The Relationship Between Stature and Live Weight of Dairy Cows Between Birth and Maturity
by
, , , , and
Michaela J. Gibson
1,*
,
Nick W. Sneddon
2,
Chris W. Rogers
1,
Penny J. Back
1,2,
Keren E. Dittmer
1 and
Natalia P. Martín
2 1
School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
2
School of Agriculture Environmental Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Ruminants 2025, 5(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/ruminants5010007
Submission received: 19 December 2024
/
Revised: 22 January 2025
/
Accepted: 31 January 2025
/
Published: 5 February 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ruminants 2024–2025)
Simple Summary
Milk yield and the ability to get pregnant are strongly associated with cow live weight and size. However, there are limited data published describing the prediction of cow size at birth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between cow shape and live weight of female dairy cattle between birth and maturity. Forty dairy cows with records of cow shape and live weight from birth up until two years of age, underwent follow-up measurements for live weight, height, length, girth circumference and leg length on four occasions between 42 and 52 months of age. Measures of height, leg and body length at fourth mating had a greater correlation with measures at birth compared to girth and live weight. The lower correlation between birth and maturity measures for girth and live weight indicates growth of these measures is affected by environmental factors and emphasises the importance of adequate nutrition to maximise cow size.
Abstract
Lactational and reproductive performance are strongly associated with cow live weight and capacity. However, there are limited data published describing capacity (thoracic) growth and the prediction of final stature and capacity from measurements at birth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between stature and live weight of female dairy cattle between birth and maturity. Forty dairy cows, with records of stature and capacity from birth up until two years of age, underwent follow-up measurements for live weight, height at withers, wither-rump length, girth circumference and leg length on four occasions between 42 and 52 months of age. Measures of wither height, leg length and wither rump length at fourth mating had the strongest association with measures at birth (R2 > 0.90) compared to girth and live weight (R2 = 0.88 and 0.82, respectively). The weaker association between birth and maturity measures for girth is likely a reflection of the stronger relationship with live weight resulting in a later maturity (approximately 810 days) compared to linear measures such as height (approximately 730 days). Therefore, to maximise capacity, adequate nutrition is required until approximately 810 days of age when capacity growth is most sensitive to environmental input.
