Correction of Heat Production for Changes in Live Weight of Cattle in Balance Experiments

Abstract

This paper presents a method of correction of the heat production of cattle on account of change in live weight in the course of energy metabolism experiments, this correction being based on the balances of carbon and nitrogen coincident with the changes in live weight. It is applicable in a series of feeding periods in which analyses of feed and excreta are made and does not concern animals in the fasting state. It deals primarily with the matter of accepting with confidence the results of the balances of nitrogen and carbon rather than live weight changes as indicated by scales. The usual methods of correction of the heat production of animals to correspond to a uniform live weight depend on the conception that the basal metabolism is proportional to the surface area, or to some power of the body weight. The accepted relationship existing between surface area and basal metabolism is not questioned.