Algebraic Model of the Lactation Curve in Cattle

Abstract

MANY factors may influence the total milk yield of a single lactation, but the general shape of the curve, defined by the locus of weekly yield, remains substantially unchanged. Economically, the configuration of the curve is important, for the animal which produces milk at a moderate level steadily throughout her lactation is to be preferred to one which produces a great deal of milk at her peak but little thereafter (see Cersovsky¹ for a review of the literature).