Lability of the Basal Metabolism of the Dairy Cow

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Abstract
Metabolism measurements on dairy cows were made at 20[degree] C, on the 4th and 5th days of fasting, after maintenance feeding on roughages alone, concentrates alone, or green grass. The investigation with any one cow extended from two months to over three years. The body weights remained essentially constant in all instances, and yet marked changes were noted in the fasting metabolism of individual animals, sometimes within only two months. The greatest changes occurred during lactation and with the transition from hay to pasture feeding, or vice versa. In view of these findings the concept of constancy in basal metabolism of animals must be revised and the possibility recognized that there may be a tremendous variability in the endogenous metabolism of any adult organism within a relatively short time, even when there is no appreciable change in body weight.

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