Milk yield, milk composition and reproductive performance of Baggara cattle as affected by parity under traditional system, Sudan

This study was conducted to evaluate parity order on milk yield and milk components and calving interval of Baggara cattle as affected by parity in West Kordofan State, Sudan. Forty eight cows were selected from the herd of Baggara cattle. The cows were weighed and divided into four groups A, B, C and D, each group comprised of (12) cows according to parity order, first, second, third and fourth parity. Data were analyzed by using F test for analysis of variance procedures and Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) for mean separation. All cows were raised on natural grazing. The results revealed that parity order significantly (p<0.05) affected daily, monthly and total milk yield. Milk production increased with advance parity. High (p<0.05) milk yield, monthly and daily milk scored by 3rd parities as 668.47 kg, 133.73kg and 4.49kg respectively. Results showed significant differences (p<0.05) between different parities for the milk composition during first and third month of lactation period, with high fat percentages in first month for 2nd parities (6.21) and 3rd parities (6.26) in 3rd month of lactation. The results indicated that calving days to first estrus and days to conceive were significantly (P<0.05) effected by parity number. Shorter days to show estrus was obtained by primiparous cows (56.19 ±8.72 days), also Days to conceive exerted significant (P<0.05) effect parity order. Results showed a significant differences (p<0.05) between different parities order for calving interval, that short days of calving interval scored by primiparous parities (10.04 months) and long days by 4th parities (13.17month). In conclusion, Baggara cows that depended on natural grazing reached its peak milk production in third parity with considered that the main purpose of these animals for meat production.