Buffalo: Lactation with Maximum Milk Yield

In Buffalo, maximum milk yield takes place in which lactation?

Correct Answer: 4th lactation

In Buffalo, the maximum milk yield occurs during the 4th lactation. After this, yield gradually declines with successive lactations.

Comparison: Cow vs. Buffalo

• Cow: Maximum milk yield occurs in the 4th–6th lactation.
• Buffalo: Maximum milk yield in 4th lactation.

Lactation Curve Pattern

Both cow and buffalo follow a typical lactation curve — milk yield rises steeply post-calving, peaks at 6–8 weeks, then gradually declines. With successive parities (lactations), the peak yield increases until the optimum lactation, after which it declines due to ageing effects on mammary tissue.

Economic Implication

Culling decisions in dairy animals are often made after the optimum lactation number, since yields decline thereafter and maintenance costs remain high.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

• 3rd → not the peak lactation for buffalo; yield is still increasing.
• 6th → peak for cow (range 4th–6th), not buffalo.
• 8th → too late; by this lactation, both cow and buffalo are well past peak production.