Effect of parity in different grazing seasons on milk yield and composition of cattle × yak hybrids in the Himalayan alpines

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study assessed the effect of parity in different seasons on the milk yield and composition of lactating cattle × yak hybrids (Dimjo Chauries) in the Nepalese Himalayan alpines. A pasture site typically grazed in summer and autumn was selected at 4200 m.a.s.l. The experimental animals were grouped into 2nd, 4th, and 6th parity groups (n = 18). The pasture characteristics, and milk and body parameters of the animals were measured in both seasons. Parity and season had a significant effect on the body weight of lactating hybrids, and almost constant daily weight gain was observed in 4th parity Chauries. The daily milk yield and fat content were affected by both season and parity, whilst parity did not affect milk protein or lactose content. The highest daily milk yield was obtained from the 6th parity Chauries in summer (3.42 kg day−1) with unchanged fat content, and the lowest (1.46 kg day−1) was from the 2nd parity in autumn. This implies that the older parity cattle × yak hybrids, especially of the 4th parity, are promising for persistently higher milk yield and composition than that of 2nd and 6th parity hybrids.