Body Composition of Dairy Cows According to Lactation Stage, Somatotropin Treatment, and Concentrate Supplementation

Abstract

Body weight, condition score, deuteriated water dilution space, estimated body lipids and proteins, and calculated energy and protein balances were detennined in 24 multiparous Holstein cows at wk 1, 7, 20, and 39 after parturition. Cows received two levels of energy concentrate (high and low groups) from wk 3. The objective was to estimate changes in body composition as affected by stage of lactation, concentrate level, and bST administration or placebo from wk 9 in a 2 x 2 factorial design.