Water Resources and Dry Matter Production for Livestock in Northern Nigeria

Résumé

A total of 141 lactation records from 70 F, Friesian d x Bunaji & cattle maintained at the National Veterinary Research Institute's dairy farin, Vom, from 1970 - 1975 was utilized. Measurements were made of milk production traits of economic importance, Average milk yield was 1694 kg in 258 days. Mean 305 - day yield was 1896 kg. The third and fourth lactations were superior to the first and second (P <0.05). Differences in lactation lengths were small (P >0.05). Peak production occurred at the fourth lacta tion when animals were 67 months old. Age at first calving averaged 29.7 months. Mean dry period and calving intervals were 64 and 331 days respectively. First calvers were non-significantly more persistent than older cows (P >0.05). Management practices essential for increased milk production and shorter calving intervals were suggested.