HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Schake, L. M. Articles by Riggs, J. K. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Schake, L. M. Articles by Riggs, J. K.

Body Weight Changes of Mature Beef Cows¹

Texas A&M University, College Station 77843

Abstract

Mature Hereford cows were maintained in confinement to simulate body weight changes reported by previous workers. The comparative slaughter technique and least square analysis were utilized to identify the body areas characterized by weight changes. It was concluded that weight change in the body of mature beef cows responded in a differential manner for various tissue areas. Both level of feed intake and stage of gestation or lactation influenced the magnitude of weight change. Lactation was identified as a major factor influencing weight change, apparently the result of a 34% increased feed intake compared to prepartum cows. Lactating cows, although lightest in body weight, possessed the heaviest hearts, udders and hides. A significant time x treatment interaction was observed for weights of the liver, empty reticulo-rumen and empty omasum-abomasum. Carcass lean tissues differed significantly both between prepartum and postpartum means and time x treatment interactions. Bone weight of the chuck, loin, rib and flank were significantly heavier at prepartum than at postpartum.

¹ Technical article series No. 9218 of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station.