Milk Offtake Research Articles

Adapting cattle farming to climate change in the dry and sub-humid tropical zones in Benin: how adaptation strategies affect productivity

Cattle farmers are developing adaptation strategies to deal with the effects of climate change. Understanding how adaptation affects livestock productivity is, therefore, essential in order to identify and prioritize the optimal strategies. Yet, few studies have addressed this issue. This study aims to fill the gap, by assessing how the adaptation strategies developed by cattle farmers in Benin affect livestock productivity. We conducted surveys with 360 cattle farmers and monitored 30 farms in Benin’s dry and sub humid tropical zones. We collected data on the socio demographic characteristics of cattle farmers, their adaptation strategies and herd productivity. We carried out a multiple correspondence analysis, followed by an ascending hierarchical classification to establish the typology of the cattle farmers’ adaptation strategies. We tested data on livestock productivity using an analysis of variance with the generalized linear model procedure of R.3.5.1. software. The results revealed three groups of adaptation strategies: integrating livestock with crop production; use of supplemental feeding and fodder crops; pastoral mobility. The choice of strategy significantly affected livestock productivity. Animal mortality rates were lower on farms that adopted supplemental feeding (2.7%), and integrated crop/livestock systems (3.3%), compared to farms with pastoral mobility (5.2%). Supplementary feeding improved calf weights at birth and at 6 months and increased daily milk offtake. Based on the results obtained, we recommend that farmers adopt supplemental feeding and integrated crop/livestock strategies in the study zones to improve herd productivity.

Handling, Processing and Composition of Cow Milk Under Two Traditional Farming Systems in Kebribeyah District of Fafan Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to assess handling, processing & chemical composition of cow milk in Kebribeyah district. The study had a survey and laboratory works. For the survey study, two production systems namely pastoral and agro-pastoral were considered. From each production system, two kebeles were selected purposively based on accessibility and potential of cow milk production. One hundred twenty households were randomly selected from purposively selected kebeles. For the laboratory part, forty samples of cow milk were analysed for chemical composition. The overall average lactation length and daily milk off-take of cow in this study were 256 days and 2.06 litres, respectively. None of the respondents washed the udder of the cow and only 6.7% of the pastoralists and 20% agro-pastoralists wash their hands before milking. Milk handling equipment were mainly plastic materials. Acacia ethaica, B. minimifolia, Blanites galabra and Solanum carense were the most commonly used smoking plant species in the area. The majority of the respondents (85.8%) produced traditional butter (Subag) and few households (10%) produced sour milk (Ciir), while very few (4.2%) households produced traditional cheese (Burcad). However, milk processing in the area is limited to wet season; when there is abundance of fodder. The average values of total solids, fat, protein, lactose and ash were 13.19%, 4.67%, 3.45%, 5.18% and 0.72%, respectively. However, significance differences (P<0.05) were found between pastoral and ago-pastoral production systems in terms of total solids, fat, and protein. The chemical properties of milk samples obtained from pastoral and agro-pastoral areas were within the acceptable standard levels settled by different scholars. In general, milk producers should also be supported with strong extension service by way of introducing improved dairy technologies, improved milk handling and processing equipments. Furthermore, there is a need for further investigations on composition with various farming systems.

Feed use efficiency on small scale dairy farms in the south of rio grande do Sul, Brazil

Types and amounts of feeds used, milk offtake and body weight changes of cows were monitored during 12 months on farms of cash crop and milk producers (CM) and cash crop producers with surplus milk marketing (Cm). The intake of feed dry matter (DM) and crude protein were different between the two production systems across the seasons. On a yearly basis, cows ingested 97.3g DM/kg0.75 and 100.8g DM/kg0.75 per day, consisting to 48% and 64% of forage from pastures, 33% and 17% silage or cut green forage and 18% mix of concentrates and grains on CM and Cm farms, respectively. The yearly body weight change on CM was 4.5kg as compared to 7.0kg on Cm. Daily milk production per cow was 9.8L on CM and 10L on Cm and varied between seasons for both production systems. In both systems, feed intake was below the recommendations for lactating cows, leading to a very low feed use efficiency of 0.78L/kg feed DM on CM and 0.81L/kg feed DM on Cm. It is concluded that more cautious feeding of cows in both systems might increase use efficiency of fodder resources for milk production, and feed intake on both farms should be improved.

English

Dairy farming is an important activity for many urban dwellers in Asia who serves the rapidly increasing milk demand. The major influencing factor that affects animal health, milk production and reproduction and thus overall productivity attributes of dairy animals is efficient feeding and nutritional management. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate existing husbandry practices to optimize feeding and resources use efficiency. During 12 months, data on demographic events, amounts and quality of feeds offered, milk offtake and body weight changes was collected from 15 mixed buffalo and cattle dairy herds in Faisalabad. The 15 studied farms were classified as semi-commercial small-scale mixed (SSM), semi-commercial smallscale dairy (SSD) and commercial small-scale dairy (CSD) producers. The offer of feed dry matter (DM) and crude protein differed (P<0.05) between the three farm types and the four seasons of a year. Daily offtake of fat corrected milk averaged 13.5 and 8.1 liters per buffaloes and cattle, whereby seasonal variations were only observed in buffaloes. Input of feed DM per unit of milk produced was lowest on CSD followed by SSM farms with SSD farms showing least efficient feed use. Similarly, gross margin of selling milk and occasionally live animals was higher on SSM and CSD farms than on SSD farms. It was concluded that more efficient feed utilization and thus higher gross margin from milk production could be achieved by group feeding of buffaloes and cattle, respectively, according to their physiological and productive needs.

Dairy feed efficiency and urbanization – A system approach in the rural-urban interface of Bengaluru, India

Efficient resource use is essential for sustainable dairy production. Urbanization, however, challenges resource availability and thus the feeding strategy of dairy producers living in urbanizing environments. As an emerging megacity, Bengaluru, in Southern India, combines rapid urbanization with a high demand for dairy products. To assess the impacts of urbanization on feeding strategy and resource use efficiency of dairy producers, measured as feed efficiency (milk production divided by feed offered), 28 dairy farms, from four dairy production systems (DPS) coexisting within Bengaluru's rural-urban interface, were monitored at 6-week intervals during one year. Out of the four DPS, one was extensive and found along the whole rural-urban interface (ExtDPS), two were rural and semi-intensive (Semi-ADPS and Semi-BDPS) but differed in the genotypes of dairy cattle kept, and one was rural and intensive (IntDPS). Feed intake and quality, milk offtake and quality, were monitored at each visit. Nutritional requirements of productive dairy cattle were estimated on the basis of production data. Daily intake of dry matter was high in IntDPS, intermediate in Semi-ADPS and Semi-BDPS, and low in ExtDPS, in which dairy producers were mostly landless and did not cultivate forages but relied on market wastes and public grounds for grazing and forage collection. Feed intake in Semi-ADPS, Semi-BDPS and IntDPS resulted in mostly adequate supply or oversupply of metabolizable energy and crude protein, whereas the feeding strategy of ExtDPS lead to mostly adequately supplied to undersupplied cattle. Daily offtake of energy-corrected milk (ECM) was the lowest in one semi-intensive DPS (Semi-ADPS = 8.2 kg cow−1) but, despite a similar feeding strategy, highest in the other semi-intensive DPS (Semi-BDPS = 10.2 kg cow−1) and in IntDPS (10.9 kg cow−1; P < 0.05). Milk offtake corrected for body weight was affected by days-in-milk, daily feed intake, metabolic disorders and temperature-humidity index. Feed efficiency was highest in ExtDPS with 1.0 kg ECM kg−1 dry matter. Average feed efficiency per DPS ranged between 0.7 and 0.9 kg ECM kg−1 dry matter in the three other DPS, despite more intensive feeding strategies. By relying on easily available local resources and grazing, dairy producers in ExtDPS achieved the highest feed efficiency system-wise with minimum inputs in land and labor, while feed resources were wasted in more intensive DPS. Bengaluru's case study indicates that within an urbanizing environment, dairy producers might choose distinctly different feeding strategies that lead to differences in intensification level and resource use efficiency.

Assessment of Livestock Water Productivity in Seno and Yatenga Provinces of Burkina Faso

The expected increase in livestock production to meet its increasing demand could lead to increased water depletion through feeds production. This study aimed at estimating the amount of water depletion through feeds and its corresponding productivity in livestock within the three dominant livestock management systems namely sedentary-intensive, sedentary-extensive, and transhumance in Yatenga and Seno provinces in the Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso. Using a participatory rapid appraisal and individual interview, beneficial animal products, and services were estimated, and consequently, livestock water productivity (LWP) as the ratio of livestock products and services to the amount of water depleted. Our results showed feed resources are mainly natural pasture and crop residues are common in all the management systems though the proportion of each feed type in the feed basket and seasonal preferences varied. Consequently, water depleted for feed production was similar across the systems in both provinces and ranged from 2,500 to 3,200 m−3 ha−1 yr−1. Values for milk (40 US$US$/household) and flock offtake (313 US$/household) derived from the transhumant system were higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than those from other systems in the Seno province. With higher returns from the beneficial outputs, LWP was higher (0.11 US$ m−3) in the transhumant system than other systems in Yatenga, but similar with sedentary-intensive in Seno Province Multiple regression analysis results showed that LWP had a significant positive relationship with flock offtake in Yatenga but milk and flock offtake in Seno. The study concluded that sedentary-intensive and transhumant system with more market-oriented beneficial outputs and much dependence on less-water-depleted feed resources will improve livestock water productivity in dry areas. Besides, interventions to improve livestock water productivity through beneficial outputs must recognize the unique socio-cultural context of the livestock farmers.

The effects of genotype and week of lactation on milk yield, udder dimensions and linear body measurements of non-dairy ewes

One hundred and ninety two records were taken weekly for twenty four (24) weeks from West African Dwarf (WD), the Yankasa (YN) and the West African Dwarf X Yankasa crossbred (XB) sheep. The traits evaluated were milk yield (MK), linear body measurements (LB) such as height at withers, (HT), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), shoulder width (SW), Tail length (TA), Neck length (NL), Neck circumference (NC), Face length (FA), Hind leg length (HL), Foreleg length (FL), Face length (FA), Ear length (EA), Head width (HW) and Rump height (RH) together with the following Udder dimensions (UD): Udder circumference (UC), Teat length (TL) and Teat circumference (TC). There was significant (P&lt;0.05) influence of genotype on MK, WHT, HT, BL, TA, FL, HL, FA, EA and RH. The WD ewes produced more milk than either the YN or XB enes. Average daily milk yield (ml) was 122.25, 90.88 ana 108.8. The YN genotype was superior in all LBs except SW and NC than the WD and XB in the three genotypes. Height at withers was 59.08, 69.21 and 61.81 cm; BL 48.54, 55.08 and 54.49 cm and RH 62.88, 75.11 and 68.46 cm for WD, YN and XB enes respectively. Since milk offtake is related to body weight and some linear body measurements, selection for WT, HG, SW, NL NC, UC and TL in WD ewes could lead to higher milk and mutton production.&#x0D;

Live weight changes during lactation and its relationship with milk off-take and yield in West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto goats intensively managed within the humid zone of Nigeria

This study focused on changes in doe live weight during lactation in West African dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats intensively managed within the humid zone of South-western Nigeria. The data analysed was based on 202 weekly records. from 17 lactations of 8 WAD and 9 RS goats from year 2000-2002. Mean live weight for RS does (21.16+0.34 kg) was higher (P&lt;0.001) than the estimate (18.15+0.34 kg) for WAD does. Live weight decreased (P&gt;0.05) from parturition up to fourth week and increased (P&gt; 0.05) thereafter till the 12th week of lactation. There was no significant interaction between breed and week of lactation. Cumulative mean weight changes of 0.16+4119 kg for WAD and 0.38+0.22 kg for RS were not significantly different, Does had higher (P&lt;0.001) body weights during the late- wet and early-dry seasons than during late-thy and early-wet seasons.. Live weight increased .significantly (P&lt;0.001) with parity of doe, the trend being maintained with regards to cumulative weight change. Does that suckled male kids were less superior in body weights. This was reflected by a negative cumulative weight change. Live weight was positively con-elated with milk yield (rp = 0.24; P&lt;0.05,4 estimated at 270.61+13.48 ml and 281.98+ 13. 17 ml respectively for RS and WAD goats (P&gt;0.05). Corresponding values for milk off-take were (.14.09+3.64 and 16,45+3.56 ml; P&gt;0.05), Milk off-take was lowly correlated with live weight (rp= 0_06; P&gt;0.05) while its relationship with milk yield was positive and significant (rp= 0.40: P&lt;0.001).

Physiological and behavioural responses of Swedish domestic goats and their kids (Capra hircus) to 15 days of heat exposure

ABSTRACT Seven Swedish domestic goats (Capra hircus, 2–3 years) and their kids (37 ± 4 days) were subjected to indoor temperatures above 30°C during 15 days (periods H1–H4; periods without heat C1, C2) to study acclimation. Rectal temperature (RT) increased by 1.1°C during H1 to H3 (P < 0.001 vs. C1), but only by 0.6°C during H4 (P < 0.001 vs. C1; P < 0.024 vs. H1). Respiration rate (RR) increased less during H4 than during H1 (P < 0.001). Skin temperature increased during heat (P < 0.001), and skin evaporation (SE), which differed from C1 to H4 (P < 0.05). Goats increased water intake during heat, resulting in lowered milk osmolality while milk offtake was maintained. Kids' thermoregulatory responses resembled those of the goats. Thus, decreasing RT and RR simultaneously with increasing SE at the end of the heat indicate that goats had started to acclimate.

Performance of traditionally-managed Bunaji (White Fulani) cattle under smallholder dairy production systems in Oyo State, South-West, Nigeria

The remarkable reduction in tsetse fly and its vector trypanosomosis in the South-West zone of Nigeria have led to the development of smallholder dairy production which is predominantly practised by the Fulani agropastoralists in the zone. This study was conducted by the administration of structured questionnaires to farmers in the Derived savannah area of Oyo State in the South-West zone of Nigeria with aim of assessing the performance of traditionally managed Bunaji (White Fulani) cattle in this newly encroached zone by the Fulani pastoralists from the northern parts of the country. The survey showed that milk offtake or partial milk yield (0.6 kg/day), pregnancy rate (53.2%), calving rate (49.5%), calf crop (37.11%) and body condition score (4.3) were low and typical of tropical breeds of cattle. Also, average age at first calving (47.8 months) and calving interval (18.1 months) were on the high side. Majority (80%) of the dams produced their young ones during the wet season while a few ones (20%) calved during the dry season. Diarrhoea (84%), helminthosis (72%) and sand eating (64%) were the major diseases of calves in wet and dry season, respectively; whereas in addition to diarrhoea and sand eating, low milk production (90%) was peculiar to adult cattle in dry season. Calves’ overall mortality was 24.11% with majority (73.77%) occurring during the first week of life; it was higher in wet season (86.89%) compared to the dry season (13.11%). Overall mortality for adult cattle was 5.83% with the mortality, in contrast to the calves’ mortality, being higher in dry season (69.39%) than in wet season (30.61%), and the females (91.84%) more susceptible than the males (8.16%). The results indicate that the performance of traditionally-managed cattle in smallholder dairy production systems in Oyo State, South-West, Nigeria is poor and below their genetic potentials due to poor management.

Review of milk let-down in camels and proposition of a milk recording method.

The aim of this article was to review the milk let-down in camels and to propose a simple milk recording method. Milking of camels generally starts between 1 and 3months postpartum. The udder is stimulated for 0.5 to 2min by either calf suckling or hand massaging to induce the milk let-down. About 40% of daily milk yield is consumed by the calf before and after milking. The best interval between milking is 8-12h. Lactation length is in the range 8-18months, and the mean total milk yield is 1000-4000kg. Peak yield of 4 to 10kg is attained between 2 and 7months post calving, and persistency is greater than 85%. The proposed milk recording method for camels has been adapted from ICAR's procedures. The milking (manual or machine) starts after a suckling period of 1month. Before each milking, the udder is stimulated for 1min, either by calf suckling or by hand massaging. The milk recording interval is 36days. The first test recording must take place within 75days following the end of the suckling period. Milk yield recorded is the milk off-take or milked only. The lactation period corresponds to the milking length. Records are standardized to the reference lactation of 335days. At each recording day, milk yields are recorded and milk samples are collected alternatively at either morning or evening milking. It was concluded that using this method, a sound milk recording database will be built for camels.

Genetic and nongenetic factors affecting on-farm performance of peri-urban dairy cattle in west Africa

Population growth and urbanization lead to an increasing demand for milk in sub-Saharan Africa, but the production potential of the 65.9 million dairy cows in the region is far from being fully exploited to meet this demand. With the aim to support decision-making for breeding and management of dairy cattle in commercial farms, we performed a comparative study of daily milk offtake, chemical composition of milk, prevalence of metabolic disorders, and body weight development of local and crossbred cattle genotypes in peri-urban commercial farms in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. We used data that were collected during regular visits of 7 farms in peri-urban areas of the city over a 16-mo period. Animals belonged to 3 breed groups (123 local zebu, 49 Sahelian crossbred, and 42 European crossbred cows). We applied a mixed model approach to evaluate the genetic and seasonal effects on daily milk offtake, milk composition, and body weight. Nonlinear growth models were fitted to model the body weight development according to genotype, season, and reproductive status of cows. The milk fat-to-milk protein ratio was used to determine the prevalence of ketosis and acidosis. Daily milk offtake from crossbred cows was 3.1- to 4.3-fold higher than from local zebu cows; furthermore, crossbred cows had a higher body weight and maturity rate than local zebu cows. In contrast, no genotype differences were found in milk fat and milk protein percentage and prevalence of ketosis and acidosis. Additionally, seasonal effects suggested that higher production performances could be realized through improved management of dairy cows, particularly in the late dry and rainy season. Improved feeding management could also reduce the risk of metabolic disorders. In summary, production performances of crossbred dairy cows in peri-urban production systems in Burkina Faso are higher as compared with local zebu cows. However, environmental effects suggest that further studies are needed to systematically assess genotype by environment interactions to guide the development of sustainable breeding and management programs for dairy cattle in Burkina Faso.

Productive and economic performance of endemic N’Dama cattle in southern Mali compared to Fulani Zebu and their crossbreds

In recent decades, there has been a rapid shift in livestock breeds used in developing countries, leading to a loss of local genetic resources. The introduction of high-performing livestock breeds might, however, offer opportunities to improve the income of poor livestock keepers. In southern Mali, where cattle play an important role in farmers’ livelihoods, the endemic trypanotolerant N’Dama cattle breed is increasingly being crossbred with the improved Fulani Zebu breed. Thus, the N’Dama cattle face serious threats of genetic erosion, despite their adaptive attributes. This study aims to evaluate and compare the productive and economic performance of endemic N’Dama, Fulani Zebu and their crossbreds in southern Mali in order to assess the comparative advantages of these breed groups for farmers. Data collection methods comprised of interviews with 34, 31, 34 and 61 households keeping N’Dama, crossbreds, Fulani Zebu and mixed herds respectively, and a cow progeny history and body condition scoring (BCS) (n = 770). Data were analyzed using linear mixed models and a non-parametric test. Results on cow individual performances showed a higher body condition for N’Dama compared to Fulani Zebu and crossbred cattle, while cow milk offtake was higher for Fulani Zebu herds. Calving and offtake rates were higher for the Fulani Zebu and crossbred herds. The gross margin/cattle and the benefit-cost ratio were highest in the Fulani Zebu herds, followed by the crossbred herds, whereas the net benefit/cattle, including non-market benefits, such as traction, manure, insurance and home consumption, was similar between the herd categories. The N’Dama cattle remain a valuable breed for subsistence-oriented crop-livestock farmers for whom non-market benefits from cattle play a considerable role. Fulani Zebu and crossbred cattle were the most favorable options for market-oriented local and settled transhumant farmers, given their higher price and increased profitability.

Rendimiento y composición láctea de la cabra Roja de Kalahari y rendimiento de sus cabritos en la zona húmeda

Se estudió el rendimiento y composición de la leche, y rendimiento de los cabritos de la cabra Roja Kalahari en la zona húmeda. Se recogieron datos de veintiséis (26) cabras Rojas de Kalahari durante un periodo de 119 días. La etapa de lactación fue una fuente significativa de variación para la extracción de leche (p

Lait de vache trait dans les petites exploitations familiales du Sahel semi-aride : des rendements faibles mais de grande valeur !

Les volumes de lait de vache traits ont été mesurés tous les quinze jours sur une année chez 300 petits exploitants agro­pastoraux de la zone semi-aride du Sahel, dans la commune de Dantiandou au Niger. Les effectifs de vaches − adultes, en lactation et effectivement traites le matin et/ou le soir − ont été systématiquement enregistrés, ainsi que des informations sur la gestion de la pâture, la supplémentation alimentaire des vaches, et la consommation, la transformation du lait et la vente des produits laitiers. En outre, les carrières de reproduc­tion des 334 vaches ont été documentées par enquête rétros­pective. Le volume moyen par jour d’une traite a été de 0,82 ± 0,45 L. Il n’a pas été significativement différent entre la traite du matin et celle du soir, ni entre les saisons, ni entre les éle­vages. Cependant, les volumes totaux de lait trait par élevage, dont la moyenne annuelle a été de 507 ± 362 L, ont fortement varié en fonction des saisons et des élevages. En moyenne, ils ont été plus élevés dans les élevages des campements peuls récemment sédentarisés (624 ± 377 L) que dans ceux des éle­vages villageois djerma (352 ± 275 L). Cet écart était princi­palement dû à un effectif de vaches plus important dans les campements (7,1 ± 5,3 vs 4,3 ± 4,0), bien que la proportion de vaches en lactation y ait été plus faible (57 %) que dans les troupeaux villageois (73 %). Les résultats ont montré qu’une meilleure gestion par les agroéleveurs des campements avec des traites moins fréquentes, un recours plus fréquent à la pâture de nuit, à la transhumance et à une supplémentation alimentaire régulière ont contribué à améliorer l’état d’en­graissement des vaches et leurs performances reproductives. Malgré ces rendements laitiers modestes, la valeur monétaire du lait trait a représenté 16 % des revenus agricoles et non-agricoles des ménages des campements, et 7 % de ceux des villages. Les produits laitiers étaient largement consacrés à la consommation familiale : 78 % dans les campements et 84 % dans les villages.

Milk processing quality of suckled/milked goats: effects of milk accumulation interval and milking regime

Milk with a high concentration of fat and casein is required for cheese production, and these components have a major impact for both quality and yield of the curd. Recent observations have shown that suckling can elevate milk fat concentration in goats and our aim was therefore to check the hypothesis that animal welfare and cheese-processing properties of goat milk could be optimised by appropriate management of suckled/milked goats. Twelve Swedish dairy goats were kept together with one kid each in 4 different mixed management-systems (milking combined with partial suckling) in a cross-over design. Two milk accumulation intervals were tested; Short = dams and kids were together for 16 h (T16) and Long = ; dams and kids were together for 8 h (T8 h). In addition, two milking regimes were used; Suckled Before Milking = S and Milked Before Suckling = M. Milk accumulation interval referred to how long dams and kids were separated. The milk yield available for processing (milk offtake), was weighed and analysed from each milking occasion and the suckled milk yield was estimated by a weigh-suckle-weigh method (WSW) in combination with observing the suckling behaviour during the free suckling periods. Milking managements, such as 'suckling before milking (S)', increased milk fat concentration compared to milking before suckling (M) and 'Short accumulation treatments (T16)' gave higher milk fat, casein concentration and individual curd yield (%) compared to the 'Long accumulation treatment (T8)'. The total individual curd yield (g) was the same despite treatment, but the animal welfare was most likely higher in T16 where dams and kids spent more time together.

Milking the data: Measuring milk off-take in extensive livestock systems. Experimental evidence from Niger

Milk is an important source of cash and nutrients for many households in developing countries. Yet, our understanding of the role of dairy production in livelihoods and nutritional outcomes is hindered by the lack of decent quality household survey data. Data on milk off-take for human consumption are difficult to collect in household surveys for a number of reasons which make accurate recall challenging for the respondent (continuous production and seasonality among others), introducing possibly severe biases in the computation of full household incomes and farm sales, as well as in the estimation of the contribution of livestock (specifically dairy) production to agricultural value added and the livelihoods of rural households.This paper presents results from a validation exercise implemented in Niger, where alternative survey instruments based on recall methods were administered to randomly selected households, and compared to a 12-month system of physical monitoring and recording of milk production. The results of the exercise show that reasonably accurate estimates via recall methods are possible, and provide a clear ranking of questionnaire design options that can inform future survey operations.

Dairy Productive Potential, Challenges and Production opportunities of Horro and their F1 Jersey Crossbred Cows: A Case of Guduru Livestock Production and Research Center and Its Surroundings, West Oromia, Ethiopia

A survey was conducted on 75 smallholder householders and 205 sample cows selected by random and purposive sampling with the objectives of investigating the challenges, potential and opportunities of production of indigenous Horro and their F1 Jersey cross heifers and cows. The means ± SDs of total farmland, cropland and grazing land holding of individual smallholder householders of the study area was 3.6±3.16, 2.86±2.51 and 0.81±0.89 respectively. The means and SDs of livestock species holdings were 17±11.66, 2.9±3.98, 2.9±4.83, 1.8 ±1.66 and 9.3±8.97 for cattle, sheep, goats, equine and poultry respectively. Breeding method of cattle used was within the proportion of 63.8% and 36.2% for natural mating, and for bull and AI services respectively for on-farm production, while both AI and controlled natural mating were used in the Research Center. The means±SD of NSPC for Horro and their Jersey crossbred heifers was 2.1±1.09 and 1.7±0.94 respectively, where NSPC was significantly influenced by breed of cattle at P&lt;0.05. The overall mean ± SE milk off-take per cow per day for local and crossbred cows were 1.5±0.01 and 5.02±0.12 litres, respectively. Feeding management, breed of animal and site of production significantly influenced milk productivity at P&lt;0.001 both in wet and dry seasons of the year.

Relationships between conformation traits and milk off-take of indigenous cattle breeds in north-western Ethiopia

The phenotypic correlations between selected body conformation traits and milk off-take of three indigenous cattle breeds were evaluated against a backdrop of widespread traditional practice of identifying better milking cows and heifers using these traits. It was conducted in Fogera, Dembia and Wogera districts of northern-western Ethiopia. One-shot exploratory field visits were used to randomly identify sample cattle herds. Data were collected on eight quantitative and six qualitative body conformation traits as well as milk off-take from 126 sample cows. Pearson's correlation coefficients were determined between these traits and milk off-take for large, medium and small categories of navel flap-size categories. Results show that the average daily milk off-take varies significantly between categories of udder size, size of milk vein and neck length mainly not only in Fogera but also in Dembia and Wogera cows. Statistically significant phenotypic correlations exist between all the quantitative conformation traits and milk off-take in the three breeds but the type and strength of these associations are variable, indicating breed specificity of these associations. The significant correlations between width and length of navel flap with milk off-take are consistent with traditional knowledge of farmers of using navel flap size as an indicator of better milk production in these indigenous cows. The negative correlations of milk off-take with dewlap width in both Fogera and Wogera cattle, especially under the large navel flap category, are in agreement with the indigenous knowledge of these communities about these associations. It was therefore concluded that these traditional subjective practices can be improved by introducing convenient ways of objectively measuring these traits and using them in more conclusive and predictable ways.

Optimum use of milk in traditionally managed cattle herds in the tropics

In traditional cattle systems in the tropics, the milk produced is generally shared between the calf and the cattle keeper. This literature review evaluates the socio-economic aspects related to milk production and milk use in traditional cattle systems and identifies the best strategies of milk allocation in order to improve food security and maximise income. The available literature indicates that milk, in terms of economic, social and subsistence value, is more valuable than meat. Thus, under the conditions that characterise traditional cattle systems in the tropics, it is appropriate to have a higher milk offtake at the expense of calf growth. This review also found that certain management practices, such as restricted suckling, can be useful to minimise mortality of calves, while improving milk offtake for human consumption.