Abstract
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of non-genetic factors on reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian × Deoni crossbred cows. Data representing 256 HF × Deoni crossbred cows from cattle crossbreeding project with 1485 total records of lactation over a 30 years period were analyzed to determine the effects of period of calving, season of calving, age at first calving and parity on reproductive performance. The parameters used as indicators of reproductive performance in this study were age at first calving (AFC), days open (DO), dry period (DP) and inter calving period (ICP). The overall least squares mean of age at first calving (AFC), days open (DO), dry period (DP) and inter calving period (ICP) were 1198.54±8.18, 149.15±3.87, 126.90±1.76 and 422.95±2.53 days, respectively. All sources of variations except season of calving had significant effect on AFC and ICP. The AFC as seen in this study was somewhat longer. Cows calving in summer had reduced reproductive performance, as measured by DO and DP. First lactation cows had longer DO, DP and ICP, which were poorest values as reproductive traits. It is therefore concluded that, the reproductive performance of these crossbred cows is affected by some non-genetic factors and hence, additional reproductive strategies are needed to improve their performance. Key words: Reproductive traits, period, season, parity, crossbred cows.
Highlights
Reproductive traits are crucial factors in determining the profitability of dairy production (Lobago et al, 2007)
The aim of the present study is, to investigate the effect of non-genetic factors on the reproductive performance of HF × Deoni crossbred cows kept at cattle crossbreeding project (CCBP)
The least square means and ANOVA of at first calving (AFC) as affected by season and period of calving are presented in Tables 1 and 2, respectively
Summary
Reproductive traits are crucial factors in determining the profitability of dairy production (Lobago et al, 2007). The reproductive performance of the breeding female is probably the single most important factor that is a prerequisite for sustainable dairy production system and influencing the productivity. The size of the calf crop is all-important for herd replacement and the production of milk depends heavily on the cow’s reproductive activity (Kiwuwa et al, 1983). Reproductive performance of cattle is influenced by feed, genetics, disease and management practices (ILCA, 1990). In India there are about 37 breeds of cattle. In spite of the presence of large and diverse cattle genetic resources, the productivity of cows remains low in the country, for various reasons, such as inadequate nutrition, poor genetic potential, inadequate animal
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