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A note on lactation curves of dairy cows in Scotland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

D. D. Mainland
Affiliation:
West of Scotland Agricultural College, Auchincruive, Ayr KA6 5HW
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the parameters of the lactation curve of dairy cows in Scotland so as to improve the prediction of milk yield. The data used for deriving the parameters were ‘milk test’ yield values recorded by the Scottish Milk Records Association during a 2-year period. The data were grouped, according to lactation number, breed and area of Scotland, into 27 groups. The data pertaining to each group were then averaged so as to produce by regression analysis a curve for each calving week, lactation number and area. Areas and breeds were found to affect the shape of the lactation curves.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1985

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References

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