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Interrelationships between Serum Lipids, Energy Intake, Milk Production, Growth and Body Characteristics in Angus-Holstein Cows and their Progeny¹

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802

Abstract

Twenty-four crossbred Angus-Holstein cows and their calves (14 steers and 10 heifers) sired by the same Polled Hereford bull were used in this study. Two ration energy levels corresponding to 85 and 115% of N.R.C. requirements were used. Milk yield and composition were measured bimonthly, and blood samples for lipid and cholesterol determinations were taken from both the cows and calves three times during the trial. Energy intake affected the total serum lipid and cholesterol concentrations in the cows but not in the progeny. Generally, greater values were observed for animals fed the higher energy diet. Calf sex was a significant factor in determining total serum lipid concentration. Total serum lipids were negatively related to cow weight loss and positively related to total serum cholesterol levels in both cows and calves. Except for cows receiving the low energy ration, serum lipid and cholesterol concentrations increased in both cows and calves during the trial. The percent serum cholesterol in cows was positively correlated with calf weight gains and calf condition score, while percent cholesterol in the calves was related negatively to carcass weight per day of age and cutability percent, but positively associated with subcutaneous fat thickness.

¹ Paper No. 4049 in the Journal Series of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.

² The authors express appreciation to the State Correctional Institution at Rockview, Pennsylvania Department of Justice for permission to use their cattle and facilities. This research was supported in part with grants from the Leon Falk Family Trust and the National Science Foundation.