Effect of body condition score at calving on body condition during lactation in Holstein and Brown Swiss cows

Abstract

A total of 37 cows, including 20 Holsteins and 17 Brown Swiss, are part in the research. Both breeds use the
same method for rearing: free-roaming in separate cubbies. In a milking parlor, milking occurs twice. There
are three technical categories for cows based on their physiological state: dry cows, I-st up to 120-150th day,
and ІІ-d lactation phase. Feeding is based on a complete diet mix that includes vitamin and mineral additions,
concentrated feed, alfalfa haylage, and maize silage. A 5-point assessment method, ranging from 0 to 5, has
been used to record the cows' bodily status on a monthly basis, with an accuracy of up to 0.5 points. Brown
cows typically have a BCS of 3.0 at calving and 1.64 when nursing. Holstein cows typically have a BCS of
2.8 points when they give birth and a BCS of 1.38 points while they are nursing. The body condition score
(BCS) of heifers from both breeds is somewhat lower (3.0 points) when they give birth compared to older
cows, but they have less body condition loss (1.66 points) when nursing. Lactation loss is more severe in
cows at ≥ ІІ-d from the first month of lactation until they reach the lowest BCS, a total of 2.04 points.
Compared to Brown Swiss cows, Holsteins lose an average of 2.14 points and attain a lower BCS of 1.05 at
the beginning of lactation, whereas the corresponding figures for Brown Swiss cows are 1.85 and 1.20 points,
respectively. When it comes to lactation, cows of both breeds who are in poor bodily condition when they
give birth (2.5 points and 2 points, respectively) have the lowest BCS values. Body condition score (BCS)
increases in cows who were at 3.5 or 4 points upon calving are the most consistent.