Body Weight, Body Condition Score, and Wither Height of Prepartum Holstein Cows and Birth Weight and Sex of Calves by Parity: A Database and Summary

Abstract

Measurements of body weight (BW), body condition score, wither height, calf birth weight, and calf sex were recorded by parity from 728 Holstein cows and heifers at the Purina Research Center during the 8-wk prepartum period. Data were compiled over 5 yr. Mean daily BW gain was 0.93 kg. Loss of BW at parturition was 11.1%. Mean body condition score was 3.35 (five-point scale where 1 = thin to 5 = obese) and did not change during the 8-wk period. However, body condition score was lower for second parity cows than for heifers or cows in third or greater parity. Wither height averaged 138 cm at first parity and increased 3 cm from first to second parity. During fifth and sixth parities, wither height peaked at an additional 2 to 3 cm. Birth weights for all calves averaged 41.4 kg. Male calves were 8.5% heavier than female calves. Calves born to cows in second or greater parity had increased BW by 7 to 8%. Mean BW of twin calves was 15% less than that of single calves.

Influence of selected feed supplements on the growth and health of calves depending on the sex, season of birth, and number of the dam’s lactations

“…Males were heavier at birth and at 28 days of life than females. Kertz et al (1997) reported in their study different weight gains in young bulls and heifers; the gains in young bulls were higher by 8.5% compared to heifers; similar results were found out also by Dhakal et al (2013).…”

“…Kertz et al (1997), Svensson et al (2003), and Dhakal et al (2013) identically reported higher weight gains in calves born to mothers at the second and higher lactations.…”

Produção de leite de vacas da raça Holandesa de pequeno, médio e grande porte

“…Mais tarde, HANSEN et al (1999) relataram que vacas, na mesma condição fisiológica, apresentaram peso entre 641 e 720kg. Também nos EUA, KERTZ et al (1997) verificaram peso médio de 718,38kg para vacas da raça Holandesa na terceira lactação, confirmando o aumento que vem ocorrendo no tamanho dos animais da raça Holandesa nos rebanhos americanos.…”

Effects of parity and periconceptional metabolic state of Holstein–Friesian dams on the glucose metabolism and conformation in their newborn calves

“…Cows gave birth to calves with a larger BW and withers height than heifers. This positive effect of dam parity on the size of the calf corresponds to other sources (Kertz et al, 1997). On the other hand, maternal metabolic state also affects foetal growth and BW in babies (de Rooij et al, 2006), lambs (Freetly et al, 2000) and calves (Freetly et al, 2000;Micke et al, 2009;Du et al, 2010;Micke et al, 2010).…”