The Effect of Dry Period Length on Milk Yield in Early Lactation Period in Anatolian Buffaloes

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of short and long dry period on milk yield in next early lactation period in Anatolian buffalo. The buffaloes (n=64) were assigned to three groups as a short dry period (Group SD; n=17; ≤6 weeks), a normal dry period (Group ND; n=20; 8-10 weeks) and a long dry period (Group LD; n=27; ≥12 weeks). Early lactation milk yields and lactation numbers of all groups were compared statistically. It was observed that there was no difference between SD, ND and LD groups in terms of lactation numbers (p >0.05). The milk yield in the early lactation was lower in the SD group compared to the other groups (p 0.05). However, it was found that the milk yields of the ND and LD groups were similar in the early lactation period. In conclusion, short dry period had a negative effect on milk yield in early lactation period in Anatolian buffaloes. On the other hand, animals with normal and long dry periods had a similar milk yield. However, we think that milk yield should be followed throughout all lactation period for a more precise result.