Author : Latino Gastao Dos Santos Coimbra

Summary : Two experiments were conducted, Experiment 1 is to determine the relation of body condition score (BCS) on the calves health status, production of milk, and reproductive performance. Experiment 2 is to compare the feeding of whole milk and milk replacer on the performance of the calves. Three (3) levels of body condition score (BCS) were compared. The low BCS group (2.0-2.75), medium BCS group (3.0-3.75), and high BCS group (4.0-4.75) were monitored both in the Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI) and Batangas Dairy Cooperative (BADACO) farms. Fifty (50) dairy pregnant cows were used. Thirty three (33) from BADACO and seventeen (17) from DTRI herd. In BADACO herd the highest number of healthy calves was found from low BCS group, ten (100%) healthy calves, followed by high BCS group with twelve (92%) healthy calves, and medium BCS group with six (60%) healthy calves. In DTRI herd the highest number of healthy calves was found from high BCS group with five (100%) healthy calves, followed by medium BCS group with five (83%) and low BCS group with three (50%). The effect of BCS on the production of milk and reproductive performance were available only at DTRI farm. In DTRI herd highest milk production was shown by the medium BCS group with 1896 kg, followed by high BCS group with 1444 kg, and low BCS group with 1223 kg after 120 days of lactation. In reproductive performance, the limited data indicates that cows in the medium and high BCS group have better reproductive status than the low BCS group 30 days after parturition. Low BCS group did not show estrus while the medium and high BCS groups have 30%, showing estrus after 30 days.