Effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on milk yield and milk constituents in Murrah buffalo

The present study was carried on milk production and milk constituents of 444 lactations of 176 Murrah buffaloes over a period of 10 years from 2001 to 2010 with the objective to find out the effect of various genetic and non-genetic factors on milk yield and milk constituents traits in Murrah buffaloes. Data on total milk yield, milk yield in 305 days or less, lactational average fat per cent and lactational average solid not fat percent (LSA) were collected and compiled purposely and analyzed with suitable statistical tool. Overall least square mean for all lactation traits of total milk yield (TMY), milk yield in 305 days or less (305MY), lactational average fat % (LFA) and lactational average solid not fat % (LSA) were 2253.88 +/- 70.15 Kg, 2097.11 +/- 59.12 Kg, 7.97 +/- 0.02 % and 9.64 +/- 0.01 % respectively. The period has significant effect on milk yield and milk constituent traits. Sire and parity affects significantly to TMY and 305MY, however, seasons were affecting to TMY only. Hence it is concluded as milk constituents (LFA and LSA) not affected by sire, parity and season. Although, sire and parity has affect on TMY and 305MY whereas season affects only TMY, therefore, due importance should be given to sire and parity during selection and genetic improvement of Murrah buffalo. Analysis among the parities also revealed that there were no significant (p >= 0.05) difference among the second, third and fourth parity hence, at the time of selection second lactation (305MY) milk yield is equally important as fourth lactation in which highest milk yield has been reported in present study.