Exogenous ocitocin and calf presence on performance and milk quality of crossbred cows

Abstract

Milk yield and milk quality were evaluated in ½ holstein/zebu cows, with or without the calf presence or oxytocin injection. It was used eight ½ holstein/zebu cows, multiparous, distributed in two Latin squares (4x4) in factorial scheme (2x2), with or without calf presence, and whith or without oxytocin injection. The milk was analyzed for somatic cells count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC/mL), lactose, total fat, protein, total solids, and no fat dry matter concentration. The animals milked with calves and with ocytocin injection showed a higher milk production. There was no interaction between the effects, and any one of the methods may used for stimulation of aveolar contraction. The calf presence and oxytocin injection during milking results in higher milk production, but no changes in milk quality and composition of ½ holstein/zebu cows.