Effect of non-genetic factors on disposal pattern in female calves up to age at first calving

Abstract

Records on 232 Tharparkar female calves born during the period from 1980-2010 were collected to study disposal pattern in female calves’ up to age at first calving at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. To assess the influence of non-genetic factors, on disposal pattern in female calves up to age at first calving, the records were into six periods and four seasons based on month and year of birth of calves. Data were also grouped into six categories based on the birth weight of calves. Descriptive statistics were computed for analysis of disposal pattern. Effect of non-genetic factors on disposal pattern was assessed by chi square statistic. T he incidence of culling, mortality and overall disposal in female calves up to age at first calving was observed 3.45, 15.08 and 18.53 percent respectively. From birth to age at first calving minimum mortality was observed in summer (11.7%) and maximum in autumn season (21.1%) born calves. Across different periods, higher mortality was observed in third period (33.3%) and less mortality was seen in second period (2.3%). The maximum culling was found in summer season (6.7 %) and minimum in autumn season (0%) born calves. Culling was higher in third period (6.7%) and less in first period (0%). There were no definite trends in mortality and culling. The major cause of mortality was observed due to pneumonia (5.17 percent) and minimum mortality due to toxemia (0.86 percent). Different reasons of culling were poor growth, physical deformity, surplus and reproductive problems.