Effect of the Calving Season and Zootechnical Parameters on Milk Yield in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Abstract

Data on 275 lactations were collected and analyzed between 1981 and 1991 in Holstein and Jersey breeds and their crosses with Gudali and White Fulani zebus in the western highlands of Cameroon. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the calving season, calving intervals and other zootechnical parameters on milk yield. The following results were obtained: - Milk yield of the Holstein (n = 73) and Jersey (n = 32), although lower than that obtained in their country of origin, was significantly higher than that of the genetic types studied, with the Holstein producing more milk than the Jersey (2508 ± 105 l in 291 ± 10 days vs 1818 ± 137 l in 251 ± 13 days, respectively); - In first generation crosses with the local zebu, the Holstein (n = 52) produced significantly more milk than the Jersey (n = 57). The Holstein x zebu Gudali produced more milk than the Jersey x White Fulani (1940 ±109 l in 270 ± 10 days vs 1550 ± 106 l in 257 ± 10 days, respectively). Milk yield of 3/4 Jersey crossbreds (n = 61) was higher (1774 ± 117 l in 250 ± 11 days); - While the calving year and lactation number significantly affected milk yield, the calving season did not. Investigations on financial profitability and milk composition should be carried out for concrete recommendations.

Keywords

• Bovin
• Croisement
• Production laitière
• Intervalle entre parturitions
• Facteur lié au site
• Numéro de lactation
• Cameroun