Present status and future prospects of Deoni Cattle

Abstract

Deoni cattle is one of the most important cattle breeds found in most drought prone region of the country i.e. Marathwada region of western India. In the present study, an attempt was made to explore this drought resistant breed for its genetic improvements and further research. Recently, the state animal husbandry department along with National Dairy Development Board of India has started registration of Deoni cattle in Information Networkfor Animal Productivity and Health (INAPH) for performance recording of this animal. It is found in three colour variations, viz. Wanera (clear white with black colour at both the sides of the face), Balankya (clear white colour body) and Shevera (white body with irregular black spots). The productive and reproductive traits of Deoni cows were studied by different workers and revealed that the average lactation milk yield varies from 238.86±76.0 kg to868.24±49.56 kg, average lactation length varies from 149.43±33.52 days to 293.3±2.9 days, dry period varies from 103.66±19.78 days to 282.77±12.85 days, average daily milk yield ranges from 2.17±0.07 kg to 2.91±0.05kg, the peak yield was observed to be 4.58 kg, age at first calving ranges from 1070.80±17.17 days to 1533 days, inter-calving period ranges from 447.0±8.0 days to 566.109±13.639 days and service period ranges from 152.14 ± 15.08 days to 286.57±13.38 days. It is imperative to conduct the genetic study on stress related genes like ATPA1, heat shock protein gene and disease resistance genes should be studied in Deoni cattle as it is predominantly found in drought prone region of the country. Due to non-availability of superior breeding bulls and increased homozygosity, this breed is suffering from problems of partial albinism.