Modeling Response to Slow-Releasing Somatotropin Administered at 3- or 4-Week Intervals

¹ Department of Animal Science, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6, 35131 Padova, Italy
² Istituto Lattiero-Caseario e di Biotecnologie Agro-Alimentari, Via S. Gaetano 74, 30016 Thiene, Italy
³ Istituto Lattiero-Caseario e di Biotecnologie Agro-Alimentari, Via S. Gaetano 74,30016 Thiene, Italy

The purpose of this study was to develop a time-dependent model to account for the effects of recombinant bST in a slow-release formulation on short-term (between two consecutive injections) and long-term (baseline of the lactation curve) response of milk yield and composition. Observations on milk yield (n = 8234) and on milk composition (n = 1509) of 196 Holstein Friesian cows were recorded over 1 yr of trial. Treated cows were injected with somidobove at 3- or 4-wk intervals. Data were analyzed according to a model that included effect of treatment, parity, interaction, and the random effect of cow; two time-dependent covariables, obtained by the splitting of DIM, were included in the model to account for the effects of bST on short- and long-term responses of milk traits. Cyclical variations of milk yield, protein, and SCC content in the interval between two consecutive injections were detected. Recombinant bST administration also influenced the persistency of milk yield and protein content. Treatment of cows at 3- and 4-wk intervals increased yield by 20.6 and 12.6% over those of untreated cows. Nearly 60% of this increment was due to the short-term effect of bST. Milk composition response to bST was less noticeable.

Key Words: dairy cows • recombinant bovine somatotropin • frequency of treatment • modeling of response

Submitted on July 12, 1993
Accepted on October 6, 1993