Behavior of the lactation curve in Holstein cows according to the number of lactations, calving season and in the period from 2017 to 2020, of the "San José" S.A.C -VIRÚ - La Libertad dairy

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the impact of environmental factors, age, and time on the milk production of Holstein cows in the "San José" S.A.C -Virú - La Libertad dairy farm during the period from 2017 to 2020. The behavior of the lactation curve was assessed using the modified Wood curve, based on 274 bi-weekly milk productions. Parameters such as peak lactation, maximum production, lactation persistence, and production adjusted to 305 days were determined from coefficients B0, B1, and B2. The results revealed that a higher number of calvings was associated with higher peak lactation and total production estimated at 305 days. Furthermore, it was observed that, with an increased number of calvings and depending on the calving season, a shorter time to peak lactation was linked to higher maximum production, while a longer time was associated with increased lactation persistence. A direct relationship was also found between the years 2017-2020 and total productions adjusted to 305 days, where a higher peak lactation was associated with greater lactation persistence, and elevated maximum production in liters correlated with a higher total production adjusted to 305 days.