A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON MILK YIELD, LACTATION EFFICIENCY, MILK COMPOSITION AND MASTITIS INCIDENCE AT DIFFERENT PARITY IN MURRAH BUFFALOES

Abstract

Murrah buffaloes are the most important milch animal which has gained immense popularity due to its higher milk production capacity coupled with adaptation to wide ecological conditions and feed conversion efficiency. Milk yield, milk composition, lactation efficiency, and severity of mastitis varies with parity. The main objective of this article is to review the existing literature regarding the effect of parity on milk yield, lactation efficiency, milk composition, and mastitis in Murrah. Parity plays a crucial role in the productivity, profitability, and economic efficiency of Murrah buffaloes. Most of the researchers reported that parity has a significant effect on 305 MY, Total milk yield, milk composition while the non-significant effect on colostrums period, lactation length, and mastitis. Milk quantity and quality was superior in mid parity as compared to early and late parity. Days to reach peak milk yield, dry period, and mastitis incidence were reported minimum in mid parity. The milk of Murrah is mainly composed of water, lactose, fat, solid not fat, total solid, vitamins, minerals, casein, and protein. Milk constituents such as protein, casein, lactose were superior in mid parity except for milk fat and total solid due to reduced milk yield. However, the research paper regarding the effect of parity on most of these parameters is very scanty. So, further research should be conducted using a large sample size and wider agro-ecological zones to gain a better understanding and to obtain a more precise result.