Live Weight and Linear Skeletal Growth from Birth to 14 Months of Age in Holstein Friesian Female Calves

Abstract

: This study describes the live weight, wither height and linear skeletal growth from birth to 14 months of age. Dam parity was recorded for each calf as primiparous (group 1: n=18 for multiparous; group 2: n=20).The linear skeletal growth comprised thoracic height, radius height, metacarpal length and toe height (including metacarpophalangeal joint). The live weight and wither height increased with age. Proportions of thoracic height, radius height, metacarpal length and toe height in relation to wither height were calculated. At 80 kg live weight, radius height made up the largest proportional of the wither height of all female calves. After 160 kg live weight thoracic height made up the largest proportion of overall height. As heifer live weight increased the contribution of the distal forelimb to increases in height decreased, and the contribution of the proximal forelimb to increases in height increased, but at a slowed rate. This raises the possibility that growth restriction due to feed availability after 14 months of age could influences the development of the proximal forelimb. Farmers should ensure if adequate feed supply is provided.