These findings for cattle were also similar to other livestock
animals such as pig and sheep. In pig, McPherson et al.
(2004) showed fetal liver, lung, heart, and kidney weights
increased cubically with gestation. Similar results were
reported by Osgerby et al. (2002) in ovine fetus.
Breed differences were found for liver, kidney, lung,
and heart weights in all gestation stages (Table 4). Galloway
had the significant smallest organ weights, and Holstein
Friesian had the significant greatest organ weights at 3 mo
of gestation. Galloway maintained small organ weights at
all gestation stages. At 9 mo of gestation, Holstein Friesian
and Belgian Blue had nearly double liver weights compared
to Galloway. German Angus liver weights were
significantly smaller than Holstein Friesian and Belgian
Blue, but significantly greater than Galloway at 9 mo of
gestation. Kidney and heart weights were significantly
smaller in German Angus and Galloway than in Holstein
Friesian and Belgian Blue at 9 mo of gestation.
Ferell (1991) observed significant differences in liver