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Changes in milk yield and composition at oestrus in dairy cows

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2009

R. Ian Horrell ,
Keith L. Macmillan ,
Ron Kilgour  and
Kaye Bremner
R. Ian Horrell
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, The University, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
Keith L. Macmillan
Affiliation:
Ruakura Animal Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
Ron Kilgour
Affiliation:
Ruakura Animal Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
Kaye Bremner
Affiliation:
Ruakura Animal Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
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Summary

A New Zealand dairy herd of 73 cows was observed at pasture during the breeding season. Individual cow milk yields and composition analyses were obtained before, during and after oestrus. There was an overall reduction in yield at the first, and a rebound enhancement at the second milking after onset of oestrus. Changes in fat content followed the same time course and there was a slight increase in lactose content. Protein and somatic cell content were unaffected. There were considerable individual differences in both the duration and intensity of oestrous behaviour on the one hand, and the extent and timing of the effects on milk production on the other. However no relationship was found between the degree of behavioural excitement shown by a cow in oestrus and its change in milk production.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Dairy Research , Volume 52 , Issue 1 , February 1985 , pp. 9 - 16
Copyright
Copyright © Proprietors of Journal of Dairy Research 1985

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References

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