Variations in Heart Rate of Dairy Cows

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Abstract
Heart rates were observed on 412 cows for periods varying from 2 months to 3 yrs. In normally-fed cows there was an increase of about 30 beats per min. during last 3 mos. of gestation. There is a gradual decrease in heart rate as lactation progresses. When fed above normal requirements there was a gradual increase in heart rate that reached maximum about 30 days after increasing nutrient intake. Heart rate is in direct proportion to the total metabolism of the dairy cow. This study shows the importance of standardizing conditions and eliminating factors known to affect heart rate.

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