The aim of this study was to investigate influence of drying off methods, parity number and stage of lactation
on milk production, composition and some blood plasma parameters by using 27 Holstein-Friesian cows which
divided into three groups (each group contained 9 cows). First group was dried by suddenly stop milking
method, second group dried by irregular milking method and third group dried by the incomplete milking
method in different parities. Total milk production of the next lactation was recorded and also average daily
milk yield during ten months of lactation. Milk and blood samples were taken from all cows every 100 days
during the lactation season to analyze some milk composition and blood plasma parameters. Results showed
that drying off cows by the incomplete milking method before calving gained higher milk production, better milk
composition and blood plasma parameters than other drying off methods but not significantly. Fourth or more
parity cows gained higher milk production, milk composition and blood parameters than other parties. Cows at
the third stage of lactation (last 100 days) had the highest milk composition and blood plasma proteins (total
protein albumin and globulin). In conclusion, incomplete, irregular and sudden stop milking can safely be
recommended as a method for drying off cows producing at least up to 20, 11-20 and ˃10 kg daily, respectively
without negative results in quantity and quality of milk as well as blood plasma parameters. It could be
recommend that using sudden stop method for low lactating cows (less than 10 kg milk/day) and irregular and
incomplete methods for both medium and high lactating cows (11-20 kg and more than 20 kg milk/day, respectively). |
