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Correlation of Certain Blood Characters in the Heifer with Milk-Producing Ability¹

Department of Dairy Husbandry, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

ABSTRACT

Criteria for the selection of dairy cattle for producing ability, in addition to the ones now available, are needed for continued improvement in dairy production. Efforts to obtain such criteria have prompted studies of body measurements, type ratings, and mammary gland development in the calf, as well as many physiological studies including thyroid status (1) of the individual. Since potential milk-producing ability is physiological potential, continued study of the physiology of the individual should yield knowledge that will be of aid in the selection of cattle for productive performance.

Many blood constituents are maintained at rather definite levels for continuance of life. These levels are maintained by a balance of various physiological mechanisms. Erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit values are maintained at a level that is peculiar for the individual calf (2). Variation among individuals may be a reflection of a difference in a dynamic balance of physiological mechanisms that bring about the individual's blood level.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director as paper No. 1033, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station.