Effect of Age at First Calving and Season on First Lactation Milk Yield, Lactation Period and Calves Growth Data in Anatolian Water Buffaloes in Çorum Region

This study was carried out using the data of the National Anatolian Water Buffaloes (AWB) Breeding in Farm Project, which is being carried out in Çorum Region. Data of 292 AWB gave birth between 2019 and 2023 and their calves (n=292) raised in 30 enterprises were used. Age at First Calving (AFC), Lactation Milk Yield (LMY), Lactation Period (LP), Daily Average Milk Yield (DAMY), Calf Birth Weight (CBW), Calf Gender (CG), and Calving Season (CS) were evaluated. The highest milk yield was detected in the buffaloes that were first bred after 50 months while the lowest LMY was observed in buffaloes with AFC less than 38 months (p=0.003). According to data, an increase in milk yield can be expected as AWB get older. Furthermore, the difference between LP and AFC and calving season, sex of calves were not significant. The difference between DAMY and the effect of AFC and CS was statistically significant (p<0.05). While the LMY of the buffaloes with the highest AFC were high, there was a difference between the other two groups. The milk yield of the AFC in summer was significantly lower than in other seasons (p<0.05). AWB with high AFC had high LMY and prolonged lactation period. When AFC was in the summer months, LMY and LP decreased, so arranging calving in the spring can be recommended. In addition, although the effect of first breeding at older ages appears to be positive on CBW, the disadvantage of first breeding at older ages in terms of sustainable herd management should also be considered.