The relation of both body dimentional and body condition score with milk yield in lactating Egyptian buffaloes

Abstract EN

Twenty Egyptian buffaloes were divided into two groups at the end of the first lactation season according to their lactation period (LP).

the first group (G1) was lactated more than seven months (225 days on average) and the second group (G2) was lactated less than seven months (175 days on average).

body measurements were measured three times, at the beginning of the lactation period, after three months of onset lactation and at the beginning of the dry period for each buffalo cow.

the body condition score (BCS) was measured during lactating season.

BCS system was developed using ultrasonographic measurements of body fat reserves.

the average of total milk yield (TMY) was significantly higher in G1 than that in G2 by 36.22% .

the higher shoulder height was recorded in mid lactation period in G1.

there were significant differences between groups in all skeletal check points.

there was a negative correlation between milk yield and chest circle but there was a positive correlation between milk yield and ultra-sonographic fat thickness in lumbar vertebrae and chest.