The effect of body condition score and its changes score on some productive traits of local jenubi cows

Abstract EN

Thirty two Jenubi cows were used to study the effect of body condition score at drying-off and at calving and its changes on the total milk yield, days of lactation and persistency.

Body condition scoring was carried out according to the East of Scotland College of Agriculture system. Cows were fed a concentrate diet at a daily rate through drying off and lactation period.

Cows were given an access to pasture, in addition to wheat straw as well.

Milk yield recordzed twice a day for each cow.

Complete randomized design (CRD) was used to study the effect of body condition and change in body condition on total milk yield, days of lactation and persistency.

Duncan multiple range test was used to compare the significant differences among means.

Data were analyzed using statistical analysis system (SAS) program . Condition score at drying off showed significant effect (P <0.01) on total milk yield, days of lactation and persistency, but not effect had found on days of lactation.

The change in body condition score from drying-off to calving had no significant effect on total milk yield, days of lactation and persistency.

The overall results would suggest that body condition score would be used as an indikcator productivity of Jenubi cows.