EFFECT OF LOCATION AND RAINY SEASON INTERPHASE ON MILK YIELD AND COMPOSITION OF BUNAJI COWS IN NIGER STATE, SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of location and rainy season interphase on milk yield and composition of Bunaji cows in Southern Guinea Savanna. The objectives were to determine the milk yield, composition of milk as well as physicochemical properties of milk produced by Bunaji cows under interphase of rainy season. The study was conducted in Niger state between the months of May to October 2023. Three experimental sites: Minna, Lambata and Tafa were selected. Ninety (90) lactating Bunaji (White Fulani) cows were used for the experiment; 30 cows per experimental site. Sample collection was done in three phases: early, mid and late raining seasons which were analyzed for Crude Protein (CP), Ash, Moisture, Fat and physicochemical properties. Results showed that there were significant (P < 0.05) differences in milk yield across all observed parameters, namely, early, mid, and late rainy seasons. Also, there was a significant (P < 0.05) difference in moisture composition, whereas there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in crude protein, ash, fat, and NFE. The study concluded that milk yield, moisture composition and pH of milk produced by Bunaji cows in the study area are affected by rainy season interphase. It was therefore recommended that selective breeding programs focusing on cows from Lambata and Tafa, which produced higher milk yields across all interphases, should be explored and pH levels in cow milk should be constantly monitored and managed by adjusting feeding practices