Influence of Parity, Lactation Stage, Udder and Teat Morphology on Milk Yield and Composition of Kankrej Cows under Organized Farm Condition
D. A. Patel *
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar-385506 (Gujarat), India.
A.K. Srivastava
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar-385506 (Gujarat), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of various factors on test day milk yield (TDMY) and milk composition of Kankrej cows. The study also aimed to evaluate the correlations between TDMY and key milk constituents. Sample: Data representing 305 Kankrej cows maintained at Livestock Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar were analyzed to determine the effect of parity, stage of lactation, udder and teat morphology on TDMY and milk composition.
Study Design: Simple random sampling
Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted at Livestock Research Station, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat during Apr-2024 to Mar-2025.
Methodology: Least squares analysis used to evaluate factors affecting test day milk yield and milk constituents, while Pearson’s correlation coefficients measured relationships among milk components and their association with TDMY.
Results: The least squares mean values for TDMY, fat, solid not fat (SNF), protein, lactose and total solids was found as 8.44 ± 0.30 kg, 3.96 ± 0.14%, 8.77 ± 0.07%, 3.23 ± 0.03%, 4.81 ± 0.05% and 12.73 ± 0.15%, respectively. Parity, stage of lactation and udder shape significantly (p<0.01) affected TDMY, which increased up to the fourth parity and declined thereafter whereas decreased with lactation stages. Cows with round udders produced higher milk yield than other udder shapes. Fat and total solids increased with lactation progression. TDMY showed a significant negative correlation with fat and non-significant negative total solids but positive correlations with SNF, protein and lactose. Strong positive correlations were observed among fat, SNF, protein, lactose and total solids.
Conclusion: Multiple physiological and morphological factors significantly influence milk yield and its compositional traits in Kankrej cows.
Keywords: Kankrej cow, parity, stage of lactation, udder shape, teat shape, test day milk yield, milk composition