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ASSESSMENT OF LACTATION PERFORMANCE OF DAIRY COWS IN GONDAR TOWN

Assefa Adane and Mulugeta Ayalew

This study was conducted in Gondar town and nearby kebeles aiming to assess the overall lactation performances of local and crossbred dairy cows in Gondar town and nearby kebeles and to estimate, lactation yield, daily milk yield, and lactation length of local and cross bred cows.  Both exploratory and diagnostic surveys were used to generate qualitative and quantitative data for the study. Moreover, a rapid survey technique with key informant interview method was used and then after taking inventory of all dairying activities, by using random and purposive sampling technique, 28 households were randomly selected from four kebeles namely,(8,16,18 and 20) those were selected purposively  for formal survey (multipurpose single visit survey method), and the selected members were interviewed using standardized questioner. Details on animals were gathered from owner’s interview based on the prepared and pretested questionnaires. The data were analyzed using ms excel the overall average milk yield per lactation in the study area was estimated to be 1365.6 litters per lactation out of 781.2 litters per lactation (n=46) for local cows and 1950 litters per lactation (n=54) for crossbred cows.  In the study area  considering average lactation length and average lactation yield of local cows, the average estimated daily yield milk off take was 2.8 litters per day for local cows (n=46) and 5.2 per day for crossbred cows (n=54) respectively. Lactation length of local cows (n=46) 9.9 months and 12.15 months for crossbred dairy cows were founded as a result of this study. In conclusion, in the study area intervention measures mainly in the areas of small scale dairy production and milk processing activities  have to be given due consideration to fill the gaps and to attain maximum potential of production and productivity.