Changes in Weight of the Reproductive Organs of the Dairy Cow and their Relation to Long-Time Feeding Investigations

Authors:
  • PAP.T. Dix Arnold
    P.T. Dix Arnold
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Abstract
Changes in body weights of dairy cows on long feeding trials involve more than changes in body fat. These weight changes may entail growth, gain or loss of fat, fetal development and alimentary contents. "Pasture Investigations Technique" (1) prepared in 1943, recommended (p. 358) that 3.53 lb. of total digestible nutrients be allowed in computations for each pound of gain and 2.73 lb. per pound of loss in body weight. When, and to what extent these weight changes occur, requires more exact consideration than given previously (1, 5, 11, 12). The Subcommittee on Animal Nutrition of the National Research Council (12) and Morrison (15) recommend requirements for body maintenance, milk production and cows advanced in gestation. The nutrient requirements recommended for cows in advanced gestation are liberal in allowing for body maintenance, milk production, if any, storage of reserve fat and mineral matter for the next lactation and the relatively low requirements for fetal development. When attempts are made to regulate body weights of cows on long-time investigations by adjusting feed offerings, consideration should be given to that part of total body weight attributable to gestation, namely : changes in the uterus, placenta, embryo, accompanying fluids and slight ovarian changes.