Non-genetic factors affecting milk yield and composition of Holstein-Friesian cows nested within natural ecological regi
Journal Title: Scientific Journal of Animal Science - Year 2013, Vol 2, Issue 5
Abstract
Milk production is affected by genetic and non-genetic factors. Knowledge of these factors is essential for efficient management and accurate estimation of breeding values. The objective of this study was to establish and analyze non-genetic factors which affect milk production and composition in Holstein-Friesian cows. A total of 4 500 milk records from the Zimbabwe Dairy Services Agency (ZDSA) from 1999 to 2004, were used. Natural ecological region, month of calving and year of calving had significant (P<0.05) effect on milk yield, protein and fat composition. Therefore, correction for environmental effects is necessary to increase accuracy of direct selection for milk yield and composition.
Authors and Affiliations
G. B. Nyamushamba| Faculty of Agriculture, Women’s University in Africa, P.O.Box, MP 1222, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe., B. Tavirimirwa*| Department of Research and Specialist Services, Matopos Research Institute P Bag k5137, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe., N. Y. D. Banana| Faculty of Natural Resources Management and Agriculture, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP641
- DOI -
- Views 476
- Downloads 20
Influence of stage of lactation on quantitative and qualitative milk production parameters in goats
Goat lactation is synonymous to an agricultural production function with three distinct production regions namely: early, mid and late lactation. It is characterised by an increase in milk yield in early lactation to a...
Anatomy of the cervix in farahani breed ewes and lambs
The sheep cervix has numerous and divers rings that reduce lambing rates after artificial insemination in sheep. There is high diversity between sheep breeds in cervix structure. In this study we considered the anatomy...
Focus on status and prospects of conservation and sustainable use of indigenous livestock genetic resources in Zimbabwe
This is a review paper that looks at the current status and prospects of conservation of indigenous livestock genetic resources in Zimbabwe. Indigenous livestock genetic resource conservation and sustainable use can co...
Nutrient and cell wall fraction digestibility of growing WAD ewe fed Mexican sunflower leaf meal (MSLM) based diets
After a previous 84-d performance phase on growing WAD ewe, Studies was conducted using sixteen West African dwarf (WAD) ewe-lambs weighing between 17.50 and 17.88kg on a basal diet of Panicum maximum were allotted int...
Influence of age on sperm production's indicators of bulls
The results obtained in the study age dynamics of indicators of sperm production of breeding bulls of black-motley and hill breeds indicate on the Republican Center of livestock breeding JSC "ASIL TYLІK" Akmola Province,...