Effect of Breeds on Milk Yield and Persistency of Cows Raised under Extensive Management System in Nigeria

Abstract

Milk persistence in dairy cows is an economically important trait that will determine profit for the dairy industry and will help to overcome immeasurable diseases in dairy. cows. This study looked at the best breed that will maintain persistency for a certain time and ranked the animals based on milk yield and persistency. The study used a total of 60 nursing cows, 20 Sokoto Gudali, 20 White Fulani, and 20 Red Bororo were used for the daily milk collection. The total milk collected in a week was added together and divided by seven days to get the average daily milk yield for each breed (Sokoto Gudali, White Fulani and Red Bororo). The duration of the milking periods was recorded in days. Persistency of milk yield was computed by the ratio of the lactation period and divided into four equal periods of 30 days each. The total 30-day milk yield of each period per cow was calculated. Data collected were analyzed using the general Linear Model of the SAS program while significant means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results revealed that the Sokoto Gudali cows yielded significantly (P < 0.05) higher daily milk (4.13 - 4.31 L/day) whereas Red Bororo (0.72 - 0.94 L/day) was lowest in week 1. At week two, Sokoto Gudali (4.09 - 4.31 L/day) had the highest milk whereas Red Bororo (0.82 - 1.04 L/day) was the least. At week three, Sokoto Gudali (4.19 - 4.39 L/day) had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher daily milk whereas Red Bororo (0.74 - 0.90 L/day). In week 4 same trends were also observed. Sokoto Gudali (4.19) was ranked to be superior (1), followed by the White Fulani (1.62) with the breed (2) whereas the Red Bororo (0.89) was the least (3) in terms of total milk yield. The average weekly milk yield persistency showed that Sokoto Gudali and the Red Bororo breeds were maintained at high persistency from week one through week four without a significant decline. Breeds influenced daily milk yield from week 1 to week 4. The overall ranking of breeds on milk yield revealed that Sokoto Gudali was ranked the highest followed by White Fulani and the least was Red Bororo.