Lactations shorter than some standard such as 305-
days can be deleted from any performance data set, can
be used irrespective of lactation length (considering
them the genetic potential of the animal) or can be
adjusted for lactation length before breeding values for
milk yield are estimated. Contradictory views are
available in the literature as to which lactation should
be declared short. Cut offs vary from 15 (Ahmad, 1999)
to 285 days (Mandal and Mehla, 1996). Assumption
that yield from a shorter lactation should be considered
as the genetic potential of the cow (Madalena et al.,
1992; Syrstad, 1993) is difficult to justify especially
when reasons for a lactation to be short are rarely
recorded or genetic control of lactation length is weak.
Moreover, statistical procedures can be developed for
precise adjustments even if the animal dried or if
information on the reason of drying was not clear
(Norman et al., 1985). Limited resources further
necessitate that every recorded lactation, short or long,
should be best utilized.