Milk Yield Traits of Holstein Cattle Reared at Tahirova State Farm in Balikesir Province in Turkey

Abstract

In this study, effects of environmental factors on milk yield and milk yield characteristics of Holstein cows raised at Tahirova state farm in Balikesir province of Turkey have been investigated. A total of 1302 milk records obtained between 2000 and 2007 were used in this study. As milk yield traits, lactation duration, lactation milk yield, 305 days milk yield and dry period were investigated. Effect of environmental factors on milk yield traits was analyzed by using the least square means method. The least square means for the lactation duration, lactation milk yield, 305 days milk and dry period yield were 331.74 +/- 1.55 days, 7574.39 +/- 55.22 kg, 6810.14 +/- 56.38 kg and 79.47 +/- 0.90 days, respectively. The effects of calving year on lactation duration, lactation milk yield, 305 days milk yield and dry period were much significant (p<0.01). Effect of calving season on lactation duration was significant (p<0.05). Effect calving age on lactation duration and lactation milk yield was significant (p<0.05, p<0.01). The effects parity on lactation duration, lactation milk yield, 305 days milk yield and dry period were significant (p<0.01-0.05). It can be said that Holstein cattle have quite well milk yield and are raised successfully on Tahirova state farm and under conditions of west Anatolia in Turkey. To obtain much higher milk yield in this farm, true selection for milk yield should be done and better feeding, care and management should be done.