Milk yield, residual milk, oxytocin and cortisol release during machine milking in Gir, Gir × Holstein and Holstein cows

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of exclusive machine milking on oxytocin (OT) and cortisol (CORT) release, and on milk yield and residual milk in Gir (group Gir), Holstein (group Hol) and crossbred animals (group GirHol). Six animals from each group were submitted to experimental milkings. As expected, milk yield was significantly higher in the Hol group than in the groups GirHol and Gir, and group GirHol produced more milk than the Gir group. In contrast, all groups exhibited significant but similar levels of OT, although OT increased more rapidly during milking for the groups Hol and GirHol than for the Gir group. In addition, CORT levels measured during and after milking were significantly influenced by the group. The Gir group showed higher levels of CORT than the groups GirHol and Hol. The lower performances of the Gir breed can not be explained by a less efficient milk ejection reflex because all cows studied released enough OT and had an effective milk ejection.