Análise descritiva do efeito da sazonalidade em vacas leiteiras mestiças

Abstract

Milk production in Brazil has increased significantly in recent years. It is known that cows produce more when they are in their thermal comfort zone and in a good situation of well-being, so it is of great importance to invest in ambience and thermal comfort for cows, as this will reduce of pre and postpartum complications, mastitis, hoof problems, increase in reproductive rates, decrease in the interval between births, among others. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of seasonal conditions on the production and reproduction of crossbred dairy cows managed in a Compost Barn system. Data were collected on a commercial farm located in the municipality of Monte Alegre de Minas - MG, with an average production of 2,290.32 liters of milk/day, in a Compost Barn system. The dairy herd on the farm is made up of crossbred Girolando and Holstein animals. Milking is performed twice a day. Lactating cows are divided into lots according to milk production, days in lactation and quality (SCC – Somatic Cell Count), and the reproductive management of these animals is based on FTAI with semen from Holstein and Girolando bulls, and transfer by natural mating with Senepol PO bull in case of AI failure. The data were evaluated from the history of milk production and the reproductive data of the herd according to the seasons. It was observed that in summer the average monthly milk production was lower and the incidence of retention was higher, and the calving interval was not affected by the seasons. Knowing that seasonality affects the production and reproduction of crossbred dairy cows, it is observed that, in practice, the compost barn management system helps to minimize the effects of seasonality.