CompoCow: a predictive model to estimate variations in body composition and the energy requirements of cull cows during finishing

2008 ◽  
Vol 146 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. GARCIA ◽  
J. AGABRIEL
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Predictive Model ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Energy Requirements ◽  
Frame Size ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Cull Cows ◽  
Condition Score

SUMMARYCull cows account for a large part of beef consumption in France and are a significant proportion of farm income for dairy (0·10) and beef systems (up to 0·30). On-farm observations highlight considerable variations in cull cow phenotypes in terms of age, frame size, health, physiological status and body condition. Consequently, an important issue for producers of cull cows is the management of feed supply during the finishing period to obtain a satisfactory condition score and conformation prior to slaughter.New feeding recommendations for cull cows should consider live weight and live weight gain, age, frame size and body condition score (BCS) to estimate the energy requirements. A predictive model, called CompoCow, was developed for this purpose. The present paper describes the CompoCow model by summarizing developments from previous modelling approaches and outlining the assumptions and equations used in the model. CompoCow combines a growth model for the cow during its productive period (3–8 years old) and a model for the finishing period (in days) and was parameterized for Charolais, Limousine and Holstein breeds. Sensitivity analysis highlighted that the outputs of the model were mainly sensitive to initial body weight and expected body weight gain of the animal. The proportion of lipid in live weight gain was related to body weight, BCS and frame size of the animal. The model also accounts for the higher proportion of lipid in live weight gain in Holstein than in Charolais cows. The model was applied to data from Charolais cows. It showed that the proportion of variability explained by CompoCow for energy requirements was higher than the proportion obtained with previous INRA recommendations, 0·78 and 0·67, respectively. CompoCow does not rely on mechanistic relationships, but it appears robust as it accounts correctly for the effects of age and BCS on the requirements.

The independent effects of live weight and body condition on fecundity and productivity of Icelandic ewes

1979 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Adalsteinsson
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Feeding Level ◽  
Weight Condition ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Independent Effects

ABSTRACTIn an experiment carried out on five farms in 3 years and comprising 1221 annual weight records of adult ewes, an increased level of feedingwas comparedwith feeding according to farming practice. The higher feeding level started 6 weeks before mating andfinishedjust before lambing. Significant effects of feeding level on ewe live weight and body condition, ewe fecundity and the birth and weaning weights of lambs were found.Ewe fecundity increasedlinearly with ewelive weight at 8 weeks prior t o mating (b=1·05 lambs/kg per 100 ewes), curvilinearly with ewe body condition score at 8 weeks before mating (maximum at score 3·32) and curvilinearly with weight gain from 8 to 2 weeks before mating (maximum at 2·3 kg gain). A 10% range in live weight, condition score and live-weight gain resulted in a predicted fecundity range of 21 lambs per 100 ewes alive at lambing. Changes in weight and condition score during the mating period did not affect ewe fecundity.

The effects of plane of nutrition and diet type on metabolic hormone concentrations, growth and milk production in high genetic merit dairy herd replacements

2000 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 349-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.F. Carson ◽  
A.R.G. Wylie ◽  
J.D.G. McEvoy ◽  
M. McCoy ◽  
L.E.R. Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Nutrition And Diet ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Metabolic Hormone ◽  
Diet Type

AbstractSeventy high genetic merit Holstein heifers were used in two experiments to investigate (1) the effects of plane of nutrition and diet type during the pre-pubertal period and (2) the effects of plane of nutrition during the post-pubertal period on metabolic hormone concentrations, growth and milk production. In experiment 1, treatment 1 and 2 heifers were given food to achieve a live-weight gain of 0·70 and 0·95 kg/day from 3 to 10 months of age on a grass silage based diet, while treatment 3 heifers were given food to achieve 0·95 kg/day on a barley straw/concentrate diet. During the pre-pubertal period, heifers reared on treatment 1 had significantly higher growth hormone(GH) concentrations (ng/ml per 1 h) than heifers reared on treatment 2 (P < 0·01) and had significantly lower insulin concentrations than heifers reared on treatment 3 (P < 0·01). Heifers reared on treatment 1 had significantly lower insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations than those reared on treatment 3 (P < 0·01). At 10 months of age heifers reared on treatment 1 were of lower condition score (P < 0·01) than those on treatment 2 and had a smaller heart girth diameter (P < 0·01) than those on treatments 2 and 3. During the first lactation, milk yield and composition produced by the heifers was not significantly affected by treatment. In experiment 2, treatment A heifers were given, from 14 to 24 months of age, a low plane of nutrition to allow a live-weight gain of 0·65 kg/day on a grass silage and grass based diet during the winter and summer periods respectively. Treatment B heifers were kept on a high plane of nutrition to allow a live-weight gain of 0·90 kg/day on the same forage along with concentrate supplementation. During the rearing period, GH and IGF-1 concentrations were not significantly affected by treatment. Treatment A heifers weighed less before calving (P < 0·05), had a lower condition score (P < 0·01), and had a smaller heart girth diameter (P < 0·01) than those on treatment B. During the first 10 weeks of lactation, heifers on treatment A had a higher silage dry matter intake and lost less weight (P < 0·05) than those on treatment B, however, by 20 weeks of lactation these effects had disappeared. Milk yield and composition during the first lactation were not significantly affected by treatment. Overall, the findings of experiments 1 and 2 did not show any beneficial effects of higher weights at first calving in high genetic merit Holsteins and therefore indicate that accelerated growth in the pre- or post-pubertal period may not be required.

scholarly journals The accretion of copper and of zinc by the foetuses of prolific ewes

1978 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 377-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. B. Williams ◽  
I. McDonald ◽  
I. Bremner
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Unit Body Weight ◽  
Growth Equations ◽  
Total Body ◽  
Cu And Zn

1. The amounts of copper and zinc in the foetuses of ewes carrying from one to four lambs were measured at different stages of gestation and estimates were made of the amounts of these metals in their livers.2. The accretion of Cu and Zn could be described by growth equations of the Gompertz form, from which could be derived estimates of the instantaneous and fractional rates of deposition of these metals in the foetal body.3. Between the 80th and 144th day of gestation the instantaneous rates of deposition of the metals increased exponentially, and at the end of pregnancy were calculated to be 0.24 and 2.0 mg Cu and Zn/d respectively in the triplet lamb foetus. The corresponding total accretions were estimated to be 10 and 69 mg respectively.4. The fractional rates of live-weight gain and of deposition of Cu were similar and decreased at similar rates; that of Zn deposition decreased much more slowly.5. The proportion of whole-body Cu estimated to be in the liver was always greater than 50 %. The amount of Zn in the liver remained constant and contributed 72 % of the total body Zn at 80 d but only 8 % at 144d.6. The relative amounts of Cu and of Zn accrued per unit body-weight gain were not constant during the development of the foetus. As foetal numbers increased the amounts of each metal deposited in the foetus decreased more rapidly than did foetal weight.7. The results are discussed in relation to the demands for Cu and Zn during pregnancy in sheep.

The effect of cow genetic index and grass-based feeding system on the performance of spring-calving Holstein-Friesian cows in second lactation

1999 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 141-146
Author(s):  
P. Dillon ◽  
F. Buckley ◽  
S. Snijders ◽  
S. Crosse
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Feeding System ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Genetic Index ◽  
Feeding Systems

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of both cow genetic index (CGI) and feeding system on the performance of second lactation Holstein-Friesian dairy cows on grass-based feeding systems. There was no interaction between CGI and feeding system for any of the parameters measured. Cows of high genetic index (HGI) produced significantly higher yields of milk (P < 0.001), fat (P < 0.001) protein (P < 0.0001) and lactose (P < 0.001) than medium genetic index cows (MGI). CGI had no effect on the concentration of milk constituents. Averaged across four intake measurements the HGI cows had significantly (P < 0.001) higher grass dry-matter intake (GDMI) and total dry-matter intake (TDMI). Live weight was similar for both genotypes during lactation. The HGI cows had significantly (P < 0.05) higher live-weight loss in the first 10 weeks of lactation, significantly lower live-weight gain from week 10 to the end of lactation and higher (P < 0.05) live-weight gain during the dry period. Condition score was significantly lower with the HGI (P < 0.001) at all stages of lactation. There was a higher proportion (P < 0.05) of the HGI cows non-pregnant at the end of the 13-week breeding season. Feeding system had a significant effect on the yield of milk (P < 0.001), fat (P < 0.001), protein (P < 0.001) and lactose (P < 0.001). Feeding system B produced significantly higher (P < 0.05) milk yield and yield of constituents (when compared with feeding systems A and C). Over the period when feeding systems were being applied, feeding system C had significantly higher (P < 0.05) milk protein concentration. Feeding system had a significant effect (P < 0.001) on both GDMI and TDMI. Feeding system had no effect on live weight, condition score or fertility performance.

scholarly journals PASTURE FOR YOUNG DAIRY STOCK: II. EFFECT OF PREVIOUS NUTRITIONAL LEVEL AND AGE ON GROWTH OF HOLSTEIN HEIFER CALVES ON PASTURE

1961 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-70
Author(s):  
Vern Miles ◽  
V. S. Logan ◽  
W. J. Pigden
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Skim Milk ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Feeding Period ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
The Third ◽  
Whole Milk ◽  
Nutritional Level ◽  
Treatment Comparisons

Thirty-five Holstein heifer calves were assigned at birth to three ration schedules: moderate m; control c; high h. These three groups were weaned from whole milk during the 2nd, 7th and 9th weeks respectively with m and h calves receiving skim milk to 7 and 16 weeks of age respectively. m and c calves were allowed 4 pounds and h calves up to 6 pounds of meal daily with no limit on hay consumption. Moderate and high rationed calves were further sub-divided into three birth groups and were abruptly switched from the above feeding schedules and placed on pasture without supplementation at 56, 112, and 168 days. Treatment comparisons included live weight gain, withers height and heart girth measurements.High rationed calves made greater growth increases than m or c calves during the barn feeding period. These differences were greater for weight than for heart girth or withers increases. Pastured calves made smaller body gains during the first 28-day pasture period than barn-fed controls. This trend was reversed by the third pasture period with some pastured calves gaining over 2 pounds daily, h calves placed on pasture at 2 months of age made greater body weight gains and appeared to be thriftier than calves previously moderately rationed.

scholarly journals Effect of silage and soybean straw based Total Mixed Ration (TMR) on the growth performances of growing bull calves

2020 ◽  
pp. 82-88
Author(s):  
NR Sarker ◽  
D Yeasmin ◽  
F Tabassum ◽  
MA Habib
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Initial Body Weight ◽  
Total Mixed Ration ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Bull Calves ◽  
Growth Performances ◽  
Soybean Straw

This study was undertaken to know the effect of silage and soybean straw based Total Mixed Ration (TMR) on the growth performances of growing bull calves. 30 growing bull calves were divided into 5 treatment groups considering their initial body weight 111.30±6.67 to115.66±10.69 kg and age 24 to 26 months, respectively. Five types of TMR were prepared with different roughage and concentrate ratios (R: C) as T1=70:30, T2=60:40, T3=50:50, T4=40:60, T5=30:70. TMR intake, DM intake, CP intake of animals in T2 group was significantly (P<0.001) higher. Significantly higher (P<0.01) DM and CP digestibility were observed in T2. No significant differences observed for live weight gain. The ADG was slightly higher in T2 group (0.860 kg/day) but no significant differences were found among the treatments. Based on the results, it may be concluded that using a 60:40 (R: C) TMR can be formulated for fattening bulls for proper growth and maintenance. Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 21-25: 82-88, 2018

An estimate of the energy required for maintenance and live-weight gain by young grazing sheep

1966 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Grimes
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Body Water ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
A Value ◽  
Total Body ◽  
Body Energy

1. The intake of grazing wethers was estimated from the in vitro organic matter digestibility of herbage samples collected from sheep with oesophageal fistulae, and total faecal collections.2. Body water, estimated by isotope dilution, was used to estimate total body energy from estab-lished regressions relating body water to body composition.3. Total body energy was then related to live weight by regression analysis, giving a value of 2044 kcal. per lb. over the range 68-90 lb. empty body weight. From this it was estimated that 2.41 lb. D.O.M. was required per lb. live-weight gain within this range.4. Energy for maintenance was calculated by deducting D.O.M. required for gain from D.O.M. intake. These values were related to live weight by regression analysis to give a value of 1.31 lb. D.O.M./day for the maintenance of a 100 lb. sheep.

The energy requirements of sheep for maintenance and gain. I. Pen fed sheep

1962 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. E. Coop
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Energy Requirements ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Rye Grass ◽  
Digestible Organic Matter ◽  
Final Estimate ◽  
The Mean

Four experiments have been conducted with sheep, housed and fed in pens, to determine the maintenance and live-weight gain requirements of sheep under such conditions.1. Fifteen Corriedale sheep of initial live weight 115 lb. were fed at maintenance for 13 weeks. Daily DOM (digestible organic matter) requirement for maintenance was 0·92 ± 0·07 lb.2. Twelve Romney ewes of mean live weight 106 lb. over the period were fed for 5 months, six on submaintenance and six on super-maintenance levels. Daily DOM requirement for maintenance was 0·99 ± 0·05 lb., and requirement for gain 2·29 ± 0·20 lb. DOM per lb. gain or loss.3. Thirteen Romney ewes of mean live weight 110 lb. over the period were fed at sub- and supermaintenance levels for 8 weeks yielding the result: daily DOM intake for maintenance 1·04 ± 0·13 lb. and for gain 2·25 ± 0·24 lb. DOM per lb. gain.4. Twenty-four Romney ewes of initial live weight 107 lb. were randomized into five groups and fed fresh grass, dried grass, sheep pellets, lucerne hay and rye-grass straw for 11 weeks at slightly below maintenance. There were no significant differences between groups and the mean estimate of maintenance was 1·00 ± 0·11 lb. DOM per day.Converting these estimates to those of a 100 lb. sheep using the ¾ power of live weight, and then taking the mean gives the final estimate for maintenance of a 100 lb. sheep 0·92 lb. DOM, 0·96 TDN or 0·89 lb. SE.

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