Effects on Production of Milking Three Times Daily on First Lactation Holsteins and Jerseys in Florida

Abstract

First lactation DHI records of 4293 Holstein and 2143 Jersey cows from 14 herds for 1984 through 1992 in Florida were studied to estimate effects on milk, fat, and protein yields of milking three times daily. Analyses were by derivative-free REML using the animal model. Advantages of milking three times daily for 305 d compared with milking twice daily were 1226 (17.3%), 29 (12.3%), and 19 kg (8.8%) for the milk, fat, and protein yields for Holsteins, respectively, and 284 (6.3%), 13 (6.2%), and 7 kg (4.3%) for Jerseys. Additional research is needed to evaluate effects on other economically important traits such as composition, health, and reproduction. Economic studies are required to determine the efficacy of milking three times daily, especially for Jerseys with their relatively low response. © 1994, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.