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Usefulness of Periodic Body Weights to Predict Yield, Intake, and Feed Efficiency of Lactating Cows

U.S. Department of Agriculture, ARS, Animal Physiology and Genetics Institute, Genetics and Management Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705

ABSTRACT

Monthly weights for 548, 356, and 211 first, second, and third lactations of Beltsville Holstein were related to their milk yield, feed intake, and feed efficiency, Of the weights, those at the beginning and end of lactation were best for predicting yield, intake, and efficiency. Starting weight was best for estimating all traits in first lactation and for intake and yield in lactation 2.Ending weight best predicted all traits in lactation 3 and efficiency in lactation 2. First lactation weights contained more information than did those in later lactations, weights were most effective for predicting efficiency, least effective for feed intake. Higher starting weight was associated with increased milk yield and efficiency. Higher ending weight was associated with lower milk yield and efficiency.