Lactation curve investigations with mathematical modelling in dairy cattle husbandry

5 different mathematical models, commonly used in defining lactation curves were used to determine first lactation curves of Holstein cattle. 4,472 weekly average milk yield of 104 cows between 2001-2008 years, were evaluated. The models used in the study are: (Wood); (Morgan); , (Gompertz); (Ali Schaeffer) and (Dijkstra). The models' compliance with the lactation curve has been examined and compared. Lactation curves have been investigated according to the season and the years of lactation. The R2, R2d, AIC, BIC, ε ̅, and HKO values were used in the comparison of the models. As a result, the lowest AIC (-3.29), BIC (-3.12), ε ̅ (0.55), HKO (0.18) and highest R2 (0.99) and R2d (0.99) values were found for the Ali Schaeffer model. This model was followed by the Dijkstra model. As a result of the study, it was determined that the most suitable models for predicting the first lactation milk yield curves of Holstein cattle were Ali Schaeffer and Dijkstra models.