The effect on lactation of the length of the preceding calving interval and its relation to milking capacity, to age and to other factors of influence

Abstract

Herd statistics of cattle in India suggest that for animals of about 3500 lb. yield capacity a calving interval of rather less than a year will give the best results in the following lactation. For cattle whose yield capacity is 6000 lb. an interval of 420 days is desirable while one of less than 335 days is seriously injurious. Study of individual cows and their recorded histories reinforces the above conclusions and also suggests that the interval should be longer in early lactations than in late and progressively longer as the milking capacity increases. It also indicates that unrestricted access to the bull may prevent the real yield capacity of a cow being discovered.