Co-Authors:
Maltz, E., Inst. of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, P. O. Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Devir, S., DLO-Inst. Agric. Environ. Eng., P.O. Box 43, NL-6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands, S.A.E. Afikim, Comp. Dairy Management Systems, Kibbutz, Afikim, 15148, Israel
Metz, J.H.M., DLO-Inst. Agric. Environ. Eng., P.O. Box 43, NL-6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
Hogeveen, H., DLO-Inst. Agric. Environ. Eng., P.O. Box 43, NL-6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands, Res. Stn. Cattle, Sheep Horse Husb., Runderweg 6, 8219 PK Lelystad, Netherlands
Abstract:
The possibilities to use the dairy cows' body weight (BW) and its changes for diagnostic and management purposes were studied. BW data of dairy cows were obtained during the day from visiting computer-controlled feeding stations. These data were analyzed on a daily and weekly basis in relation to other performance data that were also recorded on a daily basis. The analysis showed that BW, being sensitive to dry matter intake (DMI), responds to reproductive and clinical events by detectable changes. Analyzing BW data in relation to those on milk yield (MY), allow to characterize physiological stages during lactation that can be of help in making management decisions. Possibilities to build models that use daily BW and MY data to estimate DMI, and significant physiological stages are presented and discussed in respect to their feasibility as decision-making aids. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.