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Lactational characteristics of imported British Friesian cattle in Western Nigeria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

J. A. Adeneye  and
Adetowun K. Adebanjo
J. A. Adeneye
Affiliation:
Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, University of Ife, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria
Adetowun K. Adebanjo
Affiliation:
Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, University of Ife, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Summary

During the period 1962–73, the majority of the 92 lactations of imported British Friesian animals were initiated during the dry season (October–March). The following average values were obtained: lifetime number of lactations, 4·5; lifetime milk production, 9392 kg; age at producing first live calf, 39·6 months; milk yield of nine lactations, 2159 kg; lactation length, 336·5 days; daily milk yield, 6·3 kg; 305-day milk yield, 2012 kg; dry period, 173 days.

Milk production was highest in the fourth lactation when the animals averaged 7 years old. Differences in milk yield among lactations were small. Peak daily milk yield was greatest in the third lactation and was reached within the first 21 days of each of the first four lactations. A second but lower peak with the highest milk production persistencies at a later stage of lactation apparently depended on feed availability. The 305-day milk yield was reasonably predicted from the 100- and 200-day yields.

Lactations subsequent to abortions and stillbirths were slightly longer, gave less milk (P > 0·05) and were followed by longer dry periods than those initiated by normal births.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 91 , Issue 3 , December 1978 , pp. 645 - 651
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

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