"Interactions of bovine somatotropin and nutrition on milk production a" by C. L. Austin
 

Interactions of bovine somatotropin and nutrition on milk production and composition of dairy cows.

C. L. Austin, South Dakota State University

Research

Abstract

48 multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 2 × 2 factorial to study interactions of bovine somatotropin (GH) and nutrition during wk 5-20 post partum. Main effects were GH (±10.3 mg/day) and diet (control, C; or high-protein and energy, HPE). Diet C contained 16.3% CP and 1.65 Mcal net energy for lactation (NEL) per kg, while diet HPE contained 18% CP and 1.74 Mcal NEL per kg, with additional energy as fat from extruded soyabeans and Megalac®. Diets were 50:25:25 concentrate:lucerne:maize silage (DM basis). GH increased yields of milk (37.9 vs. 40.9 kg/day, PPPPPP>0.10) with HPE+ (3.07, 3.00, 2.81 and 2.86). DM intake was not significantly (P>0.10) affected by GH (22.8 vs. 23.5 kg/day), but was lower (P