Effects of drought rations offered to lactating beef heifers on liveweight changes, milk production and composition, calf carcasses and cow fertility

1990 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 801
Author(s):  
D Hamilton ◽  
RC Seirer ◽  
JP Cook

Thirty-two early-summer-calving Angus heifers received 4 rations in early lactation for the last 92 days of drought and then grazed pasture. The aim was to produce calves suitable for slaughter at weaning (i.e. at about 11 months of age) and to maintain the usual calving rate of about 85% at the next calving. Variations on the control ration of 83% cracked wheat and 17% long oaten hay, plus minerals and vitamins, were 44% hay or additions of urea or sodium bicarbonate. The calves received 0.33 kg and later 0.66 kg of pasture hay/head.day. The nitrogen content of the respective rations was 19.3, 17.5, 24.3 and 19.3 g/kg of dry matter. The apparent digestibilities of the organic matter were 66, 68 and 88% for the pasture hay, oaten hay and cracked wheat, respectively. There was no acidosis, but the heifers would only consume at 80% of the intended level of 6.0 kg/head.day for the control ration. Heifer condition score, weight change and milk composition, and calf growth and milk consumption, did not differ (P>0.05) between treatments. The average daily liveweight changes during drought feeding were -0.51 kg for the heifers and +0.64 kg for the calves. There was a tendency to slower eating and fewer calves at the next calving with the urea and bicarbonate rations. The calves were all of slaughter condition at weaning, and on average 84% of the heifers calved at the next calving. The control ration appeared to contain adequate roughage and nitrogen for milk production. The heifers' energy requirement in relation to milk production and liveweight performance was as predicted by the common feeding standards. Feed consumption, although lower than intended and probably constrained by the mineral content of the diet, was adequate in heifers that were initially fat enough to tolerate prolonged weight loss.

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 384-385
Author(s):  
Oliver Fast Hinz ◽  
Pablo Chilibroste ◽  
Gabriel Menegazzi ◽  
Matías Oborsky ◽  
Pablo Soca ◽  
...  

Abstract An experiment was performed to study the effect of two contrasting defoliation intensities of a fescue based pasture on milk production of 24 mid lactating multiparous cows. The animals were blocked according to parity, body weight (587 ± 42 kg), body condition score (2.77 ± 0.16) and calving date, and were randomly allocated to one of these two treatments: lax treatment (TL) 12 cm and control treatment (TC) 6 cm, with four replications. It was used a second-year pasture of Festuca arundinacea and Lotus corniculatus (2530 ± 180 kgDM/ha), divided into eight plots of 0.3 ha. Each plot was grazed by three cows during as many days as necessary until the defoliation height of each treatment was achieved. This would be determined by daily measures of the pasture height. Animals had one grazing session from 8:00 to 16:00 h. Both treatments received 7.5 kgDM of supplementation (17% Crude Protein; 2.81 Mcal/kgDM) in individual troughs. The cows were milked twice a day (05:00 and 17:00 h). Milk production was registered daily while milk composition was measured at the beginning and at the end of the experiment (samples from two consecutive milking). For milk yield results, a mixed model was used (Glimmix procedure, SAS 9.2, 2010) to analyse with treatment, day and their interaction as fixed effects and block as a random effect. While milk composition was analysed with only treatment as fixed effect. Milk yield was greater for TL than TC, while there was no difference in milk composition between treatments (Table 1). There is a significant effect of the day and an interaction between treatment and day (Figure 1), as difference was greater for TL to the end of the grazing period. This leads to the conclusion that it is possible to improve the milk production through less defoliation intensity.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taşkın DEĞİRMENCİOĞLU

Abstract BackgroundIn this study, it was aimed to determine the optimal crude protein level in the ration for milk production and milk composition in milk buffaloes of different ages.Materials, Methods & Results A total of 20 Anatolian buffaloes were used as animal material.Buffalo cows were tested in the early lactation period (lactation period; 65-80 days).Water buffaloes are divided into four groups as young and adult; First, second groups (those who gave birth to the first), third and fourth groups (those who gave birth to the second and more).5 compartments are allocated for each group.In the trial, buffalo cows with two different trial rations R1; (17.82% CP) and R2; (19.18% CP) were fed.Especially during the experiment, the total DM consumption of adult buffaloes in group 4 and group 3 increased when compared with young buffaloes (p <0.05). As a result of the research, the milk yield values determined in milk buffaloes fed with the R2 ration were found to be higher than the values found in milk buffaloes fed with the R1 ration (6.34-5.64kg / day) (p <0.05).However, the effect of R1 and R2 rations on milk production was similar in young buffaloes (4.22-4.36 kg / day) (p> 0.05).


1987 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Zygoyiannis

ABSTRACTTwo groups, A and B, each consisting of 12 Greek indigenous goats suckling single kids were traditionally fed during a 36-week lactation period. During the suckling period (6 and 12 weeks for the groups A and B, respectively) milk production was estimated at 7-day intervals. During the milking period (30 and 24 weeks for the groups A and B, respectively) the goats were hand milked twice daily and their milk production was measured at intervals of 4 weeks. Milk samples were analysed for fat, protein, lactose, ash and dry matter concentration. Solids-not-fat and energy concentration were calculated. During lactation the goats were weighed weekly up to week 12 and monthly thereafter and body condition score was assessed at each weighing.Goats with a 6-week suckling period produced significantly less milk throughout lactation but significantly more marketable milk than those with a 12-week suckling period. Yield peaked at the 6th and 10th weeks of lactation respectively, then declined rapidly and tailed off gradually from weeks 7 and 16 respectively. Milk composition was affected only occasionally by the duration of the suckling period. Thus, fat concentration was higher for the group with the 6-week suckling period between weeks 7 and 16, whilst protein was higher between weeks 8 and 12. Lactose concentration was lower for the same group between weeks 7 and 11, whilst ash concentration was similar in both groups. Live weight and body condition of the goats throughout lactation showed similar changes in both treatment groups.


1990 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 431-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Hoogendoorn ◽  
S. N. McCutcheon ◽  
G. A. Lynch ◽  
B. W. Wickham ◽  
A. K. H. MacGibbon

ABSTRACTRecombinantly derived bovine somatotropin (bST) was administered to 25 Friesian cows by 2-weekly injections of a controlled release formulation at a dose rate equivalent to 25 mg/day. Treatment commenced 7 to 11 weeks after calving and continued for 26 weeks. A comparable group of 25 cows treated only with the slow release vehicle served as a control. During the treatment period, administration of bST increased yields of milk (controls 2358 v. bST 2598 (pooled s.e. = 39·8) kg; P < 0·01), fat (107·4 v. 119·3 (pooled s.e. = 1·9) kg; (P < 0·01) and protein (84·7 v. 93·7 (pooled s.e. = 1·2) kg; (P < 0·001). Magnitude of the treatment effect was strongly influenced by season, being greatest in spring/early summer (weeks 1 to 13 of treatment) and autumn (weeks 19 to 25) but not significant during the intervening summer dry period when herbage yield was low. Voluntary intakes, as measured by indigestible marker techniques at weeks 7 to 8 and 12 to 13 of treatment, were not influenced by bST administration. However, the net loss of body condition experienced by bST-treated cows (0·3 condition score units) was not sufficient to explain their responses in yield of milk and milk components, suggesting that some responses in voluntary intake had occurred. Administration of bST had little effect on milk composition, fatty acid composition of milk fat, live weight, reproductive performance or milk yield in the subsequent lactation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 64-64
Author(s):  
Claire Andresen ◽  
Aksel Wiseman ◽  
Adam McGee ◽  
David Lalman

Abstract With genetic tools available today, it is possible to select for traits within breed to achieve similar production phenotypes. Our hypothesis was that biological efficiency of preweaning calf growth would be improved with crossbreeding when dams were selected for similar mature frame size, weight, growth, and milk production. The objective of this study was to determine maintenance energy requirements and efficiency of calf growth through weaning for Angus and Hereford x Angus crossbred cows selected for similar mature BW, growth, and milk production potential. Fifty-nine Angus (n = 32) and Hereford x Angus (n = 27) cow/ calf pairs were assigned to four pen replicates per breed. Cows and calves were limit-fed for a 21-d adaptation period followed by an 84-d experimental period to achieve BW and BCS stasis. Calves did not have access to cow’s feed and daily calf feed allotment was adjusted biweekly to provide 1.25% of previous week’s mean BW. There were no differences due to breed in cow hip height, BW, milk yield (P > 0.31),or cow maintenance energy requirement (P = 0.54). Milk from Hereford-sired cows was slightly more concentrated in energy (P = 0.05) and Hereford-sired cows had greater BCS and ultrasound rib fat and rump fat (P < 0.05) throughout the experiment. Calves from Angus dams were heavier (P 0.01) at the initiation of the experiment, although there were no differences in ADG, final BW, or adjusted weaning BW (P ≥ 0.24). Efficiency of calf growth was not different when expressed as calf BW gain to calf feed and milk energy consumed or as cow/calf pair feed intake or energy intake per unit of calf BW gain (P ≥ 0.31). While the crossbreeding system did not improve biological efficiency of calf growth, more research is necessary to determine if increased cow BCS is advantageous


2000 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 773 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Valentine ◽  
E. H. Clayton ◽  
G. J. Judson ◽  
J. B. Rowe

Milk production and composition were measured for 63 days in 153 Holstein–Friesian cows offered either 7, 10 or 13 kg/day (as fed) of a rolled, 74% barley/26% lupin grain mixture together with either no feed additive, 300 mg/day of virginiamycin (VM) or 300 mg/day of virginiamycin plus 200 g/day of sodium bicarbonate (VM + NaHCO3). All cows were fed 1 kg/day of a pelleted mineral supplement containing the additives. The cows were grazed as a single herd on perennial ryegrass–subterranean clover pasture with pasture silage available during periods of pasture shortage. Rumen fluid was analysed for pH and volatile fatty acids, blood for plasma glucose, beta-hydroxy-butyrate, urea and D- and L-lactic acid, faeces for dry matter and pH, and both urine and milk for urea and sodium. The incidence of grain bloat in all treatments was low. There was no main effect of dietary additive treatment on grain intake, but at the highest grain level, cows offered VM or VM + NaHCO3 ate more grain than those offered no dietary additive. There were no significant differences between the dietary additive treatments in milk production, milk composition, cell count, liveweight and condition score. Mean daily covariance-corrected yields of milk and protein (kg), and milk protein content (g/kg) respectively, were significantly (P<0.01) greater for cows fed 11 (28.0, 0.86, 30.6) and 14 kg/day (28.7, 0.88, 31.0) of concentrate compared with those fed 8 kg/day (26.4, 0.78, 29.7). Mean milk fat content (g/kg) was significantly (P<0.01) lower in milk from cows fed 14 kg/day (32.0) of concentrate compared with those fed 8 (35.9) or 11 (34.7) kg/day. There were no significant differences between concentrate feeding levels in milk fat yield or milk somatic cell count. Covariance-corrected liveweight and condition score were significantly (P<0.01) higher for cows fed 14 kg/day of concentrate compared with cows fed at the lower concentrate levels. There were no significant interactions between concentrate level and dietary additive for all milk production parameters. No significant differences were recorded between the different levels of concentrate in the concentration of total rumen volatile fatty acids, or in blood plasma concentrations of glucose and L-lactate. The rumen molar proportions of acetate and butyrate were significantly (P<0.01) lower, and propionate and valerate significantly (P<0.01) higher at the higher levels of concentrate offered. The molar ratio of acetate plus butyrate to propionate was significantly (P<0.01) higher in cows fed 8 kg/day of concentrate compared with cows fed 11 and 14 kg/day. It was concluded that the inclusion of virginiamycin, or virginiamycin together with sodium bicarbonate, in high grain rations cannot be recommended for improving milk production in grazing dairy cows already adapted to high levels of barley and lupin grain.


1999 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.A. Sandoval-Castro ◽  
S. Anderson ◽  
J.D. Leaver

AbstractTwo experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of restricted suckling and milking regimes on milk yield, milk composition and calf growth. Experiment 1 was carried out in temperate conditions in the United Kingdom and experiment 2 under tropical conditions in Mexico. In experiment 1 a Latin rectangle (change-over) design with 3-week periods was used with eight Holstein Friesian cows suckling their Simmental-sired calves. Saleable milk yield (SMY), sucked milk (CSM), milk composition and calf performance were studied. The treatments were: once a day milking (a.m.) with suckling immediately after (1χAM); once a day milking (a.m.) with suckling p.m. (1χPM); twice daily milking with suckling after a.m. milking (2χAM); twice daily milking with suckling after each milking (2χ2χ). The cows were offered maize silage ad libitum and 4·3 kg dry matter (DM) per day of rapeseed meal plus minerals and vitamins. The calves had ad libitum access to concentrates (165 g crude protein (CP) per kg DM) and wheat straw. In experiment 2, 11 B. indicus χ B. taurus cows, suckling their Brahman-sired calves were used in an experiment with the same treatments and experimental design. Cows were offered star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis) hay ad libitum and 4.0 kg DM per day of concentrate (117 g CP per kg DM). The calves had ad libitum access to concentrate (151 g CP/kg DM), star grass hay and Ramon leaves. For 1χAM, 1χPM, 2χAM and 2χ2χ respectively in experiment 1, the total milk yields (TMY = SMY + CSM) were 17.9, 18.0, 16.7 and 19.5 kg/day (s.e.d. 1.11) and SMY represented 0.70, 0.45, 0.77 and 0.53 of TMY. Corresponding results for experiment 2 were 6.0, 6.2, 7.0 and 7.1 kg/day (s.e.d. 0.32) and 0.69, 0.45, 0.78 and 0.61. Effects of treatment on milk yield and composition were consistent with the feedback inhibitor of lactation theory. It was concluded that different milking and restricted suckling patterns can be used to manipulate saleable milk production and calf growth. Holstein Friesian dairy cattle in a restricted suckling system without the calf presence at milking, behaved similarly to zebu-crossbred cows by reducing milk let down at milking.


1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 409-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. RAHNEFELD ◽  
G. M. WEISS ◽  
H. T. FREDEEN

Relationships of milk yield and composition of 10 specific F1 crosses of beef cows with preweaning growth of their calves and with changes in the weight and subcutaneous fatness of the cows during lactation were examined over 2 yr for a population of 120 cow-calf pairs each year at two climatically distinct locations. The crosses were represented by the Hereford × Angus (HA) and nine crosses produced by mating Charolais (C), Simmental (S), and Limousin (L) sires to cows of Hereford (H), Angus (A), and Shorthorn (N) breeding. Environmental differences were provided by two climatically distinct locations (Brandon, Manitoba; Manyberries, Alberta) with two treatments (drylot confinement, T1; pasture, T2) imposed at each location. Milk was measured at 8-wk intervals commencing 1 June and terminating 1 October (weaning). Cow weight and fat at calving were positively associated (P < 0.0001) at both locations. Weight of the cow at calving was positively associated with average milk yield and calf growth rate at Manyberries (P < 0.0001), but at Brandon the association was positive but not significant (P > 0.05). Weight of cow at calving was positively associated with calf birth weight at Manyberries (P < 0.02). Calf preweaning growth rate was directly related to birth weight (P < 0.009). Calf sex had the expected effect on calf growth rate throughout lactation (M > F) but milk yield of the cow was not influenced by the sex of calf reared. Percentages of the milk constituents (butterfat (BF), solids-not-fat (SNF), protein (PT), declined as milk yield increased but the reduction was significant only for PT (P < 0.0005). Changes in cow weight and subcutaneous fat cover during lactation were inversely related with milk yield, the reductions in weight being significant (P < 0.008) at both locations and the loss of subcutaneous fat cover significant (P < 0.0001) only at Manyberries. Calf growth rate increased as milk yield increased with the largest regression coefficients at each stage of lactation provided by the estimate of average milk production for the complete lactation; however, this difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The statistical model with the covariate average milk production accounted for approximately 58% of the variance for calf gain during the lactation period. The covariate alone contributed 36% of this total R2 value at Brandon and 48% at Manyberries. Simmental cross cows produced the fastest growing calves while HA and L cross cows produced the slowest growing calves at both locations. The highest milk yields were recorded for the S cross cows at both locations while HA cows were lowest at Brandon and LH the lowest at Manyberries. At both locations, the SN cows recorded the lowest values for % BF and % SNF, and the SA cows recorded the highest values for % PT. For % BF and % SNF, the HA cows were the highest at Brandon while at Manyberries, the LH cows recorded the highest values. Average milk yield (AMY) was the best milk production variable explaining variance associated with calf growth. The R2 values were higher at Manyberries than Brandon and the R2 values decreased as the lactation season progressed. The addition of any of the milk constituent variables added little to the R2 values for AMY. Key words: Milk yield, milk composition, calf growth, cow weight change, cow subcutaneous fat change


1967 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. L. Veum ◽  
W. G. Pond ◽  
L. D. Van Vleck

Total milk yield of sows is positively correlated with litter size (Bonsma and Oosthuizen, 1935; Wells, Beeson and Brady, 1940; Smith, 1952; Allen and Lasley, 1960) even though the amount of milk obtained by each pig decreases with increasing litter size. Positive correlations between sow milk yield and the creep feed consumption of her litter and between weaning weight and milk production have been reported by Bonsma and Oosthuizen (1935), and by Allen and Lasley (1960). Braude (1964) has comprehensively reviewed the literature on the associations between litter size, birth weight and weaning weight. Ward, Rempel and Enfield (1964) reported a positive correlation between weaning weight and post-weaning growth rate in swine.


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