In this study, different methods (Swedish, Vogel, Dutch I, Dutch II, Trapeze I, Trapeze II and State Farm) and various sampling intervals (14, 21, 28, 42 and 56 days) used for estimating lactation yield in Holstein cows have been compared. For this purpose, data on daily milk yield of 65 Holstein cows were used.

Average actual lactation yield was 5557.6±90.1 kg and average actual lactation length was 284.0±1.0 days. High correlations were found between actual and estimated lactation yield for all methods and sampling intervals (p<0.001). Lactation yields estimated by using Swedish and Dutch I methods at sampling intervals of 21 and 56 days, Dutch II and Trapeze I methods at sampling interval of 42 days were similar to actual lactation yield (p>0.05). Estimated lactation yields at other sampling intervals were significantly different from actual lactation yield for all methods used (p≤0.05).

As a result Swedish and Dutch I methods at sampling intervals of 21 days or Dutch II and Trapeze I methods at sampling intervals of 42 days could be recommended to estimate lactation yields of the Holstein cows studied.