Factors Affecting Test Day Milk Yield and Milk Constituents of Ongole Cattle

Abstract

The study's primary objective was to evaluate the influence of various non-genetic factors such as calving season, parity, and the stage of lactation on milk production and quality traits in Ongole cattle. By understanding these influences, the study sought to optimize management practices to improve milk yield and quality in this indigenous breed. The study sought to explore the impact of non-genetic factors on test-day milk yield and various milk quality parameters in Ongole cattle. 1,105 animals with 12,182 records were assessed between 2017 and 2022 in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. The least-squares mean values for test day milk yield, fat%, SNF%, protein%, and lactose% were found to be 3.03 ± 0.18, 3.55 ± 0.16, 9.40 ± 0.10, 3.49 ± 0.06, and 5.15 ± 0.05, respectively. The analysis underscored the significant influence of calving season, parity, and stage of lactation on the yield, fat, protein, SNF, and lactose content. The results highlighted that calving season considerably impacted test-day milk yield and composition traits. Animals calving in winter exhibited a significantly higher yield and better fat and protein percentages than those calving in summer. Parity, or the number of lactations, also influenced milk production, with cows in their third lactation producing higher yields compared to their first lactation. Additionally, the stage of lactation played a critical role, where milk yield was highest during the early lactation period, and gradually decreased as the lactation advanced. This study concludes that non-genetic factors, specifically calving season, parity, and stage of lactation, significantly influence the milk yield and quality traits in Ongole cattle. Management interventions focusing on seasonal feeding strategies, optimal lactation management, and attention to parity can enhance the production efficiency of Ongole cattle. The study's findings provide crucial insights into improving the productivity of this indigenous breed, thereby enhancing its contribution to the dairy industry in India.