Effects of Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin Under Conditions of High Production and Heat Stress

¹ Israel Cattle Breeders Association Tel Aviv 62488, Israel and Institute of Animal Sciences Agricultural Research Organization The Volcani Center Bet Dagan 50250, Israel

The effect of bST injection on milk production of Israeli Holsteins was tested under conditions of mean production >9000 kg/yr and climatic stress; mean maximum and minimum summer temperatures are 38 and 25°C, respectively, in the Jordan Valley, located 200 m below sea level. In 1989, 111 cows were injected, and 115 cows were recorded as controls. In 1990, 108 cows were injected, and 93 cows were included as controls. Fifty-nine of the cows injected in 1990 were also injected in 1989. Production records were corrected for parity, calving month, days to first injection, and days in milk. Injection with bST increased total lactation milk production by 12%, fat production by 15%, and protein production by 13%. Injection also resulted in slight increases in fat and protein percentages. Daily milk production during the injection period was increased by 4.4 kg. Injection during the previous lactation slightly decreased production of cows injected during the following lactation. Advancing the commencement of injection from the 4th to the 2nd mo in milk did not affect total lactation production. Weight gains and dry matter intake were higher for injected cows, but body condition score was higher for the control group. Injection had no discernible effect on fertility variables.

Key Words: bovine somatotropin • heat stress • production • Israeli Holsteins

Submitted on September 11, 1992
Accepted on January 4, 1993