The effect of season and farm size on the milk parameters of Holstein Friesian cattle

Abstract

The present research examines the influence of the season and the size of the farm on the milk productivity and composition of the Holstein Friesian cow breeds in Hungary. In order to conduct this research, data from 23 farms that practiced automatic milk collection systems were collected during the summer and winter seasons. It is found that the milk productivity, fat, and protein content in milk is reduced during summer because of heat stress. The larger size of the farm positively influences the milk productivity but affects more by heat stress than small farms.