Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1995,
55: 161-164
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1995,
55: 161-164
Pasture dry matter (DM) intake by the cows was estimated using slow- release, chromic oxide, rumen capsultes.
Twin pregnant/suckled cows ate similar amounts per day as ësingleí cows in autumn. Over both groups, estimated intake was 6-8 kg DM/cow/day. Daily intake in late pregnancy was also similar in both groups (6.6 vs 6.1 kg DM/hd respectively, P>0.05).
During early to mid lactation the estimated DM intake of twin suckled cows was about 2.5 kg more DM/cow/day (20% more) than of single sucked cows (P<0.05).
The liveweights of single and twin cows showed a similar pattern. The single and twin pregnant cows were of similar liveweight for most of the year except during mid-lactation in year 2 when twin suckled cows were about 10% lighter (P<0.05).
Twin suckled cows were always thinner during lactation by 1 condition score (P<0.01).
At weaning, twin reared calves were 20% lighter than single reared calves (168 vs 210 kg, P<0.01).
Twin suckling cows have higher estimated intake than single sucklers during lactation and they are lighter and thinner at this time but they wean a total calf weight of 320 kg; 60% more than their ësingleí contemporaries. The results show that twinning cows present an opportunity to increase feed utilisation efficiency especially if their increased mid-lactation food demand could be matched correctly with seasonal pasture growth patterns.
Keywords: NZSAPAB; feed intake; pasture; cow output; twins; calving; liveweight; weaning; beef cows
