Variation in milk constituents during different parity and seasons in Murrah buffaloes

Abstract

The characteristics of lactation curves and effect of lactation stage, parity and season on milk yield and level of its constituents were investigated in 100 buffaloes varying from parities 1 to 7 at institute farm. Average lactation length overall experimental animals was 323 days. Milk yield,% fat, protein and lactose varied from 4.3 to 9.5 kg, 7.19±0.04 to 8.63±0.07g%, 3.46±0.01 to 3.56 g% and 4.36 to 4.60% respectively. Effect of lactation stage on milk yield, milk fat and lactose content was significant. Milk protein did not vary significantly over the stages of lactation. Lactose increased significantly up to sixth month of lactation, however, change in milk lactose content was not significant thereafter. Milk yield declined significantly during late stage of lactation with a significant concomitant increase in milk fat. Content of milk protein and lactose remained the least variable milk constituents. The study revealed that trend in variation of milk yield and major milk constituents during entire lactation in buffaloes was comparable with cows. Level of milk yield in buffaloes decreased by 9% during hot and humid months due to summer stress and increased by 10.6% during winter in present study. Milk fat level decreased and protein content increased significantly during winter. Milk fat and protein levels were more in advance parities indicating significant effect of parity on milk composition. Data on levels of milk constituents varying over the lactation stages and parities in buffaloes were important phenotype indices for developing genomic selection programme in buffaloes.