Live-weight, total body-water and maternal body-solid changes in pregnant and lactating beef cows

Summary Live weight and total body water (TBW; measured as tritiated water space) were measured in eight pregnant cross-bred beef cows from the 6th month of gestation to approximately 1 month after calving. Using the values from these measurements and by estimating foetal, foetal fluid and foetal membrane weights from previously established prediction equations, the maternal live weight, maternal body water and maternal body solids were calculated. Live weight, TBW, maternal body water and maternal live weight increased during gestation, whereas maternal body solids decreased. The TBW percentage of live weight increased from 74·8 to 79·6% during gestation and remained at about 79·5% during the first month of lactation. It was concluded that live-weight changes alone could be misleading in assessing the energy balance of pregnant ruminants not only because of development of the foetus and associated structures but also because of maternal hydration.

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