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Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 80 No. 3 525-529
© 1997 by American Dairy Science Association ®
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Body Weight, Body Condition Score, and Wither Height of Prepartum Holstein Cows and Birth Weight and Sex of Calves by Parity: A Database and Summary

A. F. Kertz 1, L. F. Reutzel 1, B. A. Barton 1, and R. L. Ely 1

1 Purina Mills, Inc., St. Louis, MO 63144

Measurements of body weight (BW), body condition score, wither height, calf birth weight, and calf sex were recorded by parity from 728 Holstein cows and heifers at the Purina Research Center during the 8-wk prepartum period. Data were compiled over 5 yr. Mean daily BW gain was 0.93 kg. Loss of BW at parturition was 11.1%. Mean body condition score was 3.35 (five-point scale where 1 = thin to 5 = obese) and did not change during the 8-wk period. However, body condition score was lower for second parity cows than for heifers or cows in third or greater parity. Wither height averaged 138 cm at first parity and increased 3 cm from first to second parity. During fifth and sixth parities, wither height peaked at an additional 2 to 3 cm. Birth weights for all calves averaged 41.4 kg. Male calves were 8.5% heavier than female calves. Calves born to cows in second or greater parity had increased BW by 7 to 8%. Mean BW of twin calves was 15% less than that of single calves.

Key Words: prepartum • body condition • body weight • calves

Submitted on December 4, 1995
Accepted on June 25, 1996




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