Reproductive Performance of Semi-Intensively Managed Dairy Herd in Zambia

  • Kolawole Odubote Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
  • Mayoba Barbara Moono Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia http://orcid.org/0009-0005-8862-4647
Keywords: Dairy Cattle, Breeds, Milk Production, Calving Interval, Parity, Zambia

Abstract

This study was undertaken to provide empirical evidence for some reproductive performance traits in a dairy herd managed under a semi-intensive production system in Zambia. Milk production and calving records on 106 milking cows were analysed over a 12-year period involving Friesian, Jersey, Friesian x Jersey, Friesian x Simmental and Jersey x Sussex breeds. With an average parity order of 4.4, the average total milk production per lactation, average daily milk production, calving interval, and calving rate were 1,996 ± 493.5Kg, 7.9 ± 2.6Kg, 473.1 ± 138.5 days, and 77.2% respectively. Milk production was significantly higher from mid November to April compared to other months and this corresponds to the significant seasonal effect observed. A significant breed effect was found with total milk yield per lactation and average milk yield. There were significant parity effects on average daily milk production and calving interval. However, there was no significant breed effect on the calving interval. The correlation of average milk yield with calving interval was -0.26, and the parity order with average milk yield was 0.65. Friesian x Jersey crossbred showed heterosis for milk production (48.3%) and calving interval (11.4%). Breeding strategies can, therefore, be targeted at using Jersey x Friesian crossbred for the emergent smallholder farmers

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Published
2024-05-07
How to Cite
1.
Odubote K, Moono M. Reproductive Performance of Semi-Intensively Managed Dairy Herd in Zambia. Journal of Agricultural and Biomedical Sciences [Internet]. 7May2024 [cited 29Jun.2025];7(4). Available from: https://journals.unza.zm/index.php/JABS/article/view/1155
Section
Agriculture Sciences

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