Relation of Height at Withers and Chest Girth to Live Weight of Dairy Cattle of Different Breeds and Ages

Abstract

The size of a dairy cow is important from the standpoint of feed consumption and economy of production and also as an indication of the expected size of offspring. The ultimate disposal of dairy cattle is for beef, and the measure of returns is based upon size and condition. A method for the determination of the approximate weights of dairy females, where scales are not available, is needed. Measurements of dairy cattle which show development and skeletal growth by ages in relationship to weight are presented here for four different dairy breeds.