Season and lactation number effects on milk production and reproduction of dairy cattle in Arizona

Abstract

Records representing 19,266 Holstein cows from Arizona DHIA data over a 5-yr period were analyzed to determine the effects of season and lactation number on milk production and reproduction. Seasons were winter (December, January, and February), spring (March, April, and May), summer (June, July, and August), and fall (September, October, and November). Traits analyzed by least squares ANOVA were 305-d FCM, complete lactation milk, calving interval, and services per conception. All sources of variation were significant except the interaction between lactation number and season of calving for complete lactation milk. Milk production was depressed for cows calving in summer and fall. First lactation cows had lowest milk production, and highest production occurred in either lactation 4 or 5. Cows calving in spring and summer had reduced reproductive performance, as measured by calving interval and services per conception. First lactation cows had lowest values for both reproductive traits. Previous days dry was negatively related to milk production for spring calvings but was positively related for all other seasons. Cows with higher milk production had reduced reproductive performance. Partial regression coefficients for calving interval and services per conception were 12 d and .25 services per conception per 1000 kg of 305-d FCM, respectively. Despite the negative effects of thermal stress, milk production and fertility in this study were not depressed as severely as in previous research reported from Arizona. Calving schedules may be adjusted to minimize the adverse effect of heat stress.