Kankrej Cattle Research Articles

Non-genetic Factors Associated with 305 Days Milk Yield in Kankrej Cattle

The performance data of Kankrej cattle for the present study were collected from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Anand, under the pedigree selection programme (PS) in Banaskantha district of Gujarat state. After the standardization of initial records, the 305DMY records of 6037 Kankrej cattle sired by 54 bulls calved during the period of 19 years from 2003 to 2022 were utilized in the study. The least squares analysis of variance to reduce the nonorthogonality after considering their villages, parity, Age at calving groups, year-month of birth groups and year-month of calving groups were used to analyze the data on 305DMY production trait. The average 305DMY for the Kankrej cow was estimated to be 2302 ± 9.01 kg. The fixed factors such as parity, villages and year month of the calving group considered in the study had significant (p<0.05) effects on the 305DMY traits except for the Age in the calving group (months) and year-month of the birth group. The non-significant effect of the year and month of birth highlighted the adaptive traits of the Kankrej cattle against the extreme temperature in the arid or semi-arid region of North Gujarat. The maximum estimated corrected yield and breeding value were estimated to be 3420 kg and 855 kg, respectively. The increased production performances observed in the study may be the result of the successful implementation of pedigree selection under the field conditions.

Genetic Polymorphism in 220 bp Fragment of HSP 70 Gene in Kankrej Cattle by PCR-SSCP

Genetic Polymorphism in 220 bp Fragment of HSP 70 Gene in Kankrej Cattle by PCR-SSCP

Superovulatory response and embryo recovery in Kankrej cattle

Superovulatory response and embryo recovery in Kankrej cattle

Genetic evaluation of Kankrej bulls by different sire evaluation methods

The genetic evaluation of Kankrej bulls was done by using three different methods viz., BLUP, Wombat sire, andWombat animal models. First lactation 305-days yields of 348 daughters born to 9 sires and calved from 2016 to 2020 were used for the analyses. For BLUP analysis, season and year of calving were considered as fixed effects, andsire was considered as random effect. The overall average estimate of 2414.40 kg was obtained in BLUP method while 2430.29 kg was obtained in both Wombat sire and animal models. The results revealed that the Wombat animal model discriminated against the sires to the maximum extent followed by Wombat sire and BLUP models. Based on the results, two Kankrej bulls viz., K.8.32 and K.8.62 can be selected as proven bulls for nominated mating for improving the milk productivity of Kankrej cattle.

Estrus Behaviour and Estrus Intensity Score in Relation to Hormonal Profile in Kankrej Cows at an Organized Farm

The present investigation was undertaken to study the estrus behaviour in Kankrej cattle at an organized farm during 3 different seasons. In each of three seasons, seven (07) Kankrej heifers and seven (07) Kankrej cows showing estrus were considered. In Kankrej cattle, majority of the animals showed acceptance of teaser bull (100%), estrual mucus discharge (88.10%), homosexuality (78.57%), excitement, and edema erythema and wetness of vulva (76.19% each), frequent micturition (59.52%) and bellowing (16.67%). None of the Kankrej cattle went partial or complete off-feed during estrus phase. Overall it was revealed that the estrus signs were manifested more during summer season than monsoon and winter, which shows the heat tolerance capability of the Kankrej cows in the area. Nearly three forth (73.81%) of the total Kankrej cows exhibited normal and above normal estrus intensity score, whereas one forth (26.19%) animals showed weak estrus intensity score. The difference between Kankrej cows and heifers for overall intensity score was found non-significant (p>0.05). The serum estradiol concentrations in Kankrej heifers and cows were significantly higher on the day of estrus than the corresponding levels on 11th day of estrus with inverse trend of serum progesterone in all three seasons. On the day of estrus the mean estradiol level in Kankrej heifers and progesterone levels in cows were higher in summer than winter and monsoon.

Seasonal and lactational variations in fatty acid profile of milk in indigenous cattle

The present study was conducted on quality and bioactive components in milk of Kankrej and Sahiwal indigenous cattle breeds at Livestock Research Station, Kodemdesar and College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner situated in hot-arid region of Rajasthan. Representative milk samples were collected and brought to the laboratory. The variance analysis observed significant effect of season on SFA of Kankrej and Sahiwal, and revealed that the total MUFA in Kankrej differ significantly. Significant effect of season on PUFA in Sahiwal and Kankrej cattle was also observed. Significant effect of season on Omega fatty acids in Sahiwal and Kankrej cattle except Omega-9 fatty acid in Sahiwal cattle was seen. The analysis of variance found highly significant effect of season on SCFA whereas non-significant effect on LCFA in Kankrej and Sahiwal cattle. Effect of season on MCFA was found significant in Sahiwal whereas non-significant effect was found in Kankrej cattle. The analysis of variance observed significant effect of various lactation stage on MUFA, Omega-9 and MCFA fatty acids for Kankrej and Sahiwal cattle and on SCFA in Sahiwal, and non-significant effect in Kankrej whereas significant effect on LCFA in Kankrej and nonsignificant effect in Sahiwal cattle.

Genetic variants in 5'UTR and exonic region of NPY gene alter the reproduction performance in Indian cattle breeds.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most potent orexigenic factors which can produce diverse effects on behaviour and other physiological functions and is highly conserved in evolution. The present study was aimed to identify and associate SNPs in the 5' UTR and exon2 region of the NPY gene with reproduction and production traits in Kankrej cattle of Indian origin. Three mutations in the 5'-UTR region and one mutation in the exon2 region of the NPY gene were identified by PCR-SSCP and PCR-RFLP, respectively, followed by sequencing. Further, association studies were conducted with reproduction and production traits in Kankrej cattle. The GACCGA genotyped animals based on the 5'UTR variants indicated better dry period and calving interval, whereas with GGCCGG genotypes showed higher total lactation milk yield and 305-day milk yield in comparison to other genotypes. Also, service period and inter calving period varied significantly among the genotypes of exon2, as the GG genotyped animals had significantly longer calving interval. Other traits like age at first heat, age at first service and age at first calving were not affected by the mutations. So, the present study outlined that the bovine NPY gene may be considered to be one of the candidate gene for improvement of reproductive performance of cattle, after validation on large sample size.

​Effect of Breed, Season and Stage of Lactation on Different Milk Parameters at Organized Farm

Background: The current study had been conducted to understand the impact of breed as well as season and stage of lactation on various milk constituents viz. freezing point, SNF, pH, lactose, protein, fat and electric conductivity of Sahiwal and Kankrej cows maintained at LRS”Livestock Research Station”, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, RAJUVAS, Bikaner, Rajasthan. Methods: Milk samples from 45 each Sahiwal and Kankrej cows were collected and analyzed for milk composition parameters. Data have been classified as per breed along with season and stage of lactation. Result: The analysis of variance for breed demonstrated highly significant impacts of fat and SNF whereas non-significant effect was found on pH, freezing point, lactose and protein.The analysis of variance demonstrated highly significant (P less than 0.01) impact of season on fat, SNF, freezing point and significant effect on protein whereas non-significant effect on lactose, pH and Electric conductivity in Kankrej cattle however highly significant (P less than 0.01) effect was found on fat in Sahiwal cattle.The analysis of variance presented significant (P less than 0.05) effect of lactation stage on fat and Protein in Sahiwal cattle whereas on fat and SNF in Kankrej cattle.

​Heat Stress-induced Changes in Milk Composition and Physiological Responses of Lactating Kankrej Cow during Summer Season as Compared to Thermo-neutral Period

Background: The Kankrej cattle is the heaviest and most priced of the Indian breeds of cattle. It is adapted to the geo-climatic conditions of North Gujarat and Kutch, which is normally hot and dry. It is reared in the district of Banaskantha in the state of Gujarat and also distributed in other parts of India and abroad. The experiment was carried out to study the effect of the summer season on the milk composition and physiological responses in lactating Kankrej cow compared to the thermoneutral period. Methods: For the experiment, total number of 16 clinically healthy Kankrej cows were randomly selected from Livestock Research Station (LRS), Sardar Krushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Banaskantha, Gujarat and categorized into two different groups according to seasons. Physiological responses i.e. respiration rate and rectal temperature were recorded and milk samples were collected from each animal during the summer and thermoneutral period at fortnight intervals. The milk samples were analyzed by using an automated milk analyzer. Result: The results demonstrate that fat, SNF and density were significantly higher in the summer season. The physiological responses include respiration rate and rectal temperature were found significantly higher during summer than thermoneutral period. Milk protein was significantly higher during the thermo-neutral period as compared to summer.

Kankrej cattle

This datasheet on Kankrej cattle covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Environmental Requirements, Uses, Management, Genetics and Breeding, Economics, Further Information.

Effects of genetic and non genetic factors on production performance of primiparous Kankrej cattle

Effects of genetic and non genetic factors on production performance of primiparous Kankrej cattle

Comparative efficiency of five mathematical functions in modelling the first lactation milk yield of Kankrej cattle

Modelling of first lactation milk yield of Kankrej cattle was done using five different non-linear mathematical functions viz., exponential decline function (EDF), gamma function (GF), inverse polynomial function (IPF), mixed log function (MLF) and parabolic exponential function (PEF). We compared their efficiency in describing variations in first lactation milk yield of animals maintained under field conditions. A total of 3994 fortnightly daily milk records of 203 Kankrej cattle calved during the years between 2011 and 2017 at farmers? herds in the Banaskantha region of Gujarat State, India were utilized for the study. The PROC NLIN procedure of Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) using Newton method of iteration was applied to generate the model parameters and corresponding standard errors. Different parameters like adjusted R2 -value, root mean square error (RMSE), Durbin?Watson (DW) statistic, Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) were used to compare the efficiency of different models. Results inferred that mixed log function was the best non-linear mathematical function for explaining variations in the first lactation milk yield of Kankrej cattle followed by gamma function and parabolic exponential function. The exponential decline function was the least efficient in fitting the lactation curve in Kankrej cattle, followed by inverse polynomial function.

Effect of Season and Year of Birth on Pubertal Age, Body Weight and Scrotal Circumference of Kankrej Bulls at First Semen Collection

Data on 26 bulls of Kankrej cattle (birth date from 2006 to 2017) inducted at a semen station from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed to study the effects of season and year of birth on age, body weight and scrotal circumference of bull at first semen collection. The overall least-squares means for age, body weight, and scrotal circumference of bulls at first semen collection were 1122.36 ± 86.9 days, 537.69 ± 10.51 kg and 30.86 ± 1.60 cm. Non-genetic factors like season and year of birth did not contribute significantly (p>0.05) to these parameters’ variations. Results of the study revealed well adaptation of Kankrej cattle breed to seasonal changes and farm management took care of yearly variation in such a way that age, body weight and scrotal circumference of Kankrej bulls at first semen collection did not vary significantly.

Conservation and improvement of Kankrej cattle (Bos indicus): Status vis-Ã -vis strategies

The present study was conducted at Livestock Research Station, to compare performance of Kankrej cattle at farm and field condition, and to suggest strategies for the overall improvement of this prestigious breed. The average lactation yield (lit.), standard lactation (lit.), fat percentage, age at first calving and calving interval in the farmers herd was 1669.96±12.24 (1523), 1751.23±12.94 (617), 4.13±0.03 (617), 1464.08±18.41 (260) and 549.93±8.61 (387), respectively during the initial phage of progeny testing program initiated by station and the performance of migratory herd was 2.64 litre (wet average). While, the average lactation yield (lit.), standard lactation (lit.), fat percentage, age at first calving and calving interval at station was 2682.27±126.71 (59), 2501.15±87.72 (59), 4.08±0.09 (49), 1218.42±35.27 (12) and 435.73±13.94 (36), respectively (Elite herd, Anonymous 2018). The lactation yield of daughters born under the progeny testing program was 2050.29±119.20 (104) litres. Looking to the performance gap between the herd maintained at station, field and pastoralist indicates wide scope for the genetic improvement in Kankrej breed by following strict breeding strategies which are discussed in this paper. Conclusively, intensive selective breeding with the use of artificial insemination technology at large scale and progeny testing with precise recording at small scale will solve the purpose in the non-migratory population while, supply of high genetic merit male calf or proven bull’s male calf to the Maldharis having migratory population.

Determination of milk intake by calf suckling during lactation in Kankrej cows

The research work was carried out on Kankrej cattle at Livestock Research Station, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat. The quantity of milk suckled by the calves was estimated by weigh-suckle-weigh technique (Williams et al ., 1979). Kankrej calves were selected for the present study (for the period of lactation maximum up to 305 days). A total of 741 observations were considered for analysis. The results revealed that overall suckling allowance was 725.9 liters per lactation. The average milk suckled by the calves in a single time was 1.26±0.04, 1.20±0.06, 1.11±0.05, 1.13±0.05, 1.18±0.05, 1.12±0.05, 1.22±0.08, 1.38±0.09, 1.33±0.08, 1.17±0.08 and 1.19 ±0.02 liters during first, second, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten month of age and during lactation, respectively. According to the milk production capacity of dam, milk suckled by the calves per time was 1.21±0.05, 1.20±0.02, 1.13±0.05 liters in the cows producing 0-3, 3-6 and more than 6 liters of milk per time, respectively. Similarly, milk suckled by the calves at one time during early, mid and late lactation was 1.20±0.03, 1.14±0.03 and 1.32±0.05 liters, respectively. While, as per the body weight of the calves (up to 50 kg, 50 to 100 kg and more than 100 kg) the milk suckled was 1.21±0.03, 1.15±0.03 and 1.27±0.05 liters, respectively. The milk suckled by the calves in this study was comparatively higher than other Indian cattle breeds, because of powerful mothering instincts of Kankrej cows which ultimately responsible for the least calf mortality in this breed. From the above study, it is concluded that the average milk suckled by the calves per time is 1.19 ±0.02 litres and total 725.9 liters per lactation which could be added to the milk collected in pail while calculating total lactation yield in Kankrej cattle while comparing the production potential especially with crossbreds.

Impact of environmental trend in relation to genotypic and phenotypic trend on traits of economic interest in Kankrej cattle

Indiscriminate selection of animals in order to enhance milk production has led to less attention to other traits important in dairying, viz. reproduction; owing to negative association. The production and reproduction records of total 403 Kankrej cows maintained at Livestock Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, over a period of 35 years from 1979 to 2013, were analyzed to study the production and reproduction traits, viz. 305 day milk yield (305 MY), lactation length (LL), dry period (DP), age at first calving (AFC) and service period (SP). The data were used to investigate the effect of environmental factors as well as estimation of genetic parameters of production and reproduction traits. Genetic, phenotypic and environmental trends were estimated to assess the breeding programme undergoing in the Kankrej herd over the years. The average performance of traits under study was obtained as 2128.64 kg, 282.60 days, 146.13 days, 1366.90 days and 158.06 days for 305 MY, LL, DP, AFC and SP, respectively. The heritability estimates obtained for these traits were 0.31, 0.17, 0.16, 0.05 and 0.96 for 305 MY, LL, DP, SP and AFC respectively. The estimated phenotypic and genetic trends were 7.66 and 23.10 Kg for 305 MY, –0.007 and –0.61 days for LL, 0.022, and –0.032 days for DP, –4.53 and –11.89 days for AFC and –0.07 and –1.61 days for SP, respectively. The results revealed that great improvement in Kankrej herd has been achieved in last 35 years. However, there is further scope of genetic improvement. Designed genetic programme has had great impact on improvement of milk production and AFC but very less impact on the reproductive traits.

Effect of Herbal Galactogogue (Sanjivani biokseera) on Milk Yield and Milk Constituents in Lactating Kankrej Cattle at Organised Farm

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding herbal galactogogue preparation (Sanjivani biokseera) on the milk yield and milk constituents in lactating Kankrej cows. Thirty-two lactating Kankrej cows in their 1st to 6th lactation were taken for the experiment from 3 days after calving up to 52 days postpartum. All the animals were fed as per the standard seasonally available roughages and concentrates to meet their nutritional requirements. The cows were randomly divided into two uniform groups of 16 cows in each according to initial milk yield and milk composition. The animals in group-I were not given any supplement and served as control. The animals in group-II were given Sanjivani biokseera (Naturewell Industries) @ 60 g per day for 1-month, commencing 3 days after calving, in addition to the usual feeds/fodders. A clear difference was observed in milk yield from day 8 onward of experiment between groups with significant (plessthan0 0.05) higher values from day 16-52 in cows fed herbal galactogogue as compared to control, but no such distinct effect on milk constituents was observed on day 52 when analyzed. The use of herbal galactogogue significantly (p lessthan 0.05) increased the overall average of 52 days milk production, which was 9.34 ± 0.21 lit/day in supplemented as compared to 7.75 ± 0.26 lit/day in control animals. It was concluded that herbal galactogogue (Sanjivani biokseera) could increase milk yield in lactating dairy cows through its galactopoetic property and improved rumen environment.

Occupational structure and determinants of household income of pastoralists in Banni grasslands of Gujarat

Migratory pastoralism is the traditional occupation of pastoralists (Maldharis) for more than 500 years and agriculture is not practised in entire Banni grasslands. The present study was conducted in Banni grasslands between 2014 and 2017 covering 280 households from 12 villages to investigate the livelihood and income dynamics. Banni buffalo based pastoralism and Prosopis juliflora based charcoal production were the primary occupations for 70 and 20% households respectively. Charcoal production was the predominant secondary occupation for 60% households. Sheep and goat rearing, handicrafts production, services and trade were the primary occupations for 2–3% households each. At least three livelihood options contributed to annual income of households. Contribution of primary occupation to annual income ranged from 38 to 93% whereas secondary occupation(s) contributed 0.3 to 42%. The analysis revealed that families owning >40 buffaloes were the richest group with net annual income of ` 12,07,429, followed by the households owning 21–40 animals with an average income of ` 6,94,008 and those engaged in trade with net income of ` 6,68,254. Households engaged in charcoal production and services earned net annual income of ` 65,059/ and ` 66,288/ respectively and were the poorest groups as majority of them did not own buffaloes and cattle. Those engaged in service sector were either in unorganized sector or were unskilled and semi-skilled labourers. Factors such as ownership of livestock (Banni buffalo and Kankrej cattle) and herd size; market access to milk collection centre and its distance from the village; and income from sale of milk and milk products, livestock (buffalo, cattle and camel), charcoal, embroidery, tourism and trade contributed significantly to the net annual income of households. Income earned from labour and sale of minor forest produce (honey and gum) were low and nonsignificant. Scientific management of rapidly expanding P. juliflora is crucial for conservation of Banni ecology and improving livelihoods. Establishment of milk collection centres in interior villages would contribute significantly in increasing incomes (upto ` 35,920/buffalo/lactation) of pastoralists.

Livestock population dynamics in Banni grasslands of Gujarat

Banni grasslands in Gujarat are home to migratory pastoralists (Maldharis) for more than 500 years. Maldharis are landless and dependent on livestock for their livelihood. The study was conducted to measure the long-term growth and instability of different livestock species in Banni grasslands from 1977 to 2012. Pastoralists (280) were personally interviewed during 2015 to 2017 to prioritize the factors affecting trends in livestock population using Garrett ranking technique. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in population was highest for Banni buffaloes (5.89%) followed by Kankrej cattle (1.78%) and it was negative for goat (-0.29%) and sheep (–0.28%) population. Cuddy Della Valle Instability Index was very high for goat (89%) and sheep population (78%) whereas it was low for buffaloes (31%) and cattle (23%). The severity and duration of drought significantly affected the decline in population of goat and sheep. However, the shift in population of buffaloes and cattle was affected by complex of technological and policy factors. Decline in demand of Kankrej bullocks for agriculture use, low milk productivity of cows, and detrimental impact of regular feeding on Prosopis juliflora pods (weakening and dislocation of jaws and gradual death of cows) led to significant increase in population of Banni buffaloes when compared to Kankrej cattle. The population growth rate of Banni buffaloes (457%) was six times higher than the Kankrej cows (70%) from 1977 to 2012. This trend is most likely to continue in the following years as the migratory pastoralism is being gradually replaced by semi-migratory and sedentary pastoralism and establishment of organized dairy industry. Establishment of dairy units/Milk Collection Centres and improved road connectivity of villages in Banni have further facilitated in promotion of Banni buffalo based pastoralism as the primary source of livelihood. Composition of different livestock species in 2012 (Buffaloes: 72%, Cattle: 16%, Goat: 7% and Sheep: 6%) indicated the dominance of Banni buffalo both in terms of number and contribution to livelihood of pastoralists and overall economy of Banni grasslands.

The Effect of Dietary Copper, Zinc and Their Combination on Somatic Cell Counts and Daily Milk Yield of Kankrej Cattle in Arid Zone of Rajasthan

A herd of Kankrej cows were grouped in 4 homogenous groups of 5 each as control, supplemented Copper, supplemented Zinc and supplemented with combination of Copper and Zinc. About 100 ml of milk samples at day 7th, 15th, 30th, 45th post partum from individual animals of each milking was collected to analyse of somatic cell counts. The milk somatic cell counts was estimated lowest in supplemented combination followed by Zinc, Copper and control group of cows respectively. There was significant (P≤0.01) effect of treatment on somatic cell counts. The somatic cell counts were significantly (P≤0.01) higher in day 7th of lactation and decreased significantly (P≤0.01) on day 15th and the lower somatic cell count was observed on the day 45th. The daily milk yield was observed highest in combination group and the effect of treatment, days and the interaction due to the treatment x days were statistically significant (P≤0.01).