Abstract
Abstract. Changes in the body condition of cows are directly linked with changes in body weight and composition, and also influence their health status and productivity. In order to assess body composition, an urea dilution method was used. The method depends on the calculation of urea space resulting from differences in urea concentrations in blood before and after the infusion of the urea solution. The method is quick, not dangerous for animals and the analyses are relatively simple. The aim of this study was an attempt of an assessment of body composition of cows in the range of protein, lipid and water content in various production stages with changing condition. The research was conducted on 24 cows divided into three groups: beginning of lactation, middle of lactation, end of lactation. The present study confirmed the thesis that various production stages are accompanied by changes in body composition and condition of the cows and the changes may be determined with a high accuracy using urea method.
Highlights
A systematic control of energy reserves in order to control feeding correctness in herds of high-yielding dairy cows has become an essential issue
An introduction of in vivo methods has become necessary. It enables to analyse the changes in animal body in the significant productive period
The aim of the study was an attempt of an assessment of a composition of cows’ body in the range of protein, lipids and water content with changing conditions
Summary
A systematic control of energy reserves in order to control feeding correctness in herds of high-yielding dairy cows has become an essential issue. Degree of fulfilment of nutritional requirements may be determined using condition and analysis of the level of selected biochemical parameters of blood. An assessment of animals’ body structure is a problematical issue and it is not always possible to conduct a post-slaughter analysis. An introduction of in vivo methods has become necessary. It enables to analyse the changes in animal body in the significant productive period. An ability of an assessment of animal’s body composition is a basic tool in an optimisation of meat contribution in carcass via genetic or nutritional manipulation of animal structure (De Campeneere et al 2000)
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