Agricultural Systems, 101, 152–161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bazzi, H. and Alipanah, M., 2011. The effects of some environmental factors affecting on the weaning weight of Sistani beef calves. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10, 1480–1483.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boden, R. F. and Leaver, J. D. 1994. A dual purpose cattle system combining milk and beef production. Animal Production, 58, 463–464.

    Google Scholar 

  • Browning, R., Robert, B. S., Lewis, A. W., Neuendorff, D. A. and Randel, R. D., 1994. Effects of postpartum nutrition and once-daily suckling on reproductive efficiency and preweaning calf performance in fall-calving Brahman (Bos indicus) cows. Journal of Animal Science, 72, 984–989.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cázares, C. P., Galinado, R. L. and Corro, M. M., 1993. Evaluación de dos sistemas de crianza de becerros con ganado de doble propósito en el Estado de Veracruz. Reunión Nacional de Investigación Pecuaria. Guadalajara, Jalisco.

  • Combellas, J. and Tesorero, M., 2003. Cow–calf relationship during milking and its effect on milk yield and calf live weight gain. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 15, 12–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coppock, D. L. and Sovani, S., 1999. Is supplementation justified to compensate pastoral calves for milk restriction?. Journal of Range Management, 52, 208–217.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cossins, N. J. and Upton, M., 1988a. The impact of climatic variation on the Borana pastoral system. Agricultural Systems, 27, 117–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cossins, N. J. and Upton, M., 1988b. Options for improvement of the Borana pastoral system. Agricultural Systems, 27, 251–278.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coulibaly, M. and Nialibouly, O., 1998. Effect of suckling regime on calf growth, milk production and offtake of zebu cattle in Mali. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 30, 179–189.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Das, S. M., Redbo, I. and Wiktorsson, H., 2000. Effect of age of calf on suckling behaviour and other behavioural activities of Zebu and crossbred calves during restricted suckling periods. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 67, 47–57.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Das, S. M., Redbo, I. and Wiktorsson, H., 2001. Behaviour of Zebu and crossbred cows in restricted suckling groups. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 72, 263–270.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Das, S. M., Wiktorsson, H. and Forsberg, M., 1999. Effects of calf management and level of feed supplementation on milk yield and calf growth of Zebu and crossbreed cattle in the semi-arid tropics. Livestock Production Science, 59, 67–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Day, M. L., Imakawa, K., Clutter, A. C., Wolfe, P. L., Zalesky, D. D., Nielsen, M. K. and Kinder, J. E., 1987. Suckling behavior of calves with dams varying in milk production. Journal of Animal Science, 65, 1207–1212.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • De Las Heras-Torres, J. G., Osorio-Arce, M. M., Segura-Correa, J. C., Aranda-Ibáñez, E. and Aguilar Cabrales, J. A., 2008. Factores que afectan las constantes de la curva de crecimiento de becerros en un sistema de doble propósito en el trópico. Revista Científica (Maracaibo), 18, 393–397.

    Google Scholar 

  • Escobedo-Amezcua, F., Nuncio-Ochoa, M. G. J., Herrera-Camacho, J., Gomez-Ramos, B., Segura-Correa, J. C. and Gallegos Sanchez, J., 2010. Effect of restricted suckling on body weight, body condition score and onset of postpartum ovarian activity in F1 cows under tropical conditions. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 9, 79–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • FAO, 2001. Pastoralism in the new millennium. Animal Production and Health Paper No. 150. Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO, 2006. The future of small scale dairying. Livestock Report 2006. Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO, 2007. The State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO, 2009. The state of food and agriculture. Livestock in the balance. Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO, 2011a. Rearing young ruminants on milk replacers and starter feeds. FAO Animal Production and Health Manual No. 13. Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO, 2011b. World Livestock 2011- Livestock in food security. Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fröberg, S., 2008. Effects of restricted and free suckling- in cattle used in milk production systems. Department of Animal Nutrition and Management. Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fröberg, S., Aspegren-Guldorff, A., Olsson, I., Marin, B., Berg, C., Hernández, C., Galina, C., Lidfors, L. and Svennersten-Sjaunja, K., 2007. Effect of restricted suckling on milk yield, milk composition and udder health in cows and behaviour and weight gain in calves, in dual-purpose cattle in the tropics. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 39, 71–81.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gallegos-Sanchez, J., Lopez-Loyo, R., Pulido, A., Zarate and Garcia-Winder, M., 1990. Effect of delaying suckling on reproductive performance and milk production in Bos taurus × Bos indicus. Joint IFS-SIPAR seminar on animal reproduction. Montevideo-Paysandu, Uruguay.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galvin, K. A., 1992. Nutritional ecology of pastoralists in dry tropical Africa. American Journal of Human Biology, 4, 209–221.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galvin, K. A., Coppock, D. L. and Leslie, P. W., 1994. Diet, nutrition, and the pastoral strategy. In: Fratkin E, Galvin KA, Roth EA (eds) African pastoralist systems: an integrated approach. Lynne Rienner, Boulder

    Google Scholar 

  • Godden, S., 2008. Colostrum Management for Dairy Calves. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice, 24, 19–39.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • González-Sedano, M., Marin-Mejia, B., Maranto, M. I., Leme de Magalhães-Labarthe, A. C. and Alonso-Diaz, M. A., 2010. Effect of residual calf suckling on clinical and sub-clinical infections of mastitis in dual-purpose cows: Epidemiological measurements. Research in Veterinary Science, 89, 362–366.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gradiz, L., Alvarado, L., Kahi, A. K. and Hirooka, H., 2009. Fit of Wood’s function to daily milk records and estimation of environmental and additive and non-additive genetic effects on lactation curve and lactation parameters of crossbred dual purpose cattle. Livestock Science, 124, 321–329.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grandin, B. E., 1988. Wealth and pastoral dairy production: a case study from Maasailand. Human Ecology, 16, 1–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hernández, C., Orihuela, A., Fröberg, S. and Lidfors, L. M., 2006. Effect of restricted suckling on physiological and behavioural stress parameters in dual-purpose cattle in the tropics. Livestock Science, 99, 21–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holden, S. and Coppock, D., 1992. Effects of distance to market, season, and family wealth on pastoral dairy marketing in Ethiopia. Journal of Arid Environments, 23, 321–334.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holden, S., Coppock, D. and Assefa, M., 1991. Pastoral dairy marketing and household wealth interactions and their implications for calves and humans in Ethiopia. Human Ecology, 19, 35–59.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holmann, F., Rivas, L., Carulla, J., Rivera, B., Giraldo, L. A., Guzman, S., Martinez, M., Medina, A. and Farrow, A., 2003. Evolution of milk production systems in tropical Latin America and its interrelationship with markets: an analysis of the Colombian case. Livestock Research for Rural Development 15.

  • Homewood, K., 1995. Development, demarcation and ecological outcomes in Maasailand. Journal of the International African Institute, 65, 331–350.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horowitz, M. M., 1981. Research priorities in pastoral studies: an agenda from the 1980’s. In: Aronson, D., Galaty, J. G. and Salzman, P. C. (eds) The future of pastoral peoples. Ottawa, International Development Research Centre: 61-88

  • Indira, D., 2012. Importance of colostrum for raising newborn calves. Indian Dairyman, 64, 64–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jarvis, L. S., 1988. The Contribution of Animal Agriculture to Economic Welfare in Developing Countries. In: Animal Agriculture Symposium: Development Priorities Toward the Year 2000. Chantilly, Virginia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jenet, A., Yimegnuhal, A., Fernabdez-Rivera, S., Tegegne, A., Osuji, P. O., Mc Crabb, G. and Kreuzer, M., 2004. Long term response to feeding level to lactational performances of Boran (Bos indicus) and Boran x Holstein cows. Animal Science, 78, 331–343.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krohn, C. C., 2001. Effects of different suckling systems on milk production, udder health, reproduction, calf growth and some behavioural aspects in high producing dairy cows- a review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 72, 271–280.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leon, I. and Vaccaro, L., 1984. Efecto del amamantamiento sobre el crecimiento del becerro, las producción lechera y la fertilidad de las madres. Inform annual ‘83. Maracay, Venezuela, Instituto de Producción Animal, Universidad Central de Venezuela.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindtjørn, B., Alemu, T. and Bjorvatn, B., 1993. Dietary pattern and state of nutrition among children in drought-prone areas of southern Ethiopia. Annals of Tropical Paediatrics, 13, 21–32.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Little, D., Anderson, F. and Durkin, J., 1991., Influence of partial suckling of crossbred dairy cows on milk offtake and calf growth in the Ethiopian highlands. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 23, 108–114.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lybbert, T. J., Barrett, C. B., Desta, S. and Coppock, D. L., 2004. Stochastic wealth dynamics and risk management among a poor population. Economic Journal, 114, 750–777.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Magana, M. J., Valencia, H. E., and Delgado L. R., 1996. Effect of restricted suckling and artificial rearing on the performance of Holstein cows and their calves in the subhumid tropic region of Mexico. Veterinaria Mexico 27, 271–277.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mapekula, M., Chimonyo, M., Mapiye, C. and Dzama, K., 2009. Milk production and calf rearing practices in the smallholder areas in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 41, 1475–1485.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Margerison, J. K., Preston, T. R., Berry, N. and Philips, C. J. C., 2003. Cross-suckling and other oral behaviours in calves, and their relation to cow suckling and food provision. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 80, 277–286.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mejia, C. E., Preston, T. R. and Fajersson, P., 1998. Effects of restricted suckling versus artificial rearing on milk production, calf performance and reproductive efficiency of dual purpose Mpwapwa cattle in a semi-arid climate. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 10, 60–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moran, J. B., 2011. Factors affecting high mortality rates of dairy replacement calves and heifers in the tropics and strategies for their reduction. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 24, 1318–1328.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Msanga, Y. N. and Bryant, M. J., 2004. Productivity of crossbred dairy cows suckling their calves for 12 or 24 weeks post calving. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 36, 763–773.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nagalakshmi, D., 2009. Colostrum management and feeding in neonatal calves. Intas Polivet, 10, 142–152.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicholson, M. J., 1983. Calf growth, milk offtake and estimated lactation yields of Borana cattle in the Southern Rangelands of Ethiopia. ILCA JEPSS Research Report. Addis Ababa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Okantah, S. A., 1992. Partial milking of cattle in smallholder herds on the Accra plains: some factors affecting daily partial milk yield and milk composition. Animal Production, 54, 15–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Orihuela, A., 1990. Effect of calf stimulus on the milk yield of Zebu-type cattle. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 26, 187–190.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ouologuem, B., Reese, A., Traoré, B. and Debrah, S., 1994. Profitability of replacing milk with a concentrate for calves of cows requiring calf at foot for milking. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 26, 37–48.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peel, D. S., Johnson, R. J. and Mathews, K. H., JR., 2010. Cow-calf beef production in Mexico, Electronic Outlook Report from the Economic Research Service.

  • Phiri, B. J., Benschop, J. and French, N. P., 2010.Systematic review of causes and factors associated with morbidity and mortality on smallholder dairy farms in Eastern and Southern Africa. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 94, 1–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Preston, T. R., 1977. A strategy for cattle production in the tropics. World Animal Review, 21, 11–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quigley III, J. D. and Drewry, J. J., 1998. Nutrient and immunity transfer from cow to calf pre- and postcalving. Journal of Dairy Science, 81, 2779–2790.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Radeny, M., Nkedianye, D., Kristjanson, P. and Herrero, M., 2007. Livelihood choices and returns among pastoralists: Evidence from Southern Kenya. Nomadic Peoples, 11, 31–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Randel, R. D., 1990. Nutrition and postpartum rebreeding in cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 68, 853–862.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rivas, L. and Holmann, F., 2002. Sistemas de doble propósito y su viabilidad en el contexto de los pequeños y medianos productores en América Latina Tropical. Curso Internacional de Actualización en el Manejo de Ganado Bovino de Doble Propósito. Veracruz, Mexico, CIAT.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruas, J. R. M., Saturnino, H. M., Machado, G. V. and Paulino, M. F., 1991. Effect of suckling on the incidence of oestrus during the breeding season in Nellore cows. IX Congresso Brasileiro de Reproducao Animal. Belo Orizonte, Brasil.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryle, M. and Orskov, E. R., 1990. On milk yields and calf rearing. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2.

  • Sadler, K., Kerven, C., Calo, M., Manske, M. and Catley, A., 2009. Milk Matters: A literature review of pastoralist nutrition and programming responses. Feinstein International Center, Tufts University and Save the Children, Addis Ababa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sadler, K., Kerven, C., Calo, M., Manske, M. and Catley, A., 2010. The fat and the lean: A review of production and use of milk by pastoralists. Pastoralism, 1.

  • Sandoval-Castro, C. A., Anderson, S. and Leaver, J. D., 1999. Influence of milking and restricted suckling regimes on milk production and calf growth in temperate and tropical environments. Animal Science, 69, 287–296.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sandoval-Castro, C. A., Anderson, S. and Leaver, J. D., 2000. Production responses of tropical crossbred cattle to supplementary feeding and to different milking and restricted suckling regimes. Livestock Production Science, 66, 13–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanh, M. V., Preston, T. R. and Fajersson, P., 1995. Effects of restricted suckling versus artificial rearing on performance and fertility of Bos taurus and Bos indicus cows and calves in Tanzania. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 6.

  • Sidibé-Anago, A., Ouedraogo, G. and Ledin, I., 2008. Effect of suckling period on calf growth and milk yield of Zebu cows. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 40, 491–499.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sieff, D. F., 1999. The effects of wealth on livestock dynamics among the Datoga pastoralists of Tanzania. Agricultural Systems, 59, 1–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sikana, P. M., Kerven, C. and Behnke, R. H., 1993. From subsistence to specialised commodity production: commercialisation and pastoral dairying in Africa, London, Overseas Development Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spencer, P., 1965. The Samburu. A study of Gerontocracy in a Nomadic Tribe, London, Routledge and Kegan Paul.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stull, C. and Reynolds, J., 2008. Calf Welfare. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice, 24, 191–203.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Suttie, J. M., 2001. Livestock as food for pastoralists in Africa. Crops for Africa—Traditional and Exotic. Edinburgh, Tropical Agriculture Association.

  • Syrstad, O., 1993. Evaluation of dual-purpose (milk and meat) animals. World Animal Review, 77, 56–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Teeluck, J. P., Hulman, B. and Preston, T. R., 1981. Effect of milking frequency in combination with restricted suckling on milk yield and calf performance. Tropical Animal Production, 6, 138–145.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tegegne, A., Entwistle, K. W. and Mukasa-Mugerwa, E., 1992. Effects of supplementary feeding and suckling intensity on postpartum reproductive performance of small East African Zebu cows. Theriogenology, 38, 97–106.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tegegne, A., Osuji, P. O., Lahlou-Kassi, A. and Mukasa-Mugerwa, E., 1994. Effect of dam nutrition and suckling on lactation in Borana cows and growth in their Borana x Friesian crossbred calves in an early weaning system in Ethiopia. Animal Production, 58, 19–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tesorero, M., Combellas, J., Uzcategui, W. and Gabaldon, L., 2001. Influence of suckling before milking on yield and composition of milk from dual purpose cows with restricted suckling. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 13.

  • Ugarte, 1991. Restricted suckling in dual purpose systems. In: Andrew Speedy, Rene Sansoucy (eds) Feeding dairy cows in the tropics. FAO Animal Production and Health Paper 86. Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

  • Upton, M., 1986. Production policies for pastoralists: the Borana case. Agricultural Systems, 20, 17–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vaccaro, L., 1990. Comportamiento de bovinos para doble propósito en el trópico. Seminario Internacional sobre Lechería Tropical. Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico.

    Google Scholar 

  • Western, D. and Finch, V., 1986. Cattle and pastoralism: Survival and production in arid lands. Human Ecology, 14, 77–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilde, C. J. and Peaker, M., 1990. Autocrine control in milk secretion. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 114, 235–238.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, G. L., 1990. Suckling as a regulator of postpartum rebreeding in cattle: a review. Journal of Animal Science, 68, 831–852.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wymann, M. N., Bonfoh, B., Schelling, E., Bengaly, S. K., Tembely, S. D., Tanner, M. and Zinsstag, J., 2006. Calf mortality rate and causes of death under different herd management systems in peri-urban Bamako, Mali. Livestock Science, 100, 169–178.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yilma, Z., Gojjam, Y. and Shumye, M., 2006. Milk production level and calf-rearing system affecting Boran, Ethiopian zebu cattle breed, cow-calf performance. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 18.

Download references

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Animal Production and Health Division, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153, Rome, Italy

    Giacomo de’Besi & Olaf Thieme

Authors
  1. Giacomo de’Besi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Olaf Thieme
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Olaf Thieme.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

de’Besi, G., Thieme, O. Optimum use of milk in traditionally managed cattle herds in the tropics. Trop Anim Health Prod 45, 1079–1086 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-013-0372-9

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-013-0372-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation