Prediction of body weight and composition in lactating dairy cows: Prediction of empty body weight and carcass weight

Abstract

Empty body (EB) weight (EBW) is used to estimate the energy and protein requirements for maintenance for dairy cattle. It is predicted from live weight (LW), but the prediction can be influenced by a number of factors, e.g., feed and water intake, pregnancy and body condition. The objective of the present study was to develop prediction equations for EBW and carcass weight in lactating dairy cows using LW and other live animal data.