Weight Changes in Lactating Holstein Cows

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Abstract
Body weights and monthly milk yield from 1,004 Holstein lactations were stud- ied. They were the average of two weigh- ings while milk production was weighed daily. First-calf heifers gained the most weight (84 kg), whereas mature cows increased the least (34 kg). Second and later gestations were characterized by decreases in weight from the first to the second month of lactation, while first-parity animals gained slightly in this period. This difference was attributed to the mo- bilization of fat reserves by the older cows. First-calf heifers gained in this pe- riod owing to lower level milk yield and to continued growth.