Abstract
This chapter elaborates the biochemical responses to the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (sometribove) in dairy cattle in relation to production and welfare. Recombinant bovine somatotropin injected into dairy cows results in increases in milk production. This study assessed some of the biochemical consequences and their welfare implications. Twenty two cows and 16 first lactation heifers were paired, with one of each pair injected at 80 days after calving with sometribove in prolonged release formulation or placebo. Significantly higher beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and inorganic phosphate levels in blood and lower urea I were found in treated animals on average. There were no other practical or significant differences in the biochemical measurements except, midway between treatments, urea N dropped in cows, and BHB levels rose in heifers. Biochemical measurements fell within acceptable ranges suggesting no unusual or unreasonable production stress nor any welfare concern in animals treated at 80 days after calving. Differences in urea N suggest better protein utilization in treated animals. Higher inorganic phosphate implies some alteration in mineral metabolism.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
