Study of Factors Influencing 305-Day Lactation Yield and Lactation Length in Ongole Cattle

This study investigated the effects of season of calving, calving year, and parity number on the 305-day lactation yield and lactation length in Ongole cattle. Results indicated that all three factors had a significant impact on lactation yield, with the highest yield recorded in the rainy season (879±11.5 liters) and the lowest in summer (801±12.3 liters). First parity cows showed the highest yield (869±12.8 liters), while second parity cows had the lowest (813±11.1 liters). Year-wise, the lowest yield was observed in 2017 (774±17.2 liters), with the peak yield in 2018 (951±12.1 liters). Lactation length was also significantly influenced by calving year, season, and parity number. The average lactation length was 298±4.74 days. The winter season had the longest lactation period (303±1.71 days), and the rainy season had the shortest (293±1.62 days). Additionally, lactation length was longest in the first lactation (301±1.8 days) and shortest in the fifth lactation and above (293±1.35 days). Year-wise, 2021 recorded the shortest lactation length (291.0±1.25 days), while 2020 had the longest (313±1.79 days). These results demonstrate the importance of season, year, and parity in influencing lactation yield and length, with implications for breeding and management practices in enhancing the productivity of Ongole cattle.