Effect of Body Condition Score on Productive Performance of Local Karadi Cows

Abstract

Twenty one Karadi cows raised at Bakrajo Farm, College of Agriculture, University of Sulaimani,
 Kurdistan Region, Iraq, over the period April 2006 – May 2007 were used in this study. Cows were
 naturally mated, then calved between 13th of June 2006 and 21st of January 2007. Cows were scored
 according to the East of Scotland College of Agriculture system (ESCA) for their body condition at two
 periods; sixty days before the expected calving, and at calving (1-3 days after calving). Data were
 analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure system by Statistical Analysis System (SAS).
 The overall means of milk yield of 8 weeks, total milk yield, peak milk yield, persistency, and
 lactation period were 217.76 ± 18.13 kg, 290.43 ± 34.10 kg, 35.00 ± 2.69 kg/week, 4.29 ± 0.28 week, and
 89.38 ± 7.01 days, respectively. Body condition score at drying off and at calving had a significant effect
 on 8 weeks, total milk yield, peak milk yield and persistency. Lactation period was affected by body
 condition score at drying off, whereas body condition score at calving not affected the former trait.
 Parity and season of calving not affected the former traits.