The effects of dry period length on cow milk yield and milk components in commercial Holstein dairy herds

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associated Professor, Department of Animal Science, University of Zanjan

2 Former M. Sc. Student, Department of Animal Science, University of Zanjan, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Science, University of Zanjan, Iran

Abstract

The aim of this study was investigating the effects of dry period length on milk production and milk component in commercial large dairy herds using 2143 cow records. The Cows were classified according to dry period length in ≤ 45, 45-51, 52-65, 66-76 and ≥ 75 days. Milk yield and contents were recorded during 6 to 12 months. Data were analyzed using the MIXED MODEL procedure of SAS. Results indicated that reduced dry period length to less than 45-day reduced milk production yield, and changes in body condition score and rate of retained placenta was increased. Milk fat content decreased none linearly with increasing dry period length and it was the least when length of dry period was 52-65 days. Dry period length cubically affected protein content of milk; protein content was decreased and then increased by increasing dry period length. Generally, the results showed that reduceing dry period length to less than 45 day had negative effects on health, milk yield and milk components.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 April 2016
  • Revise Date: 13 November 2016
  • Accept Date: 28 February 2017

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