Milk production and quality of Holstein cows in function of the season and calving order

Abstract

It was aimed to evaluate the effect of the lactation order and calving season on milk production and quality of Holstein’s cows. The lactation order had a significant effect on milk production and score of somatic cells (SSC), without affecting fat and protein content. Cows of 3rd and 4th lactation were more productive due to the complete development of the mammary gland and corporal growth. SSC rose with the increase of the lactation number due to the contact with pathological agents as the animals had a more advanced age. Lactations that begin in the spring presented the smallest milk production (Kg/cow/day) because of the heat stress that these animals suffered in the lactation pick, with damage of milk production of this lactation. SSC, the fat and protein content did not vary in function of the calving season. Lactation order and calving season caused variation in the milk production, being important the use of strategies to minimize the heat stress mainly in the lactation pick. Larger careful should be taken with cows starting from 4th lactation, because these present a higher SSC, and the heat stress can favor the mastitis occurrence.