REPRODUCTIVE ABILITY AND ITS CONNECTION TO THE MILK PRODUCTIVITY OF COWS

Abstract

The influence of reproductive capacity indicators on milk productivity of Ukrainian red-spotted dairy cows is investigated in the article. Today, the reproduction of cows is an increasingly important issue. Regular calving promotes profitable milk production, and the annual production of calves allows for selection and breeding work at a high level and is a prerequisite for expanded reproduction of the herd. The question of the optimal duration of service and inter-period periods, which ensure a high level of productivity of animals, it is advisable to consider in the specific conditions of their use. Optimization of reproductive qualities of cows contributes to a fuller realization of their genetic potential in milk productivity. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of the interstitial period, the duration of the service period and the coefficient of reproductive capacity on the milk productivity of the first-born cows of the Ukrainian red-spotted dairy breed. As a result of the conducted researches it is established that milk productivity depends on indicators of reproductive capacity. Hopes for the first lactation increased with the increase in the duration of the service period and the period between I and II calves, as well as with a decrease in the coefficient of reproductive capacity. The probable correlation between the indicators of milk productivity and the reproductive capacity of cows of the Ukrainian red-spotted dairy breed was determined. Studies have shown that with increasing milk yield from 5,000 kg of milk to 7,000 kg and more, the duration between the interstitial period increased from 353,3 to 435 days (P<0,001), the service period – from 75,3 to 141,1 days (P<0,01, P<0,001), correlation coefficients from 0,138 to 0,822 (P<0,001). The obtained results provide an opportunity to develop comprehensive measures to improve the reproduction of cows. In this farm it is recommended to use them when assessing the reproductive capacity of dairy cows.