Milk yield, composition and their correlated relationships in some selected indigenous breeds of cattle in late wet season of Adamawa state, Nigeria

Abstract

There is need for characterization of performances of cattle breeds in relation to milk yield and composition particularly in Adamawa State where seasonal fluctuations in climatic elements can affect livestock resilience. This study was carried out to evaluate the breed variation in milk yield and composition of some selected breeds of Nigerian indigenous cattle in Adamawa State in the late wet season (August-October). The milk of 20 cows each from four breeds (Bunaji, Rahaji, Adamawa Gudali and Bokoloji) was sampled for milk yield and composition analysis three times within the season. Milk was analysed for its composition. Breed significantly (p<0.05) influenced the milk component evaluated. Bunaji was superior in milk yield (1.92), fat yield (5.73) and total solid non-fat (4.59). Rahaji was superior in phosphorus (410), sodium (61.01) and iron (3.16) while Bokoloji was superior in protein (4.98) and calcium (721). For the correlated relationships between the milk components evaluated in different breeds, there was a significant (p<0.05-0.01; r = -0.89 to 1.00) correlation between milk components except (p>0.05; r = -0.21 to 0.24) within various breeds. Zero relationship existed between milk yield and Fe in Adamawa Gudali (p>0.05; r =0.00) while a perfect relation exists between milk yield and protein yield (p>0.01; r = 1.00) in Rahaji, Adamawa Gudali and Bokoloji and between protein yield and fat yield (p>0.01; r = 1.00) in Bunaji and Bokoloji.For the pooled correlated responses, there was significant (p<0.05-0.01; r = -0.95 to 0.99) relationships between most milk components. It was therefore concluded that Bunaji had the highest milk yield, Bokoloji was best in milk protein and fat contents while Rahaji was best in mineral contents. Also, correlated relationship between milk components should be maximized in formulating a selection programme for improvement of milk in Nigerian indigenous cattle.