Effect of lactation number on milk yield in Holstein dairy cows

Abstract

Objective: Aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the lactation number on milk production and to detect the most economical lactation period in Holstein dairy cows.
Materials and Methods: The animal materials of the study were 392 Holstein dairy cows with a similar dry period and lactation length. The cows were divided into 6 groups according to the number of lactations. The groups were formed as 1st lactation (Group 1; n=67), 2nd lactation (Group 2; n=124), 3rd lactation (Group 3; n=51), 4th lactation (Group 4; n=62), 5th lactation (Group 5; n=41) and 6th lactation (Group 6; n=47).
Results: Average lactation milk yields for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th lactations of the cows used in the study were 7860.03 kg, 9010.02 kg, 10207.15 kg, 10165.89 kg, 8430.57 kg and 8069.78 kg, respectively. It was determined that the highest milk production and highest daily income were obtained during the 3rd and 4th lactation periods (p<0.05).
Conclusion: In conclusion, milk production increased in the first three lactations, 3 and 4 lactation remained stable and decreased in 5th and 6th lactations. But, regardless of the number of lactations during the first 6 lactation periods, it is considered economical to use healthy cows for milk production in dairy farms.

Keywords

• Cows,
• lactation number,
• milk production

References

1. Referans1 Abuelo A, Hernández J, Benedito JL, Castillo C. Redox biology in transition periods of dairy cattle: Role in the health of periparturient and neonatal animals. Antioxidants 2019; 8:20.
2. Referans2 Bisinotto RS, Greco LF, Ribeiro ES, et al. Influences of nutrition and metabolism on fertility of dairy cows. Anim Reprod 2018; 9:260-272.
3. Referans3 Bórawski P, Pawlewicz A, Parzonko A, Harper J, Holden L. Factors shaping cow’s milk production in the EU. Sustainability 2020; 12:420.
4. Referans4 Boujenane I. Factors affecting the dry period length and its effect on milk production and composition in subsequent lactation of holstein cows. Iran J Appl Anim Sci 2019; 9:229-234.
5. Referans5 De Vries A, Marcondes MI. Overview of factors affecting productive lifespan of dairy cows. Animal, 2020; 14:155-164.
6. Referans6 Grandl F, Amelchanka SL, Furger M, et al. Biological implications of longevity in dairy cows: 2. Changes in methane emissions and efficiency with age. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99: 3472-3485.
7. Referans7 Holodova LV, Novoselova KS, Mikhalev EV, Onegov AV, Chirgin ED. The effect of age on milk productivity and reproductive qualities of dairy cows. In IOP Conference Series:Earth Environ Sci. 2019; 315: 022087.
8. Referans8 Horvath J, Miko E. Impact of economic environment on herd sıze and milk production ın a daıry cattle farm. Lucrări Științifice Management Agricol, 2016; 18: 117-122.

9. Referans9 Kok A, van Knegsel ATM, Van Middelaar CE, et al. Effect of dry period length on milk yield over multiple lactations. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100;739-749.
10. Referans10 LeBlanc S. Monitoring metabolic health of dairy cattle in the transition period. J Reprod Develop 2010; 56:29-S35.
11. Referans11 O’Hara EA, Holtenius K, Båge R, Von Brömssen C, Emanuelson U. An observational study of the dry period length and its relation to milk yield, health, and fertility in two dairy cow breeds. Prev Vet Med 2020; 175: 104876.
12. Referans12 Oltenacu PA, Broom DM. The impact of genetic selection for increased milk yield on the welfare of dairy cows. Anim Welfare, 2010; 19: 39-49.
13. Referans13 Roberts T, Chapinal N, LeBlanc SJ, Kelton DF, Dubuc J, Duffield TF. Metabolic parameters in transition cows as indicators for early-lactation culling risk. J Dairy Sci 2012; 95:3057-3063.
14. Referans14 Short TH, Lawlor TJ. Genetic parameters of conformation traits, milk yield, and herd life in Holsteins. J Dairy Sci 1992; 75:1987-1998.
15. Referans15 Snijders SEM, Dillon P, O'Callaghan D, Boland MP. Effect of genetic merit, milk yield, body condition and lactation number on in vitro oocyte development in dairy cows. Theriogenology, 2000; 53:981-989.
16. Referans16 Turiello MP, Vissio C, Heinrichs AJ, Issaly LC, Larriestra A. Impact of age at first calving on performance and economics in commercial dairy herds in Argentina. Livest Sci, 2020; 104108:1-6.
17. Referans17 USK 2019. Ulusal Süt Konseyi, 2019 Yılı Çiğ Süt Tavsiye Fiyatları, https://ulusalsutkonseyi.org.tr/2019-yili-cig-sut-fiyatlari-2019-2583/, (Accessed 20 July 2020).
18. Referans18 Vijayakumar M, Park JH, Ki KS, Lim DH, Kim SB, Park SM, Kim TI. The effect of lactation number, stage, length, and milking frequency on milk yield in Korean Holstein dairy cows using automatic milking system. Asian Austral J Anim 2017; 30: 1093.
19. Referans19 Walsh SW, Williams EJ, Evans ACO. A review of the causes of poor fertility in high milk producing dairy cows. Animal Reproduction Science, 2011; 123: 127-138.
20. Referans20 Zadoks RN, Fitzpatrick JL. Changing trends in mastitis. Ir Vet J 2009; 62: 1-12.