Effects of Different Seasons on Milk Quality: A Study on Two Cattle Breeds in Rainy and Drought Contexts

Abstract

The primary focus of dairy farming in the central region of Peru centers on producers. However, there is limited information on how different altitudinal zones, particularly during rainy and dry seasons, affect milk production. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the rainy and dry seasons on the physicochemical properties of milk from Brown Swiss and Holstein cattle. A total of sixty cows were selected for the study, comprising 30 Brown Swiss and 30 Holstein. The study was conducted across two distinct seasons, including rainy and dry seasons. All animals received the same semi-intensive management and were fed ryegrass and balanced feed. Each animal provided 500 ml of milk for analysis in the morning. The milk was transported at a temperature of 2 °C, where they were analyzed with the Lactoscan equipment to evaluate protein, lactose, fat, total solids, milk density, freezing point, salts, and pH. Significant differences were observed in the interaction between Brown Swiss and Holstein breeds across different seasons, including rainy and dry periods. Significant differences were observed in protein content, showing a positive effect in the interaction “rain: Brown” a value of 3.50 ± 0.36, while “rain: Holstein” showed 3.14 ± 0.05. Statistical differences were observed in the interactions for lactose content, with rain: Brown at 4.82% and dry: Holstein at 4.37%. Similarly, there were significant differences in fat content and total solids for rain interaction of rain: Holsten, and dry: Brown. Nevertheless, no differences were observed in terms of milk density, freezing point, salts, and pH. It is concluded that there was an influence of the interaction between breed physiology and seasonal conditions on milk composition. The results also highlight the impact of season-specific environmental factors on the quality of milk.