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A note on the estimation of the body fat, protein and energy content of lactating Holstein-Friesian cows by measurement of condition score and live weight

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

M. J. Gibb  and
W. E. Ivings
M. J. Gibb
Affiliation:
AFRC Institute of Grasslandand Environmental Research, Hurley, Maidenhead SL6 5LR
W. E. Ivings
Affiliation:
AFRC Institute of Grasslandand Environmental Research, Hurley, Maidenhead SL6 5LR
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Abstract

The relationships between body composition, live weight (LW) and subjective condition score (CS) were examined in an experiment in which 54, second to fourth parity, lactating autumn-calving Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were slaughtered at 0, 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19, 24 and 29 weeks post partum. Multiple regression analyses showed the weight of fat and the quantity of energy within the body were significantly correlated with both LW and CS. The weight of crude protein showed a linear correlation with LW. These results are discussed and compared with previously published investigations with non-lactating dairy cows.

Keywords

body compositioncondition scoredairy cowslive weight
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 56 , Issue 2 , April 1993 , pp. 281 - 283
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1993

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