Dose titration of sustained-release recombinant bovine somatotropin in lactating dairy cows

Lactating dairy cows (n = 264) were used in seven dose titration experiments at four geographic locations in the United States. A sustained-release formulation of recombinant bST was evaluated for a 30-wk treatment period that began 14 wk postpartum. The first series of four experiments evaluated doses of 0, 140, 350, or 700 mg of bST/14 d (series A); the second series evaluated doses of 0, 56, 140, or 350 mg of bST/14 d (series B). Milk yield, DMI, milk composition, body condition, health, and reproductive parameters were measured. Multiparous cows in series A that were administered 700 mg of bST/14 d yielded 3.0 kg/d more milk and 3.5% FCM than control cows. When all seven experiments were combined, multiparous cows that were administered 350 mg of bST/14 d yielded 2.7 and 2.6 kg/d more milk and 3.5% FCM than control cows. Dry matter intake was not significantly affected by bST administration. In series A, an increase in milk yield with no increase in DMI resulted in lower adequacy of dietary NEL and CP to meet maintenance and yield requirements among multiparous cows administered 700 mg of bST/14 d. Primiparous cows that were administered bST in series A and both parity groups in the combined seven experiments were not different from control cows in the adequacy of dietary NEL or CP to meet maintenance and yield requirements. No adverse effects of bST on health parameters were significant, and doses of 350 mg of bST/14 d or less caused no changes in reproductive parameters. Conception rate was decreased by administration of 700 mg of bST/14 d. These data suggest that 350 mg of bST/14 d increased yields of milk and FCM with no adverse effects on DMI, health, or reproduction in dairy cows.