author(s)
Huma Rizwana, Uzma Ibrahim, Muhammad Haroon Baloch, Syed Shahzad Ali, Hina Farhana, Muhammad Naeem Rajput and Syed Shaharyar Ali

abstract
The present study was performed to identify the effect of different milking methods and frequencies on milk yield, composition and health of Holstein Friesian cattle at Government Dairy Farm (GDF) Quetta. Sixteen pure Holstein Friesian cattle breed lactating animals were selected according to their age, body weight and lactation period. They were divided into four groups i.e. A, B, C and D with four cows in each group. Research work was conducted on dry matter in-take (DMIT), milking frequencies, milking practices (both hand and machine milking), animal behavior, milk composition (fats and solids not fats) and cost of milk production aspects in light of factual prevalent rates. Results on group mean values indicated that DMIT in groups A, B, C and D was 16.63±0.53 kg to 16.74±0.55 kg for all experimental animals, out of the total of 38 kgs feed/fodder, daily per cow. As a whole total dry matter in-take depicted 25-26%. The effect of milking frequencies on milk yield was significant. In hand milking the mean values of milk yield in group A and B was 15.5 and 15.72 liters respectively; while machine milking twice 17.38 liters group C or thrice 17.74 liters group D were significantly different (P<0.05) as the machine milked cows thrice give comparatively high production. Percentage of milk fat composition in group averages recorded as 4.14±0.14. These values of hand milking in group B was 3.89±0.07. In group C the mean values were 3.98 ±0.06 and in group D these fat values were 3.95±0.16 respective. Results regarding mean values of milk solid not fats in group A, B, C and D were 9.72% ±0.17, 9.70%±0.05, 9.46%±0.11 and 9.46±0.08 respectively. These results show that practices and frequencies of milking did not have any significant effect on milk yield fats and / or SNF. Cost of milk production (based on cost of green fodder @ Rs. 150/-, Concentrate feed @ Rs 200/-, wheat straw Rs.25/-.With a highest milk production yield 17.74 liters milk fetched Rs. 106.4/- @ Rs. 60/- per liter.