Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of bST on lactational performance throughout several stages of lactation, emphasizing advanced lactation and summer heat stress conditions. In the first experiment, a preliminary trial was conducted using seven Holstein cows averaging 424 DIM. Injections of bST increased milk, fat and protein yields, but did not affect milk composition. In the second trial, 24 cows in advanced lactation (292 DIM) with breeding problems were assigned to one of the three treatments in a randomized block design. Treatments were: (1) CON; low energy diet, without bST injection; (2) LED; low energy diet, injected with bST; and (3) HED; high energy diet, injected with bST. Cows showed a large response to bST in yields of milk, FCM, fat and protein, as well as on efficiency of feed conversion to milk. Energy density in the diet of cows receiving bST did not significantly affect any measured variable. In the second experiment, 76 lactating Holstein cows were distributed in three trials according to stage of lactation. Six intervals of DIM were considered: very early, early, mid, late, advanced, and extended lactations. A favorable response in milk yield to bST injections was observed in mid, late, advanced and extended lactations, while only a tendency was observed in early, but not in very early lactation cows. In the third experiment, 32 Holstein cows averaging 195 DIM were placed on four treatments to determine the effect of bST and evaporative cooling on lactational performance during summer heat stress. Milk yield was significantly increased by bST injections and tended to be higher for cooled cows. Fat and protein yields were increased by bST, but not by cooling. Non-esterified fatty acids in blood serum were higher in cows injected with bST, suggesting greater fat mobilization to support the increased milk production. Rectal temperatures and respiration rates were decreased by evaporative cooling, but not affected by bST injections.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/282539 |
| Date | January 1997 |
| Creators | Tarazon-Herrera, Mario Antonio, 1952- |
| Contributors | Huber, J. Tal |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Dissertation-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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