The Determination of Body Composition by the Use of Antipyrine in Aureomycin-Fed Dairy Calves

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Abstract
Fourteen Holstein calves, 10 males and 4 females, were paired into 2 groups: Group I, the control, and Group II, the supplemented. Group I received a basal ration, and Group II received the same basal ration supplemented with 50 mg of Aureomycin/day. Group II made significantly greater growth than Group I (1.40 lb. and 1.07 lb./day, respectively.) Total feed consumption was significantly greater in Group II than in Group I (474 lb. and 409 lb., respectively.) Average total pounds of feed consumed per pound of gain was significantly less in the supplemented group. The incidence of scouring was significantly less in the Aureomycin-fed group. Antipyrine was used for the determination of body composition. Determinations were made when the calves were 1, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks old. The per cent of total body water was significantly greater in Group II when the calves were 16 weeks of age; the mean values were 73.08% for the supplemented group at this time, and 70.36 for the controls. The per cent of fat, as calculated from the per cent of total body water, was significantly less in Group II. Standardization of the degree of fill of the gastro-intestinal tract appears to be very essential when antipyrine is used.