Comparison of the calf suckling technique and milk oxytocin test for estimation of milk yields.

The calf suckling technique and milk oxytocin test were compared as methods to quantify lactation yields in Sanga-type cows in the multi-purpose livestock sector of central Zambia. There was no significant difference between the overall means derived from 154 observations. The oxytocin method interferes less with the multi-purpose system of management, is less time consuming and does not require expensive calf weight scales.