Effect of milking behavior on circulatory hormones and milk production in lactating Murrah buffaloes

Abstract

The effect of milking temperament on plasma hormones, metabolites, milk yield and composition in lactating Murrah buffaloes was studied. Animals were selected from the institute herd and grouped as docile and nervous buffaloes, based on temperament score before and during milking. Blood sampling times were; before milking (-20 min.), after concentrate intake, after teat massage, during milking and 20 min. post-milking. Plasma prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH) and cortisol (CORT) concentrations were measured by enzyme-immunoassay procedures. Milk yields of individual buffaloes were recorded and milk composition (fat, protein, lactose, SNF, SCC) determined. Milk yield was significantly lower (P<0.05) in nervous buffaloes in comparison to docile buffaloes. Mean fat, protein, lactose and SNF varied non-significantly between the groups. Milk SCC and plasma NEFA concentration was more (P<0.05) in nervous buffaloes than in docile buffaloes. Milking temperament significantly influenced plasma PRL (P<0.01) and CORT release (P<0.05) but GH was unaffected. Concentrate feeding prior to milking induced release of plasma PRL and CORT without affecting GH and oxytocin levels. Teat stimulus further enhanced release of PRL, oxytocin and CORT hormone in both the groups. Plasma PRL, cortisol, oxytocin and GH varied significantly (P<0.01) before, during and after milking (P<0.01). Basal PRL, GH and CORT were attained 20 minutes after the completion of milking in both the groups. The results show that the behavior of buffaloes at milking influenced release of galactopoietic hormones (PRL, CORT, GH and oxytocin), milk yield and SCC, while milk fat, protein, lactose and SNF remain unaffected.

Expression of parlour behaviour, temperament, welfare and approach test in postpartum Surti buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

“…The higher serum cortisol concentration in primiparous animals might be attributed to their more agitated behaviour and less tolerance due to inexperience of routine handling as compared to multiparous animals (Mohammad and Abdel-Rahman 2013). Similarly, Singh et al (2016) reported significantly higher serum cortisol concentration in nervous buffaloes in comparison to docile buffaloes as primiparous animals were more aggressive.…”

Current status of assisted reproductive technologies in buffaloes

“…Enhancing PG-based ES with either gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at the time of AI increases the pregnancy rate from 20% to 37% (Atabay et al, 2020). The use of T A B L E 1 Estrus synchronization protocols and results in swamp and riverine buffaloes using luteolytic and luteotropic agents or in combination with other hormones Chantaraprateep et al, 1981;Chirachaikitti et al, 1982;Chantaraprateep et al, 1983;Capitan et al, 1992;Yuan et al, 2008;Sianturi et al, 2012 PG Virakal et al, 1988 Norgestomet + PMSG 45.5 39.13 Virakal et al, 1988 Riverine PG single dose 75.0-100.0 41.5-80.0 Pant & Singh, 1991;Khattab et al, 1996;Ribeiro et al, 1998;Brito et al, 2002 PG double dose 11-12 days apart 25.0-95.0 22.8-83.0 Chohan et al, 1993;Diaz et al, 1994;Singh & Dabas, 1998;Misra et al, 2003;Srivastava, 2005. Norgestomet + E2 60.0-100 30.0-70.0 Phadnis et al, 1994;Patel et al, 2003 Norgestomet + eCG 86.0-97.6 44.6-66.7 Luthra et al, 1994;Malik et al, 2011 Norgestomet + PG 100 45.0-66.7 Utage et al, 2010;Chaudhary et al, 2015 Abbreviations: CIDR, controlled internal drug release; E2, estradiol; eCG, equine chorionic gonadotropin; GnRH, gonadotropin releasing hormone; hCG, human chorionic gonadotropin; PG, prostaglandin; PMSG, pregnant mare serum gonadotropin; PRID, progesterone releasing intravaginal device.…”