Post-partum milking behaviour and its effect on milk production in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) *

Abstract

The study was conducted on 10 multiparous Murrah bufialoes from day 20 pre-partum to day 30 postpartum at the cattle farm of the institute. Body condition score, milking temperament score, milk letdown time, milking time, milk yield and milking rate for morning and evening on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and thereafter on 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days postpartum were recorded. Expert milker performed hand milking during the study period. Milk letdown time, milk yield, milking time and milking temperament scores varied significantly (P<0.01) on different days of study and no variation was observed between morning and evening milking. Body condition score reduced the slightly restless temperament (P<0.01) of buffaloes, but there was no effect on milking rate. Reduction in milking temperament Score significantly (P<0.05) increased both milk-letdown time and milk yield and there was no effect on milking time and milking rate. Body condition score during milking also significantly (P<0.0 1) improved milk yield at first month of lactation.