The independent effects of live weight and body condition on fecundity and productivity of Icelandic ewes

1979 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Adalsteinsson
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Feeding Level ◽  
Weight Condition ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Independent Effects

ABSTRACTIn an experiment carried out on five farms in 3 years and comprising 1221 annual weight records of adult ewes, an increased level of feedingwas comparedwith feeding according to farming practice. The higher feeding level started 6 weeks before mating andfinishedjust before lambing. Significant effects of feeding level on ewe live weight and body condition, ewe fecundity and the birth and weaning weights of lambs were found.Ewe fecundity increasedlinearly with ewelive weight at 8 weeks prior t o mating (b=1·05 lambs/kg per 100 ewes), curvilinearly with ewe body condition score at 8 weeks before mating (maximum at score 3·32) and curvilinearly with weight gain from 8 to 2 weeks before mating (maximum at 2·3 kg gain). A 10% range in live weight, condition score and live-weight gain resulted in a predicted fecundity range of 21 lambs per 100 ewes alive at lambing. Changes in weight and condition score during the mating period did not affect ewe fecundity.

The effect of body condition and previous nutrition on the herbage intakes of ewes grazing autumn pastures at two sward heights

1994 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Sibbald ◽  
W. G. Kerr
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Day Treatment ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Feeding Level ◽  
High Body ◽  
Sward Height ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Grazing Period

AbstractTo examine the effects of body condition and previous nutrition on the herbage intake of ewes grazing swards of different heights in autumn, 96 Scottish Blackface X Border Leicester ewes with a wide range of body condition (score 1·75 to 3·50), were initially housed and given 50 g dry matter (DM) per kg metabolic live weight (M)0·75 per day (treatment L) or 95 g DM per kg M0·75 per day (treatment H) of a pelleted dried grass diet (11·6 MJ metabolizable energy per kg DM) for 6 weeks after weaning in July. The H ewes gained more live weight (9·0 v. 2·7 kg) and body condition score (0·39 v. 0·17) than the L ewes. Half the animals from each treatment were then allocated to each of two ryegrass pastures with a sward height of 5 cm (LS) or 10 cm (HS) for a further 6-week grazing period. During the grazing period there was no significant effect of indoor feeding level on herbage intake, but the L ewes gained more live weight (6·4 v. 5·0 kg) than the H ewes. On the HS, compared with the LS sward, mean herbage intakes were higher (70·0 v. 60·5 g DM per kg M0·75) as were gains in live weight and condition score (7·9 v. 3·4 kg; 0·18 v. 0·0). There were no interactions between the effects of sward height and previous feeding level on herbage intake. Ewes in low body condition (< 2·5) at the start of the grazing period ingested the same amount of herbage on both swards (70·3 g DM per kg M0·75) whereas ewes in high body condition (> 2·5) ingested more (67·0 v. 51·6 g DM per kg M0·75) on the HS compared with the LS sward. The responses of ewes in low and high body condition to different sward heights are discussed in relation to appetite drive and aspects of grazing behaviour.

CompoCow: a predictive model to estimate variations in body composition and the energy requirements of cull cows during finishing

2008 ◽  
Vol 146 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. GARCIA ◽  
J. AGABRIEL
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Predictive Model ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Energy Requirements ◽  
Frame Size ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Cull Cows ◽  
Condition Score

SUMMARYCull cows account for a large part of beef consumption in France and are a significant proportion of farm income for dairy (0·10) and beef systems (up to 0·30). On-farm observations highlight considerable variations in cull cow phenotypes in terms of age, frame size, health, physiological status and body condition. Consequently, an important issue for producers of cull cows is the management of feed supply during the finishing period to obtain a satisfactory condition score and conformation prior to slaughter.New feeding recommendations for cull cows should consider live weight and live weight gain, age, frame size and body condition score (BCS) to estimate the energy requirements. A predictive model, called CompoCow, was developed for this purpose. The present paper describes the CompoCow model by summarizing developments from previous modelling approaches and outlining the assumptions and equations used in the model. CompoCow combines a growth model for the cow during its productive period (3–8 years old) and a model for the finishing period (in days) and was parameterized for Charolais, Limousine and Holstein breeds. Sensitivity analysis highlighted that the outputs of the model were mainly sensitive to initial body weight and expected body weight gain of the animal. The proportion of lipid in live weight gain was related to body weight, BCS and frame size of the animal. The model also accounts for the higher proportion of lipid in live weight gain in Holstein than in Charolais cows. The model was applied to data from Charolais cows. It showed that the proportion of variability explained by CompoCow for energy requirements was higher than the proportion obtained with previous INRA recommendations, 0·78 and 0·67, respectively. CompoCow does not rely on mechanistic relationships, but it appears robust as it accounts correctly for the effects of age and BCS on the requirements.

Influence of feeding different types feed blocks as supplementary feed on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes grazing cereal stubble

2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-151
Author(s):  
A. D. Salman
Keyword(s):  
Cottonseed Meal ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Supplementary Feed ◽  
Lambing Rate

This study was conducted to investigate the Influence of feeding different types feed blocks as supplementary feed on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes grazing cereal stubble. These types were feed blocks enriched with cottonseed meal (CSM) or Brewers’ grain (BG) as sources undegradable protein (UDP). Ninety-six Awassi ewes (mean live weight 42.2 Kg), aged 3-4 years were allocated into three groups according to ewes live weight and body condition score.Group (C): Control (No Supplement) stubble grazing only.Group (FBC): FB enriched with CSM supplement plus stubble grazing.Group (FBB): FB enriched with BG supplement plus stubble grazing.All ewes were run as one flock during cereal stubble grazing. The feed blocks were fed to animals (supplementary groups) after their return from grazing wheat and barley stubble (28 days prior to mating and 54 days after introduction of rams). Rams run with the flock during the mating period. The results showed that feeding feed blocks enriched with CSM and BG as supplementary feed resulted considerable improvement in weight gain (P<0.05), body condition score (P<0.05), conception rate (13-16), lambing percentage (25-33%), twinning percentage (13-18%) and decreased the proportion of barren ewes (19 vs. 6 and 3%). Inclusion of small amount of high moisture brewers grain by-product (9%) as sources of undegradable protein in the feed blocks formula as replacement for costly cottonseed meal resulted a dramatic effects on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes especially twinning rates and lambing rate.

scholarly journals DEPENDENCE OF BEEF CATTLE BODY CONDITION ON ALIVE WEIGHT AND ITS ADJUSTMENT BY FEEDING LEVEL

2018 ◽  
pp. 19-26
Author(s):  
Исмагиль Хакимов ◽  
Ismagil Khakimov ◽  
Ринат Мударисов ◽  
Rinat Mudarisov ◽  
Александр Акимов ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Feeding Level ◽  
Hereford Cattle ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Cow Calf ◽  
The Cost

The purpose of the research is to increase the economic efficiency of beef production by the system of cow – calf by adjusting the feeding taking into account the point assessment of fatness of meat cows. For the effective production of beef is not enough to have highly productive animals and high quality feed. It is necessary to organize their rational use of feed. In technological groups animals have different live weight, and norms of feeding of meat cattle are calculated, generally, depending on live weight of animals. This is the wrong approach, because in the group (in the herd) animals can have the same living mass and have different energy requirements depending on the state of fatness. Adjusting the level of feeding depending on the fatness of animals will save expensive feed, as in the structure of the cost of beef a large share of the cost falls on feed (about 60%). In the course of the research, a high positive relationship between the live mass and the point assessment of the cows fatness (r=0.93 for Hereford and r= 0.95 for the Kazakh white-headed breed) was established, which allowed to determine the regression coefficients between the features. It is found that increasing body condition by 1 point increases the live weight of Hereford cattle 40.4 kg and in cows of Kazakh white-headed breed of 48.1 kg. This allowed us to determine the required changes in the feeding level for 90-100 days prior to calving to increase for cows with a body condition score of 1 by 3.02; 2 points – 2.67 to 3.02; 3 points on 1.70-2.55; 4 points at 1.32-1.70; 5-6 points to 0.85-0.91 EKE, for cows with a body condition score of 8 to reduce the level of feeding of 0.47-0.85 and EKE with fatness 9 points lower on 0,85-1,70 ECE. Thus, studies show that the organization of feeding depending on the condition, is a necessary tool for achieving economic efficiency of beef production on the system cow-calf.

The effects of ewe live weight and body condition score around mating on production from four sheep breeds in extensive grazing systems in Uruguay

1997 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Gonzalez ◽  
D. Labuonora ◽  
A. J. E. Russel
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Grazing Systems ◽  
Breeding Seasons

AbstractEwe live iveights were recorded 4 weeks prior to mating, at the beginning of mating and 22 to 23 days later over a period of 3 years in a flock of some 300 breeding ewes comprising approximately equal numbers of Australian Merino, Ideal (Polwarth), Merilin and Corriedale breeds in a pastorally based grazing system in Uruguay. Multiple-bearing ewes were generally heavier than single-bearing ewes which in turn were heavier than ewes which did not conceive, these differences being greatest in 3- and 4-year-old ewes (i.e. in their second and third breeding seasons). Body condition scores of non-pregnant ewes were lower than those of pregnant ewes, particularly in the 3-and 4-year-old age groups. Ewe live weights achieved prior to, during and at the end of the mating period and the body condition score achieved 4 weeks prior to mating all had significant influences on the number of lambs born (P < 0·01) but there were no significant effects of changes in either live weight or body condition over the 4 weeks prior to mating or during the mating period. The effect of body condition score over the range from 2·0 to 4·0 was to increase the proportions of single- and multiple-bearing ewes and to decrease the proportion of non-pregnant ewes such that the number of lambs born per ewe mated increased from 0·94 to 1·38. Fleece weights differed significantly between breeds, Corriedales having the heaviest fleeces and Merilins the lightest (4·26 and 3·22 kg respectively). Wool production was also significantly and positively affected by age (P < 0·01) and by ewe weight at mating (P < 0·01). The results demonstrate the importance of giving preferential nutritional treatment to younger ewes to ensure a satisfactory subsequent lambing performance and improved wool production.

Estimation in vivo of the chemical composition of the bodies of mature cows

1984 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. A. Wright ◽  
A. J. F. Russel
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Deuterium Oxide ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Eye Muscle ◽  
Ultrasonic Measurements ◽  
Condition Score

ABSTRACTA number of possible indices of body composition (live weight, skeletal size, total body water as estimated by deuterium oxide dilution, blood and red cell volumes as estimated by Evans Blue dilution, ultrasonic measurements of subcutaneous fat depth and eye-muscle area, and body condition scoring) was examined using 73 non-pregnant, non-lactating, mature cows of Hereford × Friesian, Blue-Grey, British Friesian, Galloway and Luing genotypes, ranging in body condition score from 0·75 to 4·5. Direct measurements of body composition in terms of water, fat, protein and ash were made following slaughter.Live weight, deuterium oxide dilution, ultrasonic measurements of subcutaneous fat depth and eyemuscle area, and body condition score were all considered to be potentially useful predictors of body composition. Combinations of techniques offered better predictions than did any single index. Using a combination of measurements it was possible to predict body fat and protein with a residual s.d. of 13·1 kg and 3·15 kg respectively. Breed differences in the partition of fat among the main adipose tissue depots necessitated the development of specific prediction equations for body fat based on condition score and subcutaneous fat depth for different breeds. Equations remain to be developed for predicting body composition in cows in different physiological states.

The effects of plane of nutrition and diet type on metabolic hormone concentrations, growth and milk production in high genetic merit dairy herd replacements

2000 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 349-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.F. Carson ◽  
A.R.G. Wylie ◽  
J.D.G. McEvoy ◽  
M. McCoy ◽  
L.E.R. Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Nutrition And Diet ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Metabolic Hormone ◽  
Diet Type

AbstractSeventy high genetic merit Holstein heifers were used in two experiments to investigate (1) the effects of plane of nutrition and diet type during the pre-pubertal period and (2) the effects of plane of nutrition during the post-pubertal period on metabolic hormone concentrations, growth and milk production. In experiment 1, treatment 1 and 2 heifers were given food to achieve a live-weight gain of 0·70 and 0·95 kg/day from 3 to 10 months of age on a grass silage based diet, while treatment 3 heifers were given food to achieve 0·95 kg/day on a barley straw/concentrate diet. During the pre-pubertal period, heifers reared on treatment 1 had significantly higher growth hormone(GH) concentrations (ng/ml per 1 h) than heifers reared on treatment 2 (P < 0·01) and had significantly lower insulin concentrations than heifers reared on treatment 3 (P < 0·01). Heifers reared on treatment 1 had significantly lower insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations than those reared on treatment 3 (P < 0·01). At 10 months of age heifers reared on treatment 1 were of lower condition score (P < 0·01) than those on treatment 2 and had a smaller heart girth diameter (P < 0·01) than those on treatments 2 and 3. During the first lactation, milk yield and composition produced by the heifers was not significantly affected by treatment. In experiment 2, treatment A heifers were given, from 14 to 24 months of age, a low plane of nutrition to allow a live-weight gain of 0·65 kg/day on a grass silage and grass based diet during the winter and summer periods respectively. Treatment B heifers were kept on a high plane of nutrition to allow a live-weight gain of 0·90 kg/day on the same forage along with concentrate supplementation. During the rearing period, GH and IGF-1 concentrations were not significantly affected by treatment. Treatment A heifers weighed less before calving (P < 0·05), had a lower condition score (P < 0·01), and had a smaller heart girth diameter (P < 0·01) than those on treatment B. During the first 10 weeks of lactation, heifers on treatment A had a higher silage dry matter intake and lost less weight (P < 0·05) than those on treatment B, however, by 20 weeks of lactation these effects had disappeared. Milk yield and composition during the first lactation were not significantly affected by treatment. Overall, the findings of experiments 1 and 2 did not show any beneficial effects of higher weights at first calving in high genetic merit Holsteins and therefore indicate that accelerated growth in the pre- or post-pubertal period may not be required.

Prediction of energy status in first lactation dairy heifers

1985 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Ducker ◽  
Rosemary A. Haggett ◽  
W. J. Fisher ◽  
S. V. Morant
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Blood Metabolites ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Condition Score

ABSTRACTData from a large controlled experiment to investigate the effect of level of nutrition on reproductive performance were used to assess the value of production and blood measures as indicators of energy status in lactating dairy heifers. Live-weight change showed the strongest and most consistent relationship to mean energy balance (the difference between metabolizable energy intake and that used for milk production and maintenance) (P < 0·01 to P < 0·001). Body-condition score at a particular time was more closely related to mean energy balance in the preceding 4-week period (P < 0·05) than current energy balance. There was also a lag in the relationship between energy balance and live-weight change and mean body-condition score. Ultrasonic back fat measurements were significantly correlated with both loin and tailhead body-condition score (P < 0·001) but were more strongly related to mean energy balance in the preceding period (P < 0·05 to P < 0·001) than the body-condition scores.Blood samples were taken from all heifers 2 weeks before calving and 1, 5, 9, 13 and 18 weeks after calving and were analysed for 13 constituents. Concentrations of blood metabolites did not show consistently strong correlations with mean energy balance. The only blood metabolite to be measurably affected by the nutritional treatments applied in lactation was β-hydroxybutyrate.At best, combinations of production measures and blood metabolites were only able to predict the mean daily energy balance with a 95% confidence interval of ±20 MJ for an individual animal although this confidence interval was reduced to ±3 MJ for 100 animals.

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