The development of equations to predict live-weight from linear body measurements of pasture-based Holstein-Friesian and Jersey dairy heifers

Costigan, H. and Delaby, L. and Walsh, S. and Lahart, B. and Kennedy, E. (2021) The development of equations to predict live-weight from linear body measurements of pasture-based Holstein-Friesian and Jersey dairy heifers. Livestock Science, 253. ISSN 1871-1413

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Abstract

Monitoring the live-weight of dairy heifers and thus meeting weight-for-age targets is regarded as one of the most important aspects of a heifer rearing enterprise as it optimizes future production. This is particularly important in pasture-based heifer rearing systems where growth is non-linear due to seasonal variation in grass growth and quality. Data were collected throughout the rearing period to estimate the live-weight of pasture-based Holstein-Friesian (n = 130) and Jersey (n = 57) dairy heifers using linear body measurements. Live-weight was regressed on heart girth, body volume and a polynomial of body length, heart girth, and withers height; all equations were validated within-herd. All three equations were accurate predictors of live-weight for pasture-based dairy heifers (R² > 0.92 and RMSE < 19.1 kg), therefore, in the absence of weighing scales, live-weight can be successfully predicted using linear body measurements. The equation which utilizes body volume of the heifer is proposed as the most suitable predictor of live-weight.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Funding Information: The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine for their funding (MultiRepro project ( 15/S/696 )). We also thank the staff at the Dairygold Research Farm for their care of the animals and their help with data collection. Publisher Copyright: © 2021
Uncontrolled Keywords:	/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1103
Departments or Groups:
Depositing User:	Admin SSL
Date Deposited:	19 Oct 2022 23:11
Last Modified:	14 Aug 2023 05:35
URI:	http://repository-testing.wit.ie/id/eprint/4551

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