Evaluation of different milking practices for optimum production performance in Sahiwal cows.
The production performance of multiparous lactating Sahiwal cows (n = 24) was evaluated according to both milking frequency and method. Selected animals were randomly divided into four groups containing six animals each under a completely randomized design. Cows in groups A & B were milked by the hand milking method three times per day, respectively. Similarly, cows in groups C & D were milked by the machine milking method two and three times per day, respectively. All animals were maintained under uniform feeding and management conditions. Dry matter intake was high in animal groups milked three times per day, and it remained unchanged between the hand and machine milking methods. Milk yield was higher (P < 0.05) in cows milked three times compared to those milked twice per day, and it did not differ between hand and machine milking methods. Milk fat percentage was higher (P < 0.05) in cows milked twice per day compared to those milked three times using both machine and hand milking methods. The percentage of total solids showed a similar pattern as the fat percentage. However, percentages of protein, lactose, and non-fat solids in milk were not significantly different (P > 0.05) among the treatment groups. Collectively, the results show that milking three times per day instead of twice at 8-hour intervals can enhance milk yield in Sahiwal cows using both hand and machine milking methods.
Department of Livestock Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Naveed
N
Aslam
Department of Livestock Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad
M
Abdullah
Department of Livestock Production and Management, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Murree Road Shamsabad, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Muhammad
M
Fiaz
Department of Livestock Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Jalees Ahmad
JA
Bhatti
Department of Livestock Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Zeeshan Muhammad
ZM
Iqbal
Department of Livestock Management, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences Balochistan, Karachi, Pakistan.
Nasrullah
N
Bangulzai
Department of Animal Resources, International Research Center for Eradication of Poverty and Hunger, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, South Korea.
Chang Weon
CW
Choi
Department of Animal Resources, International Research Center for Eradication of Poverty and Hunger, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, South Korea.
Ik Hwan
IH
Jo
Composition; Machine milking; Milk yield; Milking frequency; Sahiwal cows