Abstract:

The aim of this study was to determine the lactation curve shapes and milk yield traits of Holsteins in the scope of TURK-ANAFI dairy cattle breeding development project. Data on 1130 lactation records of 670 Holstein cows being imported from Italy and born in Turkey were the material of the study. Lactation curves for milk yield were estimated by gamma and inverse polynomial functions. The log-transformed gamma (ln(yn)=ln(a)+bln(n)-cn) and inverse polynomial (n/yn= A0 + A1n + A2n²) functions fitted monthly test day milk yields explained 68% and 96% of variation respectively. Analysis of variance indicated significant (P<0.05) effects of breeding region, calving year, calving season, parity, service period and age on the lactation curve and milk production traits. Peak yield and 2X305 day-milk yield were lower in summer calvers, but persistensi was higher in summer and fall calvers. The highest peak and 2X305 day-milk yield were reached in the second and third lactations. Cows that conceived shortly after calving had lower 2X305 day-milk yield. Heritability estimates were ln(a) 0.011, (b) 0.31, (c) 0.164, peak yield 0.067, days to peak 0.033, persistensi (s) 0.071, 2X305 day-milk yield 0.095, A0.085, A1 0.146, A2 0.206. Genetic correlations indicated that selection for faster rate of increase to peak would result in the faster rate of decrease in the milk yield after peak

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