Body mass index at calving on performance and efficiency of Charolais cow herds

• Published in: Tropical animal health and production 2022-06, Vol.54 (3), p.168-168, Article 168
• Main Authors: Vaz, Ricardo Zambarda, Cerdótes, Liliane, Nuñez, Amoracyr José Costa, Sartori, Dayana Bernardi Sarzi, Pacheco, Rangel Fernandes, da Silva, Hítalo Rodrigues, Bethancourt-Garcia, Javier Alexander, Restle, João
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Body length; Body Mass Index; Body size; Body Weight; Calves; Cattle; Cow's milk; Dairy cattle; Diagnosis; Female; Lactation; Lactose; Life Sciences; Milk; Milk production; Postpartum; Pregnancy; Regular Articles; Reproduction; Veterinary Medicine/Veterinary Science; Weaning; Zoology
• ISSN: 0049-4747; 1573-7438
• DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03108-8

This study evaluated the productive and reproductive performance of Charolais cows with different body mass index (BMI) at calving and the development of their calves. Seventy-two Charolais cows and their calves were grouped into BMI classes at calving, namely, low, moderate, and high. Body mass index was determined by dividing the cows’ body weight by their body length and hip height and finally dividing the result by 10. Cows and their calves were weighed immediately after calving, at early weaning (63-day postpartum), and at pregnancy diagnosis (210-day postpartum). To evaluate milk production and quality, collections were performed at 21, 42, and 63 days after calving. Cows with high and moderate BMI were heavier ( P