slugEffect of Calf Birth Weight on Milk Production of Holstein Dairy Cattle in Desert Climate
Journal Title: Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology - Year 2016, Vol 4, Issue 3
Abstract
The hypothesis in this study was that calf birth weight (CBW) would effect on cow's milk production. Data were collected from two commercial dairy milking 15,000 Holsteins in central region of Iran with desert climate from 2006 to 2012. Animals were enrolled at parturition until 7,737 calvings were available for analysis. Data consisted of on-farm measurements of calf birth weight and milk production, and data were analyzed using a multivariable regression model. Independent variables were parity, herdyear-season, calving interval, calving age, retained placenta, days open, dry period length, days in milk, linear and quadratic CBW. The mean CBW was 40.84 ± 4.9 kg (SD) with a range of 20 to 60 kg. There was a trend for milk305 based on calf birth weight, i.e., the amount of milk305 of dam was significantly dependent on that weight of calf was born (P < 0.01). Cows with CBW between 20 and 25 kg had the lowest of milk production. By increasing of CBW range up to 40 and 45 kg, the trend of milk production increased and then decreasing trend observed. In conclusion, calf birth weight could be considered as an important trait in dairy cattle breeding programs in desert climate.
Authors and Affiliations
Rabie Rahbar ▪ Rohullah Abdullahpour ▪ Ali Sadeghi-Sefidmazgi
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP17917
- DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.14269/2318-1265/jabb.v4n3p65-70
- Views 483
- Downloads 23
slugDeveloping an early warning system for heat stress in cattle
Purpose of this study was to develop an early warning system for heat stress in cattle. For this purpose, total of 8 lactating cattle (4 Holstein of which 2 high and 2 low producing, 4 Brown Swiss of which 2 high and...
slugProductive and reproductive performance, behavior and physiology of cattle under heat stress conditions
This review aimed to detail the main information pertinent to the physiological and behavioral mechanisms evidenced in cattle under heat stress conditions. Brazilian cattle-breeding represents the second largest herd...
slugHeat tolerance in sheep with white and dark coat under heat stress
The aim of this research was to evaluate heat tolerance of thirty crossbred sheep (Santa Ines with Dorper) with white and black coat under heat stress. The experiment was conducted in September and October of 2012 and...
slugWelfare quality applied to the Brazilian dairy cattle
Due to the necessity of establishing animal welfare standards for the Brazilian dairy sector in harmony to the new consumer’s requirements and legislation, it was drawn up the project Welfare Quality (WQ) - Brazil, ba...
slugPhysiological variables of equines remaining of the Nordestino Horse breed used in cattle handling
The aim of this study was to analyse the physiological parameters of horses remnants of the Nordestino Horse breed used in cattle handling in the caatinga bioma, before and after the working activity. 16 castrated ma...