J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1974. 38:681-686.
© 1974 American Society of Animal Science
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Comparison of Energy Requirements of Non-Lactating and Lactating Hereford Cows and Estimates of Energetic Efficiency of Milk Production

Walter E. Neville, Jr.1

University of Georgia, Georgia Station, Experiment 30212

Abstract

Three feeding trials were conducted using 40 non-lactating and 24 lactating Hereford cows. They were group-fed in one trial and individually-fed in the other two trials at a level designed to maintain their body weight at equilibrium (zero weight change) on a group basis and individual basis, respectively, during the test period. Milk production of the lactating cows was determined by the calf nursing technique and milk samples were obtained for milk fat determinations.

The requirements based on the pooled data were as follows:

TDN requirements based on body weight 1.00kg
Maintenance of non-lactating cows -- 0.0074 TDN/W1.00kg/24 hr.
Maintenance of lactating cows -- 0.0104 TDN/W1.00kg/24 hr. 4% FCM -- 0.2915 TDN/kg 4% FCM

ME requirements based on body weight0.75kg
Maintenance of non-lactating cows -- 0.123 Mcal ME/W0.75kg/24 hr.
Maintenance of lactating cows -- 0.174 Meal ME/W0.75kg/24 hr. 4%FCM -- 1.122 Meal ME/kg 4% FCM

Results indicated that the maintenance requirements for energy of lactating cows are 38 to 41% greater than for non-lactating cows. The ratio of energy in the milk produced in proportion to the metabolizable energy required by the lactating cow at equilibrium body weight (gross efficiency) was found to be 15.4%. Also, the ratio of the energy in the milk produced in proportion to the metabolizable energy consumed by the cow in excess of her non-lactation requirement was found to be 34%.

Footnotes

1 Present address: Department of Animal Science, Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, 31794.






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