Prediction of body weight and composition in lactating dairy cows: Prediction of crude protein contents in internal organs

Abstract

Heat production of animals is mainly derived from body protein metabolism and energy expenditure per unit protein in internal organs is much higher than skeletal muscle. The accurate estimation of CP mass in internal organs can thus improve rationing systems for farm animals. The objective of the present study was to examine relationships between CP mass in internal organs and empty body weight (EBW) with other live animal variables in lactating dairy cows.