Characterisation of the Lactation Curve in Pakistani Buffaloes

Extract

The rate of milk secretion in dairy animals displays a trend throughout the lactation period. It increases to a maximum in a few weeks following parturition and decreases thereafter until the animal goes dry.This trend draws a certain curve, namely the lactation curve.The milk yield of a single lactation may be influenced by many factors but the general shape of the lactation curve defined by the locus of weekly yields remains substantially unchanged. It rises rapidly to the peak within a few weeks after calving followed by a more or less gradual decline until the end of lactation.

The analysis of the lactation curve, i.e. the week to week output of milk and trend of increase and decrease in yield with advancement of lactation is important for day to day management and forward planning of dairy herds by reliable forecasting of week by week milk production, seasonal variation and the total milk yield of individual cows or groups of cows.

A number of reports pertaining to dairy cattle have been published but very few studies have been concerned with buffaloes. In most of the countries, the buffaloes have been used for draught purpose but it is in the Indian subcontinent that this animal is seen at its greatest advantage as a source of animal protein, i.e. milk and meat for human consumption.