https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4
Physicochemical characterization of milk in 5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu
crossbred cows in tropical Mexico
Caracterización fisicoquímica de la leche de vacas mestizas 5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Cebú en la región
tropical de México
Caracterização físico-química do leite de vacas mestiças 5/8 Holandesa × 3/8 Zebu na região
tropical de México
Guadalupe Domínguez-Peregrino1 ; Roberto González-Garduño1* ; Diego Otoniel Ortiz-Pérez2 .
1Unidad Regional Universitaria Sur Sureste. Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Tabasco, México.
2Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus II, Extensión Pichucalco. Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Pichucalco. Chiapas,
México.
To cite this article:
Domínguez-Peregrino G, González-Garduño R, Ortíz-Pérez DO. Physicochemical characterization of milk in 5/8 Holstein ×
3/8 Zebu crossbred cows in tropical Mexico. Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2):88–100. https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.
v37n2a4
Abstract
Background: Milk price depends on the concentration of milk components, which are influenced by several factors.
Objective: To determine the effect of cow intrinsic variables on the physicochemical composition of raw milk in a dual-
purpose production system. Methods: Twenty-five 5/8 Holstein-Friesian × 3/8 Zebu (5/8H3/8Z) lactating cows aged 5-10
years and 1-6 births were selected. Body condition score (BCS) and milk production were recorded. Milk samples were
taken throughout lactation from each cow at mid-milking every eight days. Milk composition analysis was carried out using
an automatic Lacticheck equipment. Results: Average daily milk production per cow was 4.10 L, with 1.03 g/cm3 density,
32.70 g/L fat, 34.50 g/L protein, 50.20 g/L lactose, 91.30 g/L non-fat solids, and 127.00 g/L total solids. The BCS influenced
milk composition (p<0.01). Cows with higher BCS (>3.25) showed greater density, protein and lactose, while BCS between
2.00 to 2.50 positively affected fat content (39.20 g/L). Elder cows had increased milk production. In early lactation, milk
production was the highest with less fat percentage. Conclusion: Although cow production per day is low, milk composition
from 5/8H3/8Z cows complies with the standards established in the Mexican norm and is considered to be of good quality.
Keywords: body condition; cattle; cows; crossbred; dual-purpose; lactation; milk composition; milk yield; quality.
Received: March 13, 2023. Accepted: September 20, 2023
1* Corresponding author. Km. 7.5 Carr. Teapa.V Guerrero, Teapa, Tabasco, México. Tel: +52 9361005321. E-mail: rgonzalezg@
chapingo.mx
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted reuse,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
eISSN: 2256-2958 Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2, Apr-Jun):88–100
© 2024 Universidad de Antioquia. Publicado por Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia.
Physicochemical characterization of milk in 5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu
crossbred cows in tropical Mexico
Caracterización fisicoquímica de la leche de vacas mestizas 5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Cebú en la región
tropical de México
Caracterização físico-química do leite de vacas mestiças 5/8 Holandesa × 3/8 Zebu na região
tropical de México
Guadalupe Domínguez-Peregrino1 ; Roberto González-Garduño1* ; Diego Otoniel Ortiz-Pérez2 .
1Unidad Regional Universitaria Sur Sureste. Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Tabasco, México.
2Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus II, Extensión Pichucalco. Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Pichucalco. Chiapas,
México.
To cite this article:
Domínguez-Peregrino G, González-Garduño R, Ortíz-Pérez DO. Physicochemical characterization of milk in 5/8 Holstein ×
3/8 Zebu crossbred cows in tropical Mexico. Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2):88–100. https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.
v37n2a4
Abstract
Background: Milk price depends on the concentration of milk components, which are influenced by several factors.
Objective: To determine the effect of cow intrinsic variables on the physicochemical composition of raw milk in a dual-
purpose production system. Methods: Twenty-five 5/8 Holstein-Friesian × 3/8 Zebu (5/8H3/8Z) lactating cows aged 5-10
years and 1-6 births were selected. Body condition score (BCS) and milk production were recorded. Milk samples were
taken throughout lactation from each cow at mid-milking every eight days. Milk composition analysis was carried out using
an automatic Lacticheck equipment. Results: Average daily milk production per cow was 4.10 L, with 1.03 g/cm3 density,
32.70 g/L fat, 34.50 g/L protein, 50.20 g/L lactose, 91.30 g/L non-fat solids, and 127.00 g/L total solids. The BCS influenced
milk composition (p<0.01). Cows with higher BCS (>3.25) showed greater density, protein and lactose, while BCS between
2.00 to 2.50 positively affected fat content (39.20 g/L). Elder cows had increased milk production. In early lactation, milk
production was the highest with less fat percentage. Conclusion: Although cow production per day is low, milk composition
from 5/8H3/8Z cows complies with the standards established in the Mexican norm and is considered to be of good quality.
Keywords: body condition; cattle; cows; crossbred; dual-purpose; lactation; milk composition; milk yield; quality.
Received: March 13, 2023. Accepted: September 20, 2023
1* Corresponding author. Km. 7.5 Carr. Teapa.V Guerrero, Teapa, Tabasco, México. Tel: +52 9361005321. E-mail: rgonzalezg@
chapingo.mx
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted reuse,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
eISSN: 2256-2958 Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2, Apr-Jun):88–100
© 2024 Universidad de Antioquia. Publicado por Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia.
89Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2, Apr-Jun):88–100
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Resumen
Antecedentes: El precio de la leche cruda depende de la concentración de sus componentes físico-químicos, los cuales están
influenciados por varios factores. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de variables intrínsecas de las vacas sobre la composición
fisicoquímica de la leche cruda en un sistema de producción de doble propósito. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 25 vacas 5/8
Holstein-Friesian × 3/8 Cebú (5/8H3/8Z) lactantes, con edades entre 5 a 10 años y con 1 a 6 partos. Se registró la condición
corporal (BCS) y la producción de leche. Se tomaron muestras de leche de cada vaca durante toda la lactancia a la mitad del
ordeño y cada ocho días. El análisis de la leche para determinar la composición se realizó con un equipo automático Lacticheck.
Resultados: La producción promedio de leche fue de 4,10 L por vaca por día, con una densidad de 1,03 g/cm3, 32,70 g/L
grasa, 34,50 g/L proteína, 50,20 g/L lactosa, 91,30 g/L sólidos no grasos y 127,00 g/L de sólidos totales. La BCS influyó en
la composición de la leche (p<0,01). Las vacas con mayor BCS (>3,25) mostraron una mayor densidad y mejor proteína y
lactosa, mientras que una BCS de 2,00 a 2,50 solo afectó positivamente el contenido de grasa (39,20 g/L). Las vacas más viejas
tuvieron mayor producción de leche. En la lactancia temprana, la producción de leche fue más alta con menos porcentaje de
grasa. Conclusión: Aunque la producción diaria por vaca es baja, la composición de la leche de vacas 5/8H3/8Z cumple con
los estándares establecidos en la norma mexicana, y se considera de buena calidad.
Palabras clave: composición de la leche; calidad; condición corporal; cruce; doble propósito; ganado; lactancia;
producción láctea; vacas.
Resumo
Antecedentes: O preço do leite cru depende da concentração de seus componentes físico-químicos, que são influenciados
por diversos fatores. Objetivo: Determinar o efeito de variáveis intrínsecas das vacas sobre a composição físico-química do
leite cru em um sistema de duplo propósito. Métodos: Foram selecionadas 25 vacas em lactação 5/8 Holandês-Frísia × 3/8
Zebu (5/8H3/8Z) de 5 a 10 anos de idade e 1 a 6 nascimentos. O escore de condição corporal (BCS) e a produção de leite
foram registrados. Amostras de leite foram coletadas durante toda a lactação de cada vaca no meio da ordenha a cada oito
dias. A análise do leite para determinação da composição foi realizada em equipamento automático Lacticheck. Resultados:
A produção média de leite foi de 4,1 L por vaca por dia, com densidade de 1,03 g/cm3 32,70 g/L de gordura, 34,50 g/L de
proteína, 50,20 g/L de lactose, 91,30 g/L de sólidos não gordos e 127,00 g/L de sólidos totais. BCS influenciou a composição
do leite (p<0,01). Vacas com maior BCS (>3,25) apresentaram maior densidade, proteína e lactose, enquanto um BCS de 2,00
a 2,50 afetou positivamente apenas o teor de gordura (39,20 g/L). As vacas mais velhas tiveram maior produção de leite. No
início da lactação, a produção de leite foi maior com menor percentual de gordura. Conclusão: Embora a produção por vaca
por dia tenha sido baixa, a composição do leite das vacas 5/8H3/8Z atendeu aos padrões estabelecidos na norma mexicana e é
considerada de boa qualidade.
Palavras-chave: composição do leite; condição corporal; cruzando; dupla finalidade; gado; lactação; produção de
laticínios; qualidade; vacas.
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Resumen
Antecedentes: El precio de la leche cruda depende de la concentración de sus componentes físico-químicos, los cuales están
influenciados por varios factores. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de variables intrínsecas de las vacas sobre la composición
fisicoquímica de la leche cruda en un sistema de producción de doble propósito. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 25 vacas 5/8
Holstein-Friesian × 3/8 Cebú (5/8H3/8Z) lactantes, con edades entre 5 a 10 años y con 1 a 6 partos. Se registró la condición
corporal (BCS) y la producción de leche. Se tomaron muestras de leche de cada vaca durante toda la lactancia a la mitad del
ordeño y cada ocho días. El análisis de la leche para determinar la composición se realizó con un equipo automático Lacticheck.
Resultados: La producción promedio de leche fue de 4,10 L por vaca por día, con una densidad de 1,03 g/cm3, 32,70 g/L
grasa, 34,50 g/L proteína, 50,20 g/L lactosa, 91,30 g/L sólidos no grasos y 127,00 g/L de sólidos totales. La BCS influyó en
la composición de la leche (p<0,01). Las vacas con mayor BCS (>3,25) mostraron una mayor densidad y mejor proteína y
lactosa, mientras que una BCS de 2,00 a 2,50 solo afectó positivamente el contenido de grasa (39,20 g/L). Las vacas más viejas
tuvieron mayor producción de leche. En la lactancia temprana, la producción de leche fue más alta con menos porcentaje de
grasa. Conclusión: Aunque la producción diaria por vaca es baja, la composición de la leche de vacas 5/8H3/8Z cumple con
los estándares establecidos en la norma mexicana, y se considera de buena calidad.
Palabras clave: composición de la leche; calidad; condición corporal; cruce; doble propósito; ganado; lactancia;
producción láctea; vacas.
Resumo
Antecedentes: O preço do leite cru depende da concentração de seus componentes físico-químicos, que são influenciados
por diversos fatores. Objetivo: Determinar o efeito de variáveis intrínsecas das vacas sobre a composição físico-química do
leite cru em um sistema de duplo propósito. Métodos: Foram selecionadas 25 vacas em lactação 5/8 Holandês-Frísia × 3/8
Zebu (5/8H3/8Z) de 5 a 10 anos de idade e 1 a 6 nascimentos. O escore de condição corporal (BCS) e a produção de leite
foram registrados. Amostras de leite foram coletadas durante toda a lactação de cada vaca no meio da ordenha a cada oito
dias. A análise do leite para determinação da composição foi realizada em equipamento automático Lacticheck. Resultados:
A produção média de leite foi de 4,1 L por vaca por dia, com densidade de 1,03 g/cm3 32,70 g/L de gordura, 34,50 g/L de
proteína, 50,20 g/L de lactose, 91,30 g/L de sólidos não gordos e 127,00 g/L de sólidos totais. BCS influenciou a composição
do leite (p<0,01). Vacas com maior BCS (>3,25) apresentaram maior densidade, proteína e lactose, enquanto um BCS de 2,00
a 2,50 afetou positivamente apenas o teor de gordura (39,20 g/L). As vacas mais velhas tiveram maior produção de leite. No
início da lactação, a produção de leite foi maior com menor percentual de gordura. Conclusão: Embora a produção por vaca
por dia tenha sido baixa, a composição do leite das vacas 5/8H3/8Z atendeu aos padrões estabelecidos na norma mexicana e é
considerada de boa qualidade.
Palavras-chave: composição do leite; condição corporal; cruzando; dupla finalidade; gado; lactação; produção de
laticínios; qualidade; vacas.
Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2, Apr-Jun):88–10090
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Introduction
Cattle raising in Mexico provides animal protein
products such as meat and milk. During 2021, cow
milk and meat production amounted to 12.8 billion
L and up to 2.1 million tons, respectively (SIAP,
2021). Livestock in the Mexican tropic contributed
35% of the meat and 16% of the milk consumed in
the country (Arieta-Román, 2020).
Beef and dairy farms in tropical Mexico are
characterized by low performance due to inefficient
technologies, poor nutritional management, breed
miscegenation, climatic conditions, and cattle
difficulties to adapt to the environment (Vite
et al., 2015). Although interactions between
environmental, genetic and social factors are
important for livestock productivity (Rangel et al.,
2020), cattle production is flexible and can change
from milk to meat production (calf) through the
seasons (Cuevas-Reyes and Rosales-Nieto, 2018).
Milk price is affected by quality, measured as
physicochemical composition and microbiological
concentration (Contero-Callay et al., 2021). Milk
quality parameters are defined by standards
and regulations for raw milk. The NMX-F-
700-COFOCALEC-2012 is the Mexican norm
currently used to assess milk quality according to
good production practices. The minimum values
for protein, fat and density at 15 °C are 30 g/L, 30
g/L and 1,03 g/cm3, respectively.
The Mexican legislation establishes incentive
payments at LICONSA'S collection centers
for exceeding milk composition standards.
Nevertheless, the factors that determine milk
composition in the tropical region of Mexico
are little known due to low demand for quality
standards in the local market. As few collection
centers are established in southeastern Mexico the
farmers depend on cheese makers, who do not pay
bonusses for milk quality (Ortiz-Hernández et al.,
2016).
Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine
the effect of intrinsic variables of dairy cows on
the physicochemical composition of raw milk in a
dual-purpose production system under the humid
conditions of tropical Mexico.
Materials and Methods
Ethical considerations
This project was approved by the general
direction of research and graduate studies of
Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Mexico,
and procedures were performed according to
Mexican norm NOM-051-ZOO-1995 on humane
treatment during transportation of animals.
Location
The study was conducted at the experimental
farm of Unidad Regional Universitaria
Sursureste, belonging to Universidad Autónoma
Chapingo in Teapa, Tabasco state, Mexico. It
is geographically located between 17° 31’ 30'”
N and 92° 55’ 46'” W, and 80 m above sea
level. The climate is warm humid, with 3,816
mm average rainfall and 26 ºC average annual
temperature (CONAGUA, 2023). The soils are
of sedimentary origin: limestone, sandstone
and shale-sandstone. The types of soil in the
municipality are: Acrisol, Gleysol, Regosol,
Leptosol, Cambisol and Phaeozem (INEGI,
2017).
Animal handling
Twenty-five 5/8 Holstein-Friesian × 3/8
Zebu (5/8H3/8Z) lactating cows 5 to 10 years-
old with 1 to 6 births were selected. The cows
resulted from rotational cross with zebu breeds
such as Brahaman and Gyr, and the line has
been maintained with Gyr-Holando bulls locally
purchased. Feeding was based on rotational
grazing in five paddocks with 60 days rest and
15 days occupation in pastures of Urochloa
decumbens (3 Ha), mombaza (Megathyrsus
maximus, 3 Ha), and Paspalum notatum and P.
conjugatum (6 Ha). The botanical composition
corresponds to 66% improved pastures mixed
with naturalized species. The management of
the paddocks consisted of manual weeding
and, in some cases, chemical control of shrubs.
A stocking rate of two heads per hectare was
used. Cows received 50 g of salt per day, with no
additional supplementation, and with free access
to water.
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Introduction
Cattle raising in Mexico provides animal protein
products such as meat and milk. During 2021, cow
milk and meat production amounted to 12.8 billion
L and up to 2.1 million tons, respectively (SIAP,
2021). Livestock in the Mexican tropic contributed
35% of the meat and 16% of the milk consumed in
the country (Arieta-Román, 2020).
Beef and dairy farms in tropical Mexico are
characterized by low performance due to inefficient
technologies, poor nutritional management, breed
miscegenation, climatic conditions, and cattle
difficulties to adapt to the environment (Vite
et al., 2015). Although interactions between
environmental, genetic and social factors are
important for livestock productivity (Rangel et al.,
2020), cattle production is flexible and can change
from milk to meat production (calf) through the
seasons (Cuevas-Reyes and Rosales-Nieto, 2018).
Milk price is affected by quality, measured as
physicochemical composition and microbiological
concentration (Contero-Callay et al., 2021). Milk
quality parameters are defined by standards
and regulations for raw milk. The NMX-F-
700-COFOCALEC-2012 is the Mexican norm
currently used to assess milk quality according to
good production practices. The minimum values
for protein, fat and density at 15 °C are 30 g/L, 30
g/L and 1,03 g/cm3, respectively.
The Mexican legislation establishes incentive
payments at LICONSA'S collection centers
for exceeding milk composition standards.
Nevertheless, the factors that determine milk
composition in the tropical region of Mexico
are little known due to low demand for quality
standards in the local market. As few collection
centers are established in southeastern Mexico the
farmers depend on cheese makers, who do not pay
bonusses for milk quality (Ortiz-Hernández et al.,
2016).
Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine
the effect of intrinsic variables of dairy cows on
the physicochemical composition of raw milk in a
dual-purpose production system under the humid
conditions of tropical Mexico.
Materials and Methods
Ethical considerations
This project was approved by the general
direction of research and graduate studies of
Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Mexico,
and procedures were performed according to
Mexican norm NOM-051-ZOO-1995 on humane
treatment during transportation of animals.
Location
The study was conducted at the experimental
farm of Unidad Regional Universitaria
Sursureste, belonging to Universidad Autónoma
Chapingo in Teapa, Tabasco state, Mexico. It
is geographically located between 17° 31’ 30'”
N and 92° 55’ 46'” W, and 80 m above sea
level. The climate is warm humid, with 3,816
mm average rainfall and 26 ºC average annual
temperature (CONAGUA, 2023). The soils are
of sedimentary origin: limestone, sandstone
and shale-sandstone. The types of soil in the
municipality are: Acrisol, Gleysol, Regosol,
Leptosol, Cambisol and Phaeozem (INEGI,
2017).
Animal handling
Twenty-five 5/8 Holstein-Friesian × 3/8
Zebu (5/8H3/8Z) lactating cows 5 to 10 years-
old with 1 to 6 births were selected. The cows
resulted from rotational cross with zebu breeds
such as Brahaman and Gyr, and the line has
been maintained with Gyr-Holando bulls locally
purchased. Feeding was based on rotational
grazing in five paddocks with 60 days rest and
15 days occupation in pastures of Urochloa
decumbens (3 Ha), mombaza (Megathyrsus
maximus, 3 Ha), and Paspalum notatum and P.
conjugatum (6 Ha). The botanical composition
corresponds to 66% improved pastures mixed
with naturalized species. The management of
the paddocks consisted of manual weeding
and, in some cases, chemical control of shrubs.
A stocking rate of two heads per hectare was
used. Cows received 50 g of salt per day, with no
additional supplementation, and with free access
to water.
91Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2, Apr-Jun):88–100
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Cows were selected from a herd of 100
animals at the beginning of lactation to have the
closest records between lactations. In addition,
calving dates were used to adjust lactation length
(in weeks) and have uniformity in the data.
Mechanical milking was conducted once a day,
in the mornings, with oxytocin injection (2 ml;
Aranda Laboratories, Santiago de Querétaro,
Mexico) to achieve milk letdown. Only three
teats were milked, leaving one teat left to nurse
the calf. Subsequently, cows were placed on
pasture while calves locked in a corral and fed
forage and concentrate.
Sampling and laboratory analysis
The study was conducted during the rainy and
cold season from September 2019 to February
2020. One milk sample (50 ml) was taken every
eight days during 6 months from each cow at
mid-milking to ensure an average quality of milk.
Once the sample was obtained, it was transported
in conical tubes with thread from the farm to the
animal nutrition laboratory of the University,
located less than 1 km away, for immediate
physicochemical analysis.
Lactation was divided into three stages, in
a similar way to that indicated by Briñez et
al. (2003). The stages were as follows: early
lactation (from 1 to 90 days), mid lactation (from
91 to 180 days), and late lactation (from 181 days
onwards).
Milk composition
Milk composition was determined immedi-
ately after samples arrived at the laboratory using
a Lacticheck automatic analyzer (Page & Peder-
sen®, Massachusetts, USA). The samples were
heated in a water bath at 35°C, then homogenized
with a magnetic stirrer and, finally, analyzed to
obtain fat (%), density (g/cm3), protein (%), lac-
tose (%), and water (%).
Milk quality classification
The reference values to determine milk quality
were taken in accordance with the Mexican Stan-
dard NMX-F-700-COFOCALEC-2012, which
establishes three categories in relation to fat and
protein contents.
a) Class A: must contain more than 32.00 g
fat/l and more than 31.00 g protein/l.
b) Class B: a minimum of 31.00 g fat/l and
30.00 to 30.90 g protein/l.
c) Class C: a minimum of 30.00 g fat/l and
28.00 to 28.90 g protein/l.
Body condition score (BCS) and age
The BCS was evaluated every 15 days by the
same person using a scale of 1 to 5 according
to the methodology proposed by Ferguson et
al. (1994). To analyze age, cows were grouped
considering three stages: young, intermediate
and old cows, and age groups were 4-6 years (5
years), 7-9 years (8 years), and 10-11 years (10
years).
Statistical analysis
An analysis of variance was performed using
the GLM procedure of SAS (SAS, 2017) and
the comparison between means was made with
Tukey’s test. The independent variables were
body condition, age, lactation stage, and lactation
week nested into stage. The statistical model used
was as followss:
Yijklm = μ + ςi + λj + φk + π(φ)l(k) + ςi* λj
+ ςi*φk + ςi*π(φ)l(k) + λj*φk + λj*π(φ)l(k) +
ξijklm
Where:
Yijklm = Response variable
μ = General mean
ςi = ith effect of BCS
λj = jth effect of cow age
φk = kth effect of lactation stage
π(φ)l(k)= lth effect of week nested in lactation
stage
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Cows were selected from a herd of 100
animals at the beginning of lactation to have the
closest records between lactations. In addition,
calving dates were used to adjust lactation length
(in weeks) and have uniformity in the data.
Mechanical milking was conducted once a day,
in the mornings, with oxytocin injection (2 ml;
Aranda Laboratories, Santiago de Querétaro,
Mexico) to achieve milk letdown. Only three
teats were milked, leaving one teat left to nurse
the calf. Subsequently, cows were placed on
pasture while calves locked in a corral and fed
forage and concentrate.
Sampling and laboratory analysis
The study was conducted during the rainy and
cold season from September 2019 to February
2020. One milk sample (50 ml) was taken every
eight days during 6 months from each cow at
mid-milking to ensure an average quality of milk.
Once the sample was obtained, it was transported
in conical tubes with thread from the farm to the
animal nutrition laboratory of the University,
located less than 1 km away, for immediate
physicochemical analysis.
Lactation was divided into three stages, in
a similar way to that indicated by Briñez et
al. (2003). The stages were as follows: early
lactation (from 1 to 90 days), mid lactation (from
91 to 180 days), and late lactation (from 181 days
onwards).
Milk composition
Milk composition was determined immedi-
ately after samples arrived at the laboratory using
a Lacticheck automatic analyzer (Page & Peder-
sen®, Massachusetts, USA). The samples were
heated in a water bath at 35°C, then homogenized
with a magnetic stirrer and, finally, analyzed to
obtain fat (%), density (g/cm3), protein (%), lac-
tose (%), and water (%).
Milk quality classification
The reference values to determine milk quality
were taken in accordance with the Mexican Stan-
dard NMX-F-700-COFOCALEC-2012, which
establishes three categories in relation to fat and
protein contents.
a) Class A: must contain more than 32.00 g
fat/l and more than 31.00 g protein/l.
b) Class B: a minimum of 31.00 g fat/l and
30.00 to 30.90 g protein/l.
c) Class C: a minimum of 30.00 g fat/l and
28.00 to 28.90 g protein/l.
Body condition score (BCS) and age
The BCS was evaluated every 15 days by the
same person using a scale of 1 to 5 according
to the methodology proposed by Ferguson et
al. (1994). To analyze age, cows were grouped
considering three stages: young, intermediate
and old cows, and age groups were 4-6 years (5
years), 7-9 years (8 years), and 10-11 years (10
years).
Statistical analysis
An analysis of variance was performed using
the GLM procedure of SAS (SAS, 2017) and
the comparison between means was made with
Tukey’s test. The independent variables were
body condition, age, lactation stage, and lactation
week nested into stage. The statistical model used
was as followss:
Yijklm = μ + ςi + λj + φk + π(φ)l(k) + ςi* λj
+ ςi*φk + ςi*π(φ)l(k) + λj*φk + λj*π(φ)l(k) +
ξijklm
Where:
Yijklm = Response variable
μ = General mean
ςi = ith effect of BCS
λj = jth effect of cow age
φk = kth effect of lactation stage
π(φ)l(k)= lth effect of week nested in lactation
stage
Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2, Apr-Jun):88–10092
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
ςi* λj = Interaction of BCS and age
ςi*φk= Interaction of BCS with lactation stage
ςi* π(φ)l(k) = Interaction of BCS and week
nested in lactation stage
λj*φk = Interaction of age and lactation stage
λj*π(φ)l(k) = Interaction of age with week
nested in lactation stage
ξijklm = random error
Results
Raw milk composition
Physicochemical composition of raw
milk is presented in Table 1. The average
content for all components was within
normal values indicated in the raw milk
quality control standards manual according to
Mexican norm NMX-F-700-COFOCALEC
-2012 (SEDESOL, 2007). In accordance with
the Mexican Standard, raw milk corresponds
to class A and is considered of good quality.
Milk production per cow
The average milk production was 4.1 L per
cow per day. The highest yields occurred during
the first stage (first 13 weeks) followed by a
gradual reduction. At the beginning of lactation,
5.7 L of milk per cow per day were obtained.
However, no peak of lactation was observed
(Figure 1).
Body condition score and milk composition
The BCS affected milk composition (p<0.01).
Cows with BCS >3.25 produced milk with the
Table 1. Chemical composition of raw milk from 5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu crossbreed cows in tropical Mexico.
Composition Density Fat Protein Lactose NFS TS
(g/cm3) (g/L) (g/L) (g/L) (g/L) (g/L)
Raw milk 1.03 32.70 34.50 50.20 91.30 127.00
Reference values* 1.03 30.00 30.00 43.00 100.00 130.00
NFS: Non-fat solids. TS: Total solids. *NMX-F-700-COFOCALEC (SEDESOL, 2007).
Figure 1. Daily milk production per week in dual-purpose cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu) under the humid warm
weather conditions of tropical Mexico.
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
ςi* λj = Interaction of BCS and age
ςi*φk= Interaction of BCS with lactation stage
ςi* π(φ)l(k) = Interaction of BCS and week
nested in lactation stage
λj*φk = Interaction of age and lactation stage
λj*π(φ)l(k) = Interaction of age with week
nested in lactation stage
ξijklm = random error
Results
Raw milk composition
Physicochemical composition of raw
milk is presented in Table 1. The average
content for all components was within
normal values indicated in the raw milk
quality control standards manual according to
Mexican norm NMX-F-700-COFOCALEC
-2012 (SEDESOL, 2007). In accordance with
the Mexican Standard, raw milk corresponds
to class A and is considered of good quality.
Milk production per cow
The average milk production was 4.1 L per
cow per day. The highest yields occurred during
the first stage (first 13 weeks) followed by a
gradual reduction. At the beginning of lactation,
5.7 L of milk per cow per day were obtained.
However, no peak of lactation was observed
(Figure 1).
Body condition score and milk composition
The BCS affected milk composition (p<0.01).
Cows with BCS >3.25 produced milk with the
Table 1. Chemical composition of raw milk from 5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu crossbreed cows in tropical Mexico.
Composition Density Fat Protein Lactose NFS TS
(g/cm3) (g/L) (g/L) (g/L) (g/L) (g/L)
Raw milk 1.03 32.70 34.50 50.20 91.30 127.00
Reference values* 1.03 30.00 30.00 43.00 100.00 130.00
NFS: Non-fat solids. TS: Total solids. *NMX-F-700-COFOCALEC (SEDESOL, 2007).
Figure 1. Daily milk production per week in dual-purpose cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu) under the humid warm
weather conditions of tropical Mexico.
93Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2, Apr-Jun):88–100
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Table 2. Effect of body condition score (BCS) on milk composition of dual-purpose cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu)
in tropical Mexico.
Variable Body condition score
≥2.00 to <2.50 ≥2.50 to <3.25 ≥3.25
Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD p
Production (kg) 3.90b 1.79 4.37a 1.54 3.60b 1.86 0.004
Density (g/cm3) 1.031c 0.004 1.033b 0.003 1.034a 0.003 0.001
Fat (g/L) 39.20a 3.07 29.40b 2.58 23.60b 1.60 0.01
Protein (g/L) 34.10a 3.60 34.60a 3.20 35.40a 2.50 0.07
lactose (g/L) 49.40b 5.50 50.50ba 4.50 51.90a 3.80 0.02
NFS (g/L) 90.40a 9.60 91.50a 10.50 94.40a 6.60 0.10
TS (g/L) 132.50a 35.00 124.00ba 29.70 120.90b 20.40 0.002
NFS: Non-fat solids. TS: Total solids. SD: Standard deviation. Means within rows with different superscript letters (a, b) are
significantly different (p<0.05).
highest density, protein, and lactose, while cows
with low BCS (2.0–2.50 points) produced milk
with more fat content. This same BCS favored
increased percentage of total solids in milk
(Table 2). Total solids in milk increased along
with the fat content, while the non-fat solids
decreased.
Age in milk composition
Milk composition was significantly affected by
age of cows (p<0.01). The highest values of fat,
protein, and lactose in milk occurred in 5-years-
old cows, but their milk production was lower
than the obtained by 10-years-old cows, without
differences with 8-years-old cows. The elder
cows had the highest milk production and its
composition did not differ from the obtained in the
8-years-old cows (Table 3).
Lactation stage and milk composition
Lactation stage had an important effect on milk
production and composition (p<0.01). A gradual
decrease in production was observed as lactation
stage advanced. In this sense, all milk components
had similar behavior during the first 25 weeks of
lactation, while they showed the highest values in
late lactation, highlighting highest fat and protein
content with a mean of 41.00 g/L and 35.80 g/L,
respectively. As milk production decreased,
the percentages of milk composition increased
(Table 4).
Table 3. Milk production and composition of dual-purpose cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu) in tropical Mexico.
Variable Age
5 years 8 years 10 years
Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD p
Production (kg) 4.02b 2.32 3.93b 1.36 4.40a 1.69 0.001
Density (g/cm3) 1.03a 0.004 1.03a 0.004 1.03a 0.003 0.07
Fat (g/L) 42.00a 3.38 28.40b 2.21 33.40b 2.95 0.001
Protein (g/L) 36.40a 4.00 34.00b 2.90 34.20b 3.30 0.001
Lactose (g/L) 52.70a 5.50 49.50b 4.60 49.80b 4.60 0.004
NFS (g/L) 95.20a 15.60 90.50b 8.00 90.50b 7.90 0.009
TS (g/L) 141.10a 39.90 121.80b 24.40 126.60b 32.90 0.001
NFS: Non-fat solids. TS: Total solids. SD: Standard deviation. Means within rows with different superscript letters (a, b) are
significantly different (p<0.05).
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Table 2. Effect of body condition score (BCS) on milk composition of dual-purpose cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu)
in tropical Mexico.
Variable Body condition score
≥2.00 to <2.50 ≥2.50 to <3.25 ≥3.25
Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD p
Production (kg) 3.90b 1.79 4.37a 1.54 3.60b 1.86 0.004
Density (g/cm3) 1.031c 0.004 1.033b 0.003 1.034a 0.003 0.001
Fat (g/L) 39.20a 3.07 29.40b 2.58 23.60b 1.60 0.01
Protein (g/L) 34.10a 3.60 34.60a 3.20 35.40a 2.50 0.07
lactose (g/L) 49.40b 5.50 50.50ba 4.50 51.90a 3.80 0.02
NFS (g/L) 90.40a 9.60 91.50a 10.50 94.40a 6.60 0.10
TS (g/L) 132.50a 35.00 124.00ba 29.70 120.90b 20.40 0.002
NFS: Non-fat solids. TS: Total solids. SD: Standard deviation. Means within rows with different superscript letters (a, b) are
significantly different (p<0.05).
highest density, protein, and lactose, while cows
with low BCS (2.0–2.50 points) produced milk
with more fat content. This same BCS favored
increased percentage of total solids in milk
(Table 2). Total solids in milk increased along
with the fat content, while the non-fat solids
decreased.
Age in milk composition
Milk composition was significantly affected by
age of cows (p<0.01). The highest values of fat,
protein, and lactose in milk occurred in 5-years-
old cows, but their milk production was lower
than the obtained by 10-years-old cows, without
differences with 8-years-old cows. The elder
cows had the highest milk production and its
composition did not differ from the obtained in the
8-years-old cows (Table 3).
Lactation stage and milk composition
Lactation stage had an important effect on milk
production and composition (p<0.01). A gradual
decrease in production was observed as lactation
stage advanced. In this sense, all milk components
had similar behavior during the first 25 weeks of
lactation, while they showed the highest values in
late lactation, highlighting highest fat and protein
content with a mean of 41.00 g/L and 35.80 g/L,
respectively. As milk production decreased,
the percentages of milk composition increased
(Table 4).
Table 3. Milk production and composition of dual-purpose cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu) in tropical Mexico.
Variable Age
5 years 8 years 10 years
Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD p
Production (kg) 4.02b 2.32 3.93b 1.36 4.40a 1.69 0.001
Density (g/cm3) 1.03a 0.004 1.03a 0.004 1.03a 0.003 0.07
Fat (g/L) 42.00a 3.38 28.40b 2.21 33.40b 2.95 0.001
Protein (g/L) 36.40a 4.00 34.00b 2.90 34.20b 3.30 0.001
Lactose (g/L) 52.70a 5.50 49.50b 4.60 49.80b 4.60 0.004
NFS (g/L) 95.20a 15.60 90.50b 8.00 90.50b 7.90 0.009
TS (g/L) 141.10a 39.90 121.80b 24.40 126.60b 32.90 0.001
NFS: Non-fat solids. TS: Total solids. SD: Standard deviation. Means within rows with different superscript letters (a, b) are
significantly different (p<0.05).
Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2, Apr-Jun):88–10094
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Table 4. Effect of lactation stage on milk production and its composition in dual-purpose cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8
Zebu) in tropical Mexico.
Variable Lactation stage
Early Middle Late
Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD p
Production (kg) 5.06a 1.33 4.48b 1.55 3.51c 1.68 0.001
Density (g/cm3) 1.031b 0.003 1.032b 0.003 1.033a 0.004 0.001
Fat (g/L) 25.90b 2.60 23.60b 2.02 41.00a 2.98 0.001
Protein (g/L) 32.80b 1.90 33.50b 2.70 35.80a 3.70 0.001
Lactose (g/L) 47.90b 2.60 49.00b 3.60 51.90a 5.50 0.001
NFS (g/L) 86.10b 11.40 88.80b 6.40 95.00a 9.70 0.001
TS (g/L) 116.00b 28.00 115.20b 20.80 138.80a 34.00 0.001
NFS: Non-fat solids. TS: Total solids. SD: Standard deviation. Means within rows with different superscript letters (a, b) are
significantly different (p<0.05).
Interactions
Among the interactions indicated in the
statistical model, the week nested in lactation stage
was not significant, nor was the age associated
with week nested in lactation stage, except in milk
production. The interaction of BCS and week
nested in lactation stage was also not significant.
Interaction between age and lactation stage
The age with lactation stage affected most of
the variables (Figure 2), observing that 5-year-
old females had the highest production of milk
components in late lactation.
Interaction between body condition score
and age
The 5 and 10-years-old cows had the highest
amount of fat in the 2.00 to 2.50 BCS, so total
solids were higher than in the other categories
(Figure 3).
Interaction between age, week, and lactation
stage and milk production
During the early and mid-lactation, the high-
est and more stable production was found in cows
older than 10 years. While young cows (5 years-
old) showed a marked decrease from week 30 of
lactation, they produced higher volumes in the first
weeks. The 8-years-old cows started with an aver-
age production of 5 L per cow per day during early
lactation and presented a very high drop in produc-
tion, ending with an average of 2 L (Figure 4).
Discussion
Milk production from dual-purpose cows (5/8
Holstein × 3/8 Zebu) in the present study was
comparable to that obtained in similar climatic
conditions in Mexico, such as La Frailesca,
Chiapas, where production was around 4.96-12.2
L per cow per day (Camacho-Vera et al., 2021).
Also, under similar climatic conditions in Cuba
with Mambí bovines (3/4 Holstein × ¼ Zebu),
an average milk production of 4.49 kg was
obtained during 1991-2006, indicating that the
genotype-environment interaction was very
important (Hernández et al., 2012). Also, in
Colombia, a production of 12 L was observed
in specialized Holstein-Friesian cows, while in
dual-purpose cows, milk production was 3-5 L
per day (Carulla and Ortega, 2016). However,
values higher than 9 L per cow per day were
also reported in a Holstein × Gyr cross in
Juárez, Chiapas (Peralta-Torres et al., 2021).
Under other climatic, feeding, and management
conditions in Northwestern Mexico, production
from Holstein-Friesian cows reached 15-33 L
per cow per day (Anzures-Olvera et al., 2015).
In this case the cows received 4 kg of pelleted
commercial concentrate and alfalfa hay, which
results in great difference in milk production
compared to that obtained in the tropics of
Mexico.
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Table 4. Effect of lactation stage on milk production and its composition in dual-purpose cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8
Zebu) in tropical Mexico.
Variable Lactation stage
Early Middle Late
Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD p
Production (kg) 5.06a 1.33 4.48b 1.55 3.51c 1.68 0.001
Density (g/cm3) 1.031b 0.003 1.032b 0.003 1.033a 0.004 0.001
Fat (g/L) 25.90b 2.60 23.60b 2.02 41.00a 2.98 0.001
Protein (g/L) 32.80b 1.90 33.50b 2.70 35.80a 3.70 0.001
Lactose (g/L) 47.90b 2.60 49.00b 3.60 51.90a 5.50 0.001
NFS (g/L) 86.10b 11.40 88.80b 6.40 95.00a 9.70 0.001
TS (g/L) 116.00b 28.00 115.20b 20.80 138.80a 34.00 0.001
NFS: Non-fat solids. TS: Total solids. SD: Standard deviation. Means within rows with different superscript letters (a, b) are
significantly different (p<0.05).
Interactions
Among the interactions indicated in the
statistical model, the week nested in lactation stage
was not significant, nor was the age associated
with week nested in lactation stage, except in milk
production. The interaction of BCS and week
nested in lactation stage was also not significant.
Interaction between age and lactation stage
The age with lactation stage affected most of
the variables (Figure 2), observing that 5-year-
old females had the highest production of milk
components in late lactation.
Interaction between body condition score
and age
The 5 and 10-years-old cows had the highest
amount of fat in the 2.00 to 2.50 BCS, so total
solids were higher than in the other categories
(Figure 3).
Interaction between age, week, and lactation
stage and milk production
During the early and mid-lactation, the high-
est and more stable production was found in cows
older than 10 years. While young cows (5 years-
old) showed a marked decrease from week 30 of
lactation, they produced higher volumes in the first
weeks. The 8-years-old cows started with an aver-
age production of 5 L per cow per day during early
lactation and presented a very high drop in produc-
tion, ending with an average of 2 L (Figure 4).
Discussion
Milk production from dual-purpose cows (5/8
Holstein × 3/8 Zebu) in the present study was
comparable to that obtained in similar climatic
conditions in Mexico, such as La Frailesca,
Chiapas, where production was around 4.96-12.2
L per cow per day (Camacho-Vera et al., 2021).
Also, under similar climatic conditions in Cuba
with Mambí bovines (3/4 Holstein × ¼ Zebu),
an average milk production of 4.49 kg was
obtained during 1991-2006, indicating that the
genotype-environment interaction was very
important (Hernández et al., 2012). Also, in
Colombia, a production of 12 L was observed
in specialized Holstein-Friesian cows, while in
dual-purpose cows, milk production was 3-5 L
per day (Carulla and Ortega, 2016). However,
values higher than 9 L per cow per day were
also reported in a Holstein × Gyr cross in
Juárez, Chiapas (Peralta-Torres et al., 2021).
Under other climatic, feeding, and management
conditions in Northwestern Mexico, production
from Holstein-Friesian cows reached 15-33 L
per cow per day (Anzures-Olvera et al., 2015).
In this case the cows received 4 kg of pelleted
commercial concentrate and alfalfa hay, which
results in great difference in milk production
compared to that obtained in the tropics of
Mexico.
95Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2, Apr-Jun):88–100
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Figure 2. Milk composition per age and physiological stage of dual-purpose cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu) under
humid warm weather conditions of tropical Mexico.
Figure 3. Milk composition per age and body condition score of dual-purpose cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu)
under humid warm weather conditions of tropical Mexico.
Similar to the present study, high milk
production is related with low concentration of
fat and protein, as evidenced in Holstein cows
(Lainé et al., 2017). For dual-purpose cows with
low milk production, as in the present study, the
concentration of milk components is greater than
the official standard. This opens up an opportunity
in Holstein × Zebu breeds to obtain milk with
high in protein and lactose, with a higher yield
for cheese making (Pretto et al., 2013).
The variation in protein percentage (3.14 to
3.55%) reported in various studies (Mendes-
Costa et al., 2020; Ignatieva and Nemtseva,
2020) is similar to that of the present study
with Holstein × Zebu cows (3.25-3.50%). This
behavior was also found in Holstein × Zebu cows
in Brazil (Lima et al., 2021), and it results from
the interaction of multiple factors. The general
trends indicate that variation in milk protein can
be attributed to breed, cattle management, and
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Figure 2. Milk composition per age and physiological stage of dual-purpose cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu) under
humid warm weather conditions of tropical Mexico.
Figure 3. Milk composition per age and body condition score of dual-purpose cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu)
under humid warm weather conditions of tropical Mexico.
Similar to the present study, high milk
production is related with low concentration of
fat and protein, as evidenced in Holstein cows
(Lainé et al., 2017). For dual-purpose cows with
low milk production, as in the present study, the
concentration of milk components is greater than
the official standard. This opens up an opportunity
in Holstein × Zebu breeds to obtain milk with
high in protein and lactose, with a higher yield
for cheese making (Pretto et al., 2013).
The variation in protein percentage (3.14 to
3.55%) reported in various studies (Mendes-
Costa et al., 2020; Ignatieva and Nemtseva,
2020) is similar to that of the present study
with Holstein × Zebu cows (3.25-3.50%). This
behavior was also found in Holstein × Zebu cows
in Brazil (Lima et al., 2021), and it results from
the interaction of multiple factors. The general
trends indicate that variation in milk protein can
be attributed to breed, cattle management, and
Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2, Apr-Jun):88–10096
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
mainly diet affects the chemical composition
of milk (Moreira-Santiago et al., 2019). In this
study protein percentage was affected by cow
age, BCS, and stage of lactation.
Fat content in milk is important because
several organoleptic traits of cheese depend
on this component, so high fat percentage is
required to provide a specific aroma and flavor
(Nudda et al., 2014). The main factors involved
in fat percentage are breed, lactation stage,
genetics, and diet. Diet is especially relevant
when comparing concentrate and pasture-based
feeding systems (Schwendel et al., 2015). In
the present study, the results found percentages
slightly lower than those reported by Cervantes
Escoto et al. (2013) for fat content.
The recommended BCS of cows must be
between 2.75-3.0, because as BCS decreases,
milk protein decreases (Bewley and Schutz,
2008). High BCS coincides with high percentage
of milk protein, similar to indicated in a study
with a Holstein × Gyr cross (dos Santos et al.,
2019). The BCS is positively correlated with fat
and protein contents, while negatively with milk
production. Milk production steadily declined
beyond four months postpartum, while BCS
showed initial decrease followed by a slight
increase similar to that indicated in the literature
(Mushtaq et al., 2009).
The higher fat production observed in lean
cows compared to the fat ones (Table 2) is
attributed to the higher dry matter intake by
leaner cows (Bewley and Schutz, 2008). Cows
that are in low body condition in early lactation
produce more milk with higher concentration
of fat and protein, although a negative effect
is later observed. Therefore, cows should be in
good BCS during the dry period (Singh et al.,
2020). The BCS alone (by itself), taken at any
time of lactation, does not properly represent
the changes in milk components, so it must be
analyzed according to lactation stage.
Age, together with calving number, is an
indicator of maturity, so several studies show
an increase in milk production as cows reach
physiological maturity. This behavior has been
observed in dual-purpose crossbred cows
(Briñez et al., 2008). The 10-years-old cows
had the highest milk production, but total solid
contents decreased. Young cows in production
have not finished body development, so they
first meet maintenance and growth requirements
Figure 4. Milk production of dual-purpose (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu) cows by age and lactation stage in tropical
Mexico.
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
mainly diet affects the chemical composition
of milk (Moreira-Santiago et al., 2019). In this
study protein percentage was affected by cow
age, BCS, and stage of lactation.
Fat content in milk is important because
several organoleptic traits of cheese depend
on this component, so high fat percentage is
required to provide a specific aroma and flavor
(Nudda et al., 2014). The main factors involved
in fat percentage are breed, lactation stage,
genetics, and diet. Diet is especially relevant
when comparing concentrate and pasture-based
feeding systems (Schwendel et al., 2015). In
the present study, the results found percentages
slightly lower than those reported by Cervantes
Escoto et al. (2013) for fat content.
The recommended BCS of cows must be
between 2.75-3.0, because as BCS decreases,
milk protein decreases (Bewley and Schutz,
2008). High BCS coincides with high percentage
of milk protein, similar to indicated in a study
with a Holstein × Gyr cross (dos Santos et al.,
2019). The BCS is positively correlated with fat
and protein contents, while negatively with milk
production. Milk production steadily declined
beyond four months postpartum, while BCS
showed initial decrease followed by a slight
increase similar to that indicated in the literature
(Mushtaq et al., 2009).
The higher fat production observed in lean
cows compared to the fat ones (Table 2) is
attributed to the higher dry matter intake by
leaner cows (Bewley and Schutz, 2008). Cows
that are in low body condition in early lactation
produce more milk with higher concentration
of fat and protein, although a negative effect
is later observed. Therefore, cows should be in
good BCS during the dry period (Singh et al.,
2020). The BCS alone (by itself), taken at any
time of lactation, does not properly represent
the changes in milk components, so it must be
analyzed according to lactation stage.
Age, together with calving number, is an
indicator of maturity, so several studies show
an increase in milk production as cows reach
physiological maturity. This behavior has been
observed in dual-purpose crossbred cows
(Briñez et al., 2008). The 10-years-old cows
had the highest milk production, but total solid
contents decreased. Young cows in production
have not finished body development, so they
first meet maintenance and growth requirements
Figure 4. Milk production of dual-purpose (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu) cows by age and lactation stage in tropical
Mexico.
97Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2, Apr-Jun):88–100
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
and later those of production, which is why they
produce less milk (Briñez et al., 2008).
Lactation stage has an influence on milk
production (Vijayakumar et al., 2017) and
main milk components. In the present study,
very notable differences were observed in all
components between early and late lactation,
but no difference was observed between early
and mid-lactation. In general, all components
increased at the end of lactation, while the
opposite was observed with milk production
with lowest production in late lactation. Similar
results have been obtained with Holstein cows
in Belgium showing the effect of physiological
stage on fat and protein (Lainé et al., 2017).
In the present study, a reduction in milk
production was observed as days of lactation
increased with a descending line. This is
commonly observed in dairy cows (Ferro
et al., 2022); although in the present study the
reduction was gradual because milk production
was low; therefore, reducing from 0.044 to 0.074
L per week, while reduction of lactation curves
in specialized dairy breeds reaches 0.054 L
per day (0.378 L per week; Pollot, 2000). This
behavior was probably due to low dairy potential
of the cross, which was also affected by the
environmental conditions of Mexican tropic
and farm management (Arce-Recinos et al.,
2017). In a herd of Siboney cattle (5/8 Holstein
× 3/8 Cuban Zebu), the maximum daily milk
production per cow reached 4.9 kg with curves
similar to those presented with the Wood and
Wilmink modelling (Palacios-Espinosa et al.,
2016). A similar situation occurred in Colombia
with Gyr cattle (Ferro et al., 2022).
Average content of all milk components
(density, fat, protein, lactose, non-fat solids,
and total solids) was found within the values
indicated in the average quality control of raw
milk and considered of good physicochemical
quality. Mexican legislation establishes a
minimum content of 3.0% fat and 11.5% total
solids; these two parameters were exceeded in
this study, which is explained by the low milk
yield, similar to those of the region (Arce-
Recinos et al., 2017), which favors the highest
concentration of fat and protein.
As a conclusion, lactation stage and cow
age affect milk production and composition in
5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu crossbred cows. The
highest production occurs in 10 years-old cows.
In addition, at early lactation, milk production is
higher but has lower fat content and total solids
than in late lactation. Milk components were
considered of good physicochemical quality
according to the Mexican legislation for raw milk.
Declarations
Funding
This study was funded by Dirección General
de Investigación y Postgrado of Universidad
Autónoma Chapingo. Mexico (20357-C-92).
Conflicts of interest
The authors declare they have no conflicts of
interest with regard to the work presented in this
report.
Author contributions
Domínguez-Peregrino designed the experi-
ment, wrote the manuscript and carried out the
experiment. González-Garduño performed the
statistical analysis and wrote the manuscript.
Ortíz-Pérez edited and reviewed the manuscript.
Use of artificial intelligence (AI)
No AI or AI-assisted technologies were used
during the preparation of this work.
References
Anzures-Olvera F, Macías-Cruz U, Álvarez-
Valenzuela F, Correa-Calderón A, Díaz-Molina
R, Hernández-Rivera J, Avendaño-Reyes L.
Efecto de época del año (verano vs. invierno)
en variables fisiológicas, producción de leche y
capacidad antioxidante de vacas Holstein en una
zona árida del noroeste de México. Arch Med Vet
2015; 47(1):15–20. https://doi.org/10.4067/s0301-
732x2015000100004
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
and later those of production, which is why they
produce less milk (Briñez et al., 2008).
Lactation stage has an influence on milk
production (Vijayakumar et al., 2017) and
main milk components. In the present study,
very notable differences were observed in all
components between early and late lactation,
but no difference was observed between early
and mid-lactation. In general, all components
increased at the end of lactation, while the
opposite was observed with milk production
with lowest production in late lactation. Similar
results have been obtained with Holstein cows
in Belgium showing the effect of physiological
stage on fat and protein (Lainé et al., 2017).
In the present study, a reduction in milk
production was observed as days of lactation
increased with a descending line. This is
commonly observed in dairy cows (Ferro
et al., 2022); although in the present study the
reduction was gradual because milk production
was low; therefore, reducing from 0.044 to 0.074
L per week, while reduction of lactation curves
in specialized dairy breeds reaches 0.054 L
per day (0.378 L per week; Pollot, 2000). This
behavior was probably due to low dairy potential
of the cross, which was also affected by the
environmental conditions of Mexican tropic
and farm management (Arce-Recinos et al.,
2017). In a herd of Siboney cattle (5/8 Holstein
× 3/8 Cuban Zebu), the maximum daily milk
production per cow reached 4.9 kg with curves
similar to those presented with the Wood and
Wilmink modelling (Palacios-Espinosa et al.,
2016). A similar situation occurred in Colombia
with Gyr cattle (Ferro et al., 2022).
Average content of all milk components
(density, fat, protein, lactose, non-fat solids,
and total solids) was found within the values
indicated in the average quality control of raw
milk and considered of good physicochemical
quality. Mexican legislation establishes a
minimum content of 3.0% fat and 11.5% total
solids; these two parameters were exceeded in
this study, which is explained by the low milk
yield, similar to those of the region (Arce-
Recinos et al., 2017), which favors the highest
concentration of fat and protein.
As a conclusion, lactation stage and cow
age affect milk production and composition in
5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Zebu crossbred cows. The
highest production occurs in 10 years-old cows.
In addition, at early lactation, milk production is
higher but has lower fat content and total solids
than in late lactation. Milk components were
considered of good physicochemical quality
according to the Mexican legislation for raw milk.
Declarations
Funding
This study was funded by Dirección General
de Investigación y Postgrado of Universidad
Autónoma Chapingo. Mexico (20357-C-92).
Conflicts of interest
The authors declare they have no conflicts of
interest with regard to the work presented in this
report.
Author contributions
Domínguez-Peregrino designed the experi-
ment, wrote the manuscript and carried out the
experiment. González-Garduño performed the
statistical analysis and wrote the manuscript.
Ortíz-Pérez edited and reviewed the manuscript.
Use of artificial intelligence (AI)
No AI or AI-assisted technologies were used
during the preparation of this work.
References
Anzures-Olvera F, Macías-Cruz U, Álvarez-
Valenzuela F, Correa-Calderón A, Díaz-Molina
R, Hernández-Rivera J, Avendaño-Reyes L.
Efecto de época del año (verano vs. invierno)
en variables fisiológicas, producción de leche y
capacidad antioxidante de vacas Holstein en una
zona árida del noroeste de México. Arch Med Vet
2015; 47(1):15–20. https://doi.org/10.4067/s0301-
732x2015000100004
Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2, Apr-Jun):88–10098
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Arce-Recinos C, Aranda-Ibáñez EM, Osorio-
Arce MM, González-Garduño R, Díaz Rivera P,
Hinojosa-Cuellar JA. Evaluación de parámetros
productivos y reproductivos en un hato de doble
propósito en Tabasco, México. Rev Mex Ciencias
Pecu 2017; 8(1):83–91. https://doi.org/10.22319/
rmcp.v8i1.4347
Arieta Román R de J. Ganadería: Estilo y
tendencias en el nuevo sexenio. México
2000-2020. Agro Product 2020; 13(7):29–36.
https://doi.org/10.32854/agrop.vi.1646
Bewley JM, Schutz MM. An interdisciplinary
review of body condition scoring for dairy
cattle. Prof Anim Sci 2008; 24(6):507–529.
https://doi.org/10.15232/s1080-7446(15)30901-3
Briñez WJ, Valbuena E, Castro G, Tovar A, Ruiz-
Ramírez J. Algunos parámetros de composición y
calidad en leche cruda de vacas doble propósito
en el municipio Machiques de Perijá. Estado
Zulia, Venezuela. Rev Cient Fac Ciencias Vet
Univ del Zulia 2008; 18(5):607–617. http://
ve.scielo.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0798-
22592008000500012&lng=es&nrm=iso.
Briñez WJ, Valbuena E, Castro G, Tovar A, Ruiz
J, Román R. Efectos del mestizaje, época del año,
etapa de lactancia y número de partos sobre la
composición de leche cruda de vacas mestizas.
Rev Cient Fac Ciencias Vet Univ del Zulia 2003;
13(6):490–498.
Camacho-Vera JH, Vargas-Canales JM, Quintero-
Salazar L, Apan-Salcedo GW. Characteristics of
milk production in La Frailesca, Chiapas, Mexico.
Rev Mex Ciencias Pecu 2021; 12(3):845–860.
https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v12i3.5375
Carulla JE, Ortega E. Sistemas de producción
lechera en Colombia : retos y oportunidades. Latin
American Arch Animal Prod 2016; 24(2):83–87.
Cervantes Escoto F, Cesín Vargas A, Mamani
Oño I. La calidad estándar de la leche en el
estado de Hidalgo, México. Rev Mex Cienc
Pecu 2013; 4(1):75–86. http://www.scielo.org.
mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2007-
11242013000100006&lng=es&nrm=iso
CONAGUA. Servicio Meteorológico Nacional.
Normales climatológicas. https://smn.conagua.
gob.mx/es/informacion-climatologica-por-
estado?estado=tab
Contero Callay RE, Requelme N, Cachipuendo
C, Acurio D. Calidad de la leche cruda y sistema
de pago por calidad en el Ecuador. La Granja Rev
Ciencias de la Vida 2021; 33(1):31–43. https://doi.
org/10.17163/lgr.n33.2021.03
Cuevas-Reyes V, Rosales-Nieto C. Characterization
of the dual-purpose bovine system in northwest
Mexico: Producers, resources and problematic.
Rev MVZ Cordoba 2018; 23(1):6448–6460.
https://doi.org/10.21897/rmvz.1240
dos Santos GB, Brandão FZ, dos Santos RL,
Ferreira AL, Campos MM, Machado FS, de
Carvalho BC. Milk production and composition,
food consumption, and energy balance of
postpartum crossbred Holstein-Gir dairy cows
fed two diets of different energy levels. Trop
Anim Health Prod 2019; 51(1):65–71. https://doi.
org/10.1007/s11250-018-1660-1
Ferguson JD, Galligan DT, Thomsen N. Principal
descriptors of body condition score in Holstein
cows. J Dairy Sci 1994; 77(9):2695–2703. https://
doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(94)77212-X
Ferro D, Gil J, Jiménez A, Manrique C, Martínez
CA. Estimation of lactation curves of Gyr cattle
and some associated production parameters in the
Colombian low tropic. Rev Colomb Ciencias Pecu
2022; 35(1):3–13. https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.
rccp.v35n1a01
Hernández A, Mora M, García SM, de León
RP, Guzmán G, Guerra D. Interacción genotipo
ambiente para producción de leche en ganado
Mambí de Cuba. Rev Cubana Cienc Agrícola
2012, 46(4):351–356. https://www.redalyc.org/
pdf/1930/193027579002.pdf
Ignatieva NL, Nemtseva EY. Protein content in
milk of holstein black-and-white cows. In IOP Conf
Ser: Earth and Environ Sci 2020; 604(1):12025.
IOP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-
1315/604/1/012025
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Arce-Recinos C, Aranda-Ibáñez EM, Osorio-
Arce MM, González-Garduño R, Díaz Rivera P,
Hinojosa-Cuellar JA. Evaluación de parámetros
productivos y reproductivos en un hato de doble
propósito en Tabasco, México. Rev Mex Ciencias
Pecu 2017; 8(1):83–91. https://doi.org/10.22319/
rmcp.v8i1.4347
Arieta Román R de J. Ganadería: Estilo y
tendencias en el nuevo sexenio. México
2000-2020. Agro Product 2020; 13(7):29–36.
https://doi.org/10.32854/agrop.vi.1646
Bewley JM, Schutz MM. An interdisciplinary
review of body condition scoring for dairy
cattle. Prof Anim Sci 2008; 24(6):507–529.
https://doi.org/10.15232/s1080-7446(15)30901-3
Briñez WJ, Valbuena E, Castro G, Tovar A, Ruiz-
Ramírez J. Algunos parámetros de composición y
calidad en leche cruda de vacas doble propósito
en el municipio Machiques de Perijá. Estado
Zulia, Venezuela. Rev Cient Fac Ciencias Vet
Univ del Zulia 2008; 18(5):607–617. http://
ve.scielo.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0798-
22592008000500012&lng=es&nrm=iso.
Briñez WJ, Valbuena E, Castro G, Tovar A, Ruiz
J, Román R. Efectos del mestizaje, época del año,
etapa de lactancia y número de partos sobre la
composición de leche cruda de vacas mestizas.
Rev Cient Fac Ciencias Vet Univ del Zulia 2003;
13(6):490–498.
Camacho-Vera JH, Vargas-Canales JM, Quintero-
Salazar L, Apan-Salcedo GW. Characteristics of
milk production in La Frailesca, Chiapas, Mexico.
Rev Mex Ciencias Pecu 2021; 12(3):845–860.
https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v12i3.5375
Carulla JE, Ortega E. Sistemas de producción
lechera en Colombia : retos y oportunidades. Latin
American Arch Animal Prod 2016; 24(2):83–87.
Cervantes Escoto F, Cesín Vargas A, Mamani
Oño I. La calidad estándar de la leche en el
estado de Hidalgo, México. Rev Mex Cienc
Pecu 2013; 4(1):75–86. http://www.scielo.org.
mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2007-
11242013000100006&lng=es&nrm=iso
CONAGUA. Servicio Meteorológico Nacional.
Normales climatológicas. https://smn.conagua.
gob.mx/es/informacion-climatologica-por-
estado?estado=tab
Contero Callay RE, Requelme N, Cachipuendo
C, Acurio D. Calidad de la leche cruda y sistema
de pago por calidad en el Ecuador. La Granja Rev
Ciencias de la Vida 2021; 33(1):31–43. https://doi.
org/10.17163/lgr.n33.2021.03
Cuevas-Reyes V, Rosales-Nieto C. Characterization
of the dual-purpose bovine system in northwest
Mexico: Producers, resources and problematic.
Rev MVZ Cordoba 2018; 23(1):6448–6460.
https://doi.org/10.21897/rmvz.1240
dos Santos GB, Brandão FZ, dos Santos RL,
Ferreira AL, Campos MM, Machado FS, de
Carvalho BC. Milk production and composition,
food consumption, and energy balance of
postpartum crossbred Holstein-Gir dairy cows
fed two diets of different energy levels. Trop
Anim Health Prod 2019; 51(1):65–71. https://doi.
org/10.1007/s11250-018-1660-1
Ferguson JD, Galligan DT, Thomsen N. Principal
descriptors of body condition score in Holstein
cows. J Dairy Sci 1994; 77(9):2695–2703. https://
doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(94)77212-X
Ferro D, Gil J, Jiménez A, Manrique C, Martínez
CA. Estimation of lactation curves of Gyr cattle
and some associated production parameters in the
Colombian low tropic. Rev Colomb Ciencias Pecu
2022; 35(1):3–13. https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.
rccp.v35n1a01
Hernández A, Mora M, García SM, de León
RP, Guzmán G, Guerra D. Interacción genotipo
ambiente para producción de leche en ganado
Mambí de Cuba. Rev Cubana Cienc Agrícola
2012, 46(4):351–356. https://www.redalyc.org/
pdf/1930/193027579002.pdf
Ignatieva NL, Nemtseva EY. Protein content in
milk of holstein black-and-white cows. In IOP Conf
Ser: Earth and Environ Sci 2020; 604(1):12025.
IOP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-
1315/604/1/012025
99Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2024; 37(2, Apr-Jun):88–100
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Kumar G, Devi P, Sharma N, Yallappa I,
Somagond M, Somagond YM. Impact of thermal
stress on milk production, composition and fatty
acid profile in dairy cows: A review. J Entomol
Zool Stud 2020; 8(5):1278–1283. https://www.
entomoljournal.com/archives/2020/vol8issue5/
PartR/8-5-149-213.pdf
Lainé A, Bastin C, Grelet C, Hammami H, Colinet
FG, Dale LM, Gillon A, Vandenplas J, Dehareng
F, Gengler N. Assessing the effect of pregnancy
stage on milk composition of dairy cows using
mid-infrared spectra. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100(4):
2863–2876. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-11736
Lima TMR, Ruas JRM, Gomes VM, Rocha
Júnior VR, Monção FP, Silva CB, Rigueira
JPS, Carvalho CCS, Sales ECJ, Rufino LDA,
Silva EA, Queiroz DS, Alencar AMS. Effect
of protein supplementation on yield and milk
composition of F1 Holstein × Zebu cows kept
in deferred pasture of brachiaria grass. Arq
Bras Med Vet Zootec 2021; 73(2):477–486.
https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-412-12090
Mendes Costa N, Rocha Júnior VR, Albuquerque
Caldeira L, Pinto Monção F, de Oliveira Rabelo
W, Vieira e Silva F, Silva Cordeiro MW, Pazzanese
Duarte LD, de Assis Pires DA, David Alves D,
Sampaio Rigueira JP, Junqueira de Sales EC, da
Cunha Siqueira Carvalho C. Feeding F1 Holstein
× Zebu cows with different roughages and
pseudostem hay of banana trees does not influence
milk yield and chemical composition of milk and
cheese. Ital J Anim Sci 2020; 19(1):610–620.
https://doi.org/10.1080/1828051X.2020.1773327
Moreira Santiago B, Ferreira da Silva F, Rodrigues
Silva R, Leite Costa EG, Ferraz Porto Junior A,
Nascimento Costa E, Dias de Souza D. Effect
of different roughages sources on performance,
milk composition, fatty acid profile, and milk
cholesterol content of feedlot feed crossbred cows
(Holstein × Zebu). Trop. Anim. Health Prod 2019;
51(3):599–604. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-
018-1736-y
Mushtaq A, Qureshi MS, Khan S, Habib G, Swati
ZA, Rahman SU. Body condition score as a marker
of milk yield and composition in dairy animals. J
Anim Plant Sci 2009; 22(3 Suppl.):169–173.
Nudda A, Battacone G, Neto OB, Cannas A,
Helena A, Francesconi D, Atzori AS, Pulina G.
Feeding strategies to design the fatty acid profile
of sheep milk and cheese. Rev Bras Zootec 2014;
43(8):445–456. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-
35982014000800008
Ortiz-Hernández M, Jiménez-Vera R, Ara-Chan
S del C, González-Cortés N, Alejo-Martínez K,
Perera-García MA, Lozano-López E. Calidad
sanitaria del queso crema elaborado artesanalmente
en Tenosique, Tabasco. Rev Iberoam Ciencias
2016; 3(2):1–11.
Palacios Espinosa A, González-Peña FD, Guerra-
Iglesias D, Espinoza-Villavicencio JL, Ortega-
Pérez R, Guillén-Trujillo A, Ávila-Serrano NÁ.
Individual lactation curves in Siboney dairy cows
of Cuba. Rev Mex Ciencias Pecu 2016; 7(1):15–28.
https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v7i1.4147
Peralta-Torres JA, Izquierdo-Camacho Y,
Severino-Lendechy VH, Segura-Correa JC.
Producción de leche de vacas Holstein ×
Gyr en un sistema de doble propósito en el
trópico. Rev MVZ Cordoba 2021; 27(1):4–11.
https://doi.org/10.21897/RMVZ.2359
Pollott GE. A biological approach to lactation
curve analysis for milk yield. J Dairy Sci 2000;
83(11):2448–2458. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.
S0022-0302(00)75136-8
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M. Effect of milk composition and coagulation
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A. Structural and technological characterization of
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https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v37n2a4Milk traits of Holstein x Zebu cows
Kumar G, Devi P, Sharma N, Yallappa I,
Somagond M, Somagond YM. Impact of thermal
stress on milk production, composition and fatty
acid profile in dairy cows: A review. J Entomol
Zool Stud 2020; 8(5):1278–1283. https://www.
entomoljournal.com/archives/2020/vol8issue5/
PartR/8-5-149-213.pdf
Lainé A, Bastin C, Grelet C, Hammami H, Colinet
FG, Dale LM, Gillon A, Vandenplas J, Dehareng
F, Gengler N. Assessing the effect of pregnancy
stage on milk composition of dairy cows using
mid-infrared spectra. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100(4):
2863–2876. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-11736
Lima TMR, Ruas JRM, Gomes VM, Rocha
Júnior VR, Monção FP, Silva CB, Rigueira
JPS, Carvalho CCS, Sales ECJ, Rufino LDA,
Silva EA, Queiroz DS, Alencar AMS. Effect
of protein supplementation on yield and milk
composition of F1 Holstein × Zebu cows kept
in deferred pasture of brachiaria grass. Arq
Bras Med Vet Zootec 2021; 73(2):477–486.
https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-412-12090
Mendes Costa N, Rocha Júnior VR, Albuquerque
Caldeira L, Pinto Monção F, de Oliveira Rabelo
W, Vieira e Silva F, Silva Cordeiro MW, Pazzanese
Duarte LD, de Assis Pires DA, David Alves D,
Sampaio Rigueira JP, Junqueira de Sales EC, da
Cunha Siqueira Carvalho C. Feeding F1 Holstein
× Zebu cows with different roughages and
pseudostem hay of banana trees does not influence
milk yield and chemical composition of milk and
cheese. Ital J Anim Sci 2020; 19(1):610–620.
https://doi.org/10.1080/1828051X.2020.1773327
Moreira Santiago B, Ferreira da Silva F, Rodrigues
Silva R, Leite Costa EG, Ferraz Porto Junior A,
Nascimento Costa E, Dias de Souza D. Effect
of different roughages sources on performance,
milk composition, fatty acid profile, and milk
cholesterol content of feedlot feed crossbred cows
(Holstein × Zebu). Trop. Anim. Health Prod 2019;
51(3):599–604. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-
018-1736-y
Mushtaq A, Qureshi MS, Khan S, Habib G, Swati
ZA, Rahman SU. Body condition score as a marker
of milk yield and composition in dairy animals. J
Anim Plant Sci 2009; 22(3 Suppl.):169–173.
Nudda A, Battacone G, Neto OB, Cannas A,
Helena A, Francesconi D, Atzori AS, Pulina G.
Feeding strategies to design the fatty acid profile
of sheep milk and cheese. Rev Bras Zootec 2014;
43(8):445–456. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-
35982014000800008
Ortiz-Hernández M, Jiménez-Vera R, Ara-Chan
S del C, González-Cortés N, Alejo-Martínez K,
Perera-García MA, Lozano-López E. Calidad
sanitaria del queso crema elaborado artesanalmente
en Tenosique, Tabasco. Rev Iberoam Ciencias
2016; 3(2):1–11.
Palacios Espinosa A, González-Peña FD, Guerra-
Iglesias D, Espinoza-Villavicencio JL, Ortega-
Pérez R, Guillén-Trujillo A, Ávila-Serrano NÁ.
Individual lactation curves in Siboney dairy cows
of Cuba. Rev Mex Ciencias Pecu 2016; 7(1):15–28.
https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v7i1.4147
Peralta-Torres JA, Izquierdo-Camacho Y,
Severino-Lendechy VH, Segura-Correa JC.
Producción de leche de vacas Holstein ×
Gyr en un sistema de doble propósito en el
trópico. Rev MVZ Cordoba 2021; 27(1):4–11.
https://doi.org/10.21897/RMVZ.2359
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