Comparison of machine milk out and calf nursing techniques for estimating milk yield in various two-breed cross range cows

Abstract

Milk yields by machine milk out and calf nursing techniques were estimated monthly from April to August in 24, 3- years-old, two-breed cross cows. Overall, average milk yield estimates were 16 - 18 lb/day by machine milk out and 12.79 lb/day by calf nursing, with a difference of 3.91 lb/day.
The two methods were similar across cow group, however, machine milk out estimates average 27 percent more milk than calf nursing estimates. There is also a correlation between machine milk out and calf average daily gain (ADG) and weaning weight.

Keywords: Milk, cow, Ndama, Muturu, Sokoto Gudali, white fulani