Red Chittagong Cattle Research Articles

Phenotypic and Genetic Trends in Growth Traits in a Nucleus Herd of Red Chittagong Cattle

The aim of this study was to estimate phenotypic and genetic trends in growth of Red Chittagong cattle (RCC), an indigenous breed of Bangladesh.

Principal breeding factors influencing milk yield and reproduction of Red Chittagong cattle

The study aimed to investigate the principal breeding factors influencing milk yield and reproduction in the Red Chittagong cattle (RCC). Retrospective records of a total of 20 dairy cows from the 1st to the 2nd parities were collected from the record sheet from January 2020 to June 2022. Results indicated that birth weight of the RCC was 7.5% higher (P=0.023) in parity 2 when compared with parity 1. Accordingly, total milk yield per lactation was 10.2% higher (P=0.004) in parity 2 in comparison with parity 1. Age at first service was 34.7% higher (P=0.001) in parity 2 compared with parity 1. Accordingly, age at first conception was 38.3% higher (P=0.001) in parity 2 compared with parity 1. The dry period was 22.8% higher (P=0.001) in parity 1 compared with parity 2. Age at first service was 18.3% higher (P=0.014) in natural service (NS) compared with artificial insemination (AI). Age at first conception was 16.5% higher (P=0.023) in NS compared with AI. Post-partum period was 11.9% higher (P=0.008) in AI compared with NS. Days open was 8.9% higher (P=0.018) in AI compared with NS. Calving interval was 2.9% higher (P=0.006) in AI compared with NS. An increased probability of infertility was associated with NS compared with AI. Birth weight of the calf and dry period of the dam were negatively correlated while live weight and post-partum period of the dam were positively correlated milk yield at the expense of reproductive health. A decreased probability of milk fever, mastitis, metritis and infertility was associated with increased milk yield. Principal component analysis revealed that days open, calving interval and service per conception were the principal eigenvectors determining performance of RCC. Overall, RCC performed better in the 2nd parity compared with the 1st parity.

Comparative study of pure RCC and graded RCC cattle through software based recording system in different regions of Bangladesh

Recording systems are important to maintain data properly with a view to justifying the merits of productive and reproductive parameter as well as pedigree evaluation, towards any decision making pathway. Considering this, the current research was conducted to assess the computer and mobile software based animal recording system, which have important effect on production and reproduction on Red Chittagong cattle and their graded cattle. For this reason, this survey was conducted at well-developed pre-tested questionnaire through mobile application software under thirteen study areas. The study areas were selected based on the density of Red Chittagong Cattle population in those areas. After data collectionollected data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software and mean comparisons were estimated by LSD and Duncan method. Numbering (highest-11.32% at Godagari, lowest at Naikhongchari-4.25%), Artificial Insemination (highest 20% at Godagari and lowest at Naikhongchari-1%), service per conception rate (highest at Sylhet-1.37 and lowest at Swandip-1.14), calving rate (highest 12.34% at Anowara and lowest 4.20% at Keshobpur) and birth weight (highest 16.50±0.57 kg at Hathazari and lowest 12.79±0.49 kg at Godagari) were different in each regions. Lactation length, milk yield, and growth rate of two category cattle were found statistically significant (P<0.05) between two groups of cattle. These three productive parameters were higher for Red Chittagong Cattle (230±5.16 days, 3.10±0.13 L/day, 0.197 kg/day) respectively. The software based recording system helps to get proper data which will help for selection of superior sires and dams with high genetic merit as well as data can be restored anytime from this software based recording system. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2023, 8(3), 70-77

Current Scenario of Cattle Breeding Practices in Netrokona District

The present study was conducted to evaluate the cattle genotype and their distribution pattern, socio-economic status of the farmers, existing cattle breeding strategies and their facilities to understand the cattle breeding scenario in Netrokona district, Bangladesh. A total of 80 farmers (8 farmers from each upazilla) were surveyed from 10 Upazillas in Netrokona district. Each farmer’s gender, age, educational level, family size, income, number of family members involved in cattle rearing, cattle genotypes and breeding practices of the cattle were assessed in-depth. The results of the survey study revealed that 85% farmers were males and 15% farmers were female in the respective area. The majority of farmers (55.84%) had a medium size farm having 4-6 number of cattle per family. Within the surveyed region 83.12% farmers practiced artificial insemination (AI) for cattle breeding, whereas 16.88% still practiced natural mating by using their own bulls. In the study areas, the majority of farmers (75%) considered AI to be simpler than natural mating. While choosing bull for breeding services, Holstein-Friesian cross (31.18%) was first priority for the farmers followed by Sahiwal cross (20.35%), local (18.21%), Red Chittagong cattle (11.69%), Brahman (8.22%), Red Sindhi (5.19%) and Jersey (4.76%) respectively. In conclusion, this study on the current scenario of cattle breeding practices in Netrokona district provides valuable insights on major constrains and prospects of cattle breeding scenario in Netrokona district that can inform targeted interventions and policies, fostering sustainable and improved outcomes for the improvement of cattle breeding strategy for the local farmers. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 29 (1&2), 2022: P. 53-61

Age Effects on Semen Quality and Sperm Kinematics of Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) Bull in Bangladesh

Semen quality may be affected by several genetic and environmental factors. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of age on semen quality, kinematic properties, and frozen semen production potentialities of Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) bulls. Eighty-eight (88) ejaculates from 12 breeding bulls (4 bull/group) of RCC breed were used in this experiment. The bulls were categorized into three groups based on their age (Group 1: 2.5-4.0 years, Group 2: 4.0-6.0 years, Group 3: 6.0- 8.0 years). Semen was collected once/week regularly in the early morning (6-6.30 AM) with an AV set. Different motility, morphology, and kinematic properties of sperm were evaluated by Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA). One-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple range post-test was used to assess differences among the mean using SPSS (25.0) software. Bull age has no significant effects on semen volume and concentration. Although a higher volume was found for group 3 (4.36±1.00) followed by group 2 (4.13±1.28) and group 1 (4.02±1.00). Sperm concentration increases with the increase of bull age. There were no significant differences found (p>0.05) for none of the motility parameters in fresh and frozen RCC bull semen irrespective of age. Significantly higher distal droplet (%) was observed for older bulls followed by group 2 and group 1 bulls. All breeding bulls irrespective of their age have more than two folds higher proximal droplet % than the normal value. Bull age has no significant difference in sperm kinematics and dose/ejaculates (p>0.05). With the increasing age of the bull, the number of dose/ejaculates (418.91±166.11 in group-3 vs. 384.75±137.33 in group-1) increases. In this experimental condition, RCC breeding bulls can be used for breeding purposes for up to 8 years with similar efficiency as a younger bull if the bulls have proper physical fitness for mounting and semen collection.

Expression of Coat Colour Gene, MC1R in Cattle

Background: Scanty reports are available in the literature about the coat colour inheritance and its related genes in cattle. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to know the expression of coat colour gene, MC1R in cattle. Methods: DNA was extracted from 85 whole blood samples of Red Chittagong cattle (RCC), Non-descriptive deshi and their crossbred of which 75 positive samples were sequenced by Sanger sequencer. Sequence alignment, pair and multi-alignment comparison of the MC1R gene of different genotype and a phylogenic tree constructed by MEGA6 software. Result: RCC has a dominant R gene for red colour. Point mutation was observed at 954 bp and substitution (395G→A) was found in the MC1R gene of RCC genotype. The evolutionary history of branching pattern showed the relatedness of MC1R nucleotide sequences of cattle and this gene have been regulating coat colour inheritance of cattle.

Dissemination of Technological Innovations of Livestock in Bangladesh: Adoption Levels and Behavioral Precision

The study investigated the technological innovations in livestock, their dissemination and adoption performance at farm level. Thirty-two researchers were interviewed for innovated technologies. Four ecologically representative study locations were selected, and 180 livestock households were interviewed for adoption. Logistic regression analysis and behavioral precision index were the major analytical techniques. Technologies were disseminated through adaptive research or field trial, training to the farmers, extension workers and farmer’s visit to government offices. Crossbred cattle, red Chittagong cattle and vaccine for foot and mouth disease were widely adopted technologies and farmers preferred breeding-related technologies rather than health treatments. Farmers having higher education and income and contact with extension agents were significantly (p < 0.05) higher adopters than the lower education, income and no extension agents, respectively. But adoption score was significantly lower in hilly land and in river-flooded land (p < 0.01) than adoption score in peri-urban location. Farmers having experience 10–24 years and more than 25 years were 2.293 times and 3.59 times, respectively, more likely to adopt technologies compared to less than 10 years experienced. Internalization, legitimation, systemization, skill set workability and differentiation were the top ranking statements of the farmers in their behavioral precision on technology adoption. Farmer’s demand and capability to implement technology should be realized. Extension visits to farmers, intensified training programs for the rural youths and well organization among the various livestock partners should be buildup for better adoption.

Nonlinear Models for the Prediction of Yearly Live Weight of Cattle

Background: Growth of animals is important for milk and meat production. In developing countries record keeping is difficult and usually complete recording cannot be obtained from the cattle farming. Mathematical models are used to predict values from incomplete or partially recorded data and reduces the confusion for calculating the yield. Therefore, a study was conducted to know the growth of cattle by comparing three non-linear models and predicts the mature live weight. Mehods: The live weight of cattle at 15 day intervals from 15 to 365 days was recorded and calculated the yearly live weight and weight gains of three genotypes (Red Chittagong cattle, Non-descriptive deshi and their cross) of cattle. Three nonlinear model (Brody, Gompertz and von Bertalanffy model) was fitted to weight-age data of 120 female cattle from 15 to 365 days in three locations. Result: The average live weight and weight gain of three genotype cattle ranging from 198.5 to 207.89 kg and 306 to 361 g/day, respectively. The brody model provides better goodness of fit than other models in all genotypes and Gompertz and the von Bertalanffy model showed better matched between the observed and estimated weights

Characteristics of fresh and frozen semen of Red Chittagong Cattle

Semen production from breeding bulls used in Artificial Insemination (AI) program is of great importance in cattle breeding. Good quality semen has positive effect on the fertility of cows and heifers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and assessed as the freezing ability of Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) bull with fresh-diluted semen and frozen semen. The parameters of semen characteristics included were volume per ejaculate (ml), percentage of mass motility, normal and abnormal sperm, and sperm concentration (million/ml). The highest mass motility was found in bull ID No. 4 and the lowest in bull ID No. 1 but the highest sperm concentration was found in bull ID No. 3 with lowest in bull ID No. 2 in fresh semen. Highly significant (p&lt;0.001) positive correlation was found between mass motility and sperm concentration in bulls of ID No. 3 and 4, a negative significant (p&lt;0.05) correlation was found between mass motility and normal sperm percentage. Two freezing techniques were followed in frozen semen production: Cork sheet freezing and Cryobath freezing with two freezing times 15 and 30 minutes were also applied. Variations in the motility of frozen semen by Cork sheet freezing with two different times were found significant (p&lt;0.05) between bulls. Furthermore, highly significant (p&lt;0.01) difference of motility by Cryobath freezing was found between the bulls. The highest motility after both 15 and 30 minutes Cork sheet freezing and Cryobath freezing was found in bull ID No. 4 and lowest in bull ID No. 3. In the present study, variability in the potentiality of bulls (semen volume and sperm concentration) was observed and found lower than crossbred bulls due to small size of Red Chittagong, an indigenous zebu cattle of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science. 51(1):25-30

Comparative Study on Semen Quality and Fertility of Red Chittagong Cattle, BCB1 and Munshiganj Bulls of Bangladesh

The present study was conducted to analyze the fresh and post-thaw semen quality and fertility from native bulls of Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC), BLRI Cattle Breed 1 (BCB1), and Munshiganj Cattle of Bangladesh. One hundred and seventy-two ejaculates were collected by artificial vagina set and semen analysis was performed using Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA) at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute. Commercial extender (AndroMed) was used to dilute the fresh semen. After equilibration (4°C for 4 hr), freezing was done using a programmable bio-freezer. Post-thawed semen was evaluated for sperm motility and kinematics. Cryopreserved semen straws were used for artificial insemination (AI) and determined the bull fertility based on 60 days non-return rate. Motility of the sperm differs significantly (p 0.05) among the bulls but the highest concentration was found in Munshiganj bull (1669.60 ± 192.07 million/ml) followed by RCC (1648.70 ± 91.07 million/ml) and BCB1 bull (1481.60 ± 167.35 million/ml). Moreover, the highest bent tail (5.89 ± 0.75%), coiled tail (1.01% ± 0.22%) and distal mid-piece reflex (2.26% ± 0.28%) were observed in BCB1 followed by Munshiganj and RCC. Amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) was recorded higher in post-thaw than in fresh semen. Kinematics parameters of post-thaw semen decreased than fresh semen irrespective of genotypes. More number of doses/ejaculates can be produced from Munshiganj bull (394.34 ± 127.95) followed by RCC (349.01 ± 120.91) and BCB 1 bulls (331 ± 98.99). Fertility rate does not differ among the bulls (p > 0.05) but the highest value was found for RCC (62.06% ± 1.94%) bulls. Therefore, it can be concise that, the quality of Red Chittagong Cattle semen is better than BCB 1 and Munshigang bull.

Efficacy of a model of rearing Red Chittagong Cattle to up-scale the livelihood of the rural poor farmers

Although several native and crossbreed cattle populations exist in Bangladesh, their poor health and reproduction traits hardly meet the nutritional requirement of the country. The present study was carried out to develop a socio-economic model for elevating the socio-economic status of poor farmers by rearing Red Chittagong Cattle, a dual-purpose, indigenous cattle. First, a model was developed by a team of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute which hypothesized that rearing two RCC cattle, one for calf and milk production and another for beef production will enhance the socioeconomic conditions if they are supported with appropriate training and vaccination. A total of 150 farmers were selected from 4 Upazilas and the model was introduced to the farmers and subsequently, the model was implemented. The farmers were provided cattle, training, health care support including regular vaccination, high-yield grass and free fodder-cutting facilities. After the project intervention, the willingness of farmers for cattle rearing for both types that are milk production and beef fattening increased from 20.70% to 22.50%. Moreover, the socio-economic status of the respondents improved significantly. The average annual income of the household increased from 1,03,900 Tk to 1,36,133.15 Tk (31% increase) after the model was applied. Although the family expenditure was lower before implementing this approach, it climbed after the project intervention, along with annual savings. Farmers were more motivated to raise RCC and conserve them in situ as a potential genetic resource when family savings had increased. Considering the benefits of rearing RCC, this model would be suitable for improving the socio-economic conditions of the smallholders and rural farmers of Bangladesh. Moreover, conserving RCC will help in future research on indigenous cattle genetic resources.

Reproductive Potential of Red Chittagong Cattle in Bangladesh

The study was carried out to investigate the phenotypic and genetic potential of reproductive traits of Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) of Bangladesh. For that purpose accumulated data on a total of 101 animals from four different herds covering a period from 2005 to 2011 were used for analyses. The overall mean (±SE) values of age at first heat (AFH), age at first conception (AFC), age at first calving (AC), calving rate per productive year (CR), interval to post partum heat (IPPH), days open (DO), calving interval (CI) and generation interval (GI) were 35.9±1.1 month, 42.1±1.3 month, 50.6±1.1 month, 0.87±0.01 month, 149.4±9.5 days, 178.6±11.0 days, 454.9±10.4 days and 4.2±0.1 year, respectively. The factors having significant effects on reproductive traits were herd on DO and CI and calving year on DO. Calving parity and calving season had no significant effect on those traits. The heritability estimates of IPPH, DO and CI were very low (0, 0.06 and 0.09) and that of corresponding repeatability estimates were also low (0.06, 0.08 and 0.09, respectively). The heritability estimates for other traits were moderate (0.39 to 0.50). The results indicated that though reproductive potential of RCC for most of the traits are below than expected, that may be due to their lower inherent capability of indigenous Zebu compared to Taurus, but there is still opportunity of considerable improvement of these traits studied as indicated by their phenotypic variations among population.

Red Chittagong Cattle: An Indigenous Breed to Help Tackle the Challenges of Modern Animal Production Systems

Modern livestock selection is rapidly condensing the indigenous cattle gene pool. This trend limits the options for future genetic selection to benefit both animal well-being and farmer challenges. Here we reveal the potential of Red Chittagong cattle (RCC), a native genotype of Bangladesh, for tackling these current and pending challenges. Red Chittagong cattle are reddish in color and small in size with mature bulls and cows weighing 342 and 180 kg from birth weights of 16 and 14 kg, respectively. Whilst low mean levels of milk production of 618 L across a 228-day lactation are recorded so are high levels of milk protein (3.8%) and fat (4.8%) with offered feed types typically low in nutritive value, particularly crude protein. However, one in five cows under farm condition yield &amp;gt;1,000 L/lactation. Alongside high levels of milk protein and fat, other key features of this breed include resistance to common diseases and parasites with a high level of adaptation to agro-ecological conditions. As opposed to other indigenous breeds, there is currently high genetic variation in the RCC population, and associated variation in productive and reproductive traits highlighting the opportunity for development through long-term breeding programs alongside improved management conditions. Such efforts would enable this breed to become a global resource for tackling the challenges of modern animal production systems. In addition, further work is required to reveal the demographic distribution of the breed, potential production levels through the provision of improved diets and the mechanisms enabling disease resistance and digestibility of feeds.

Effects of Climate Change and Natural Disasters on Cattle Farming in Selected Areas of Bangladesh: A Preliminary Investigation

Climate change and natural disasters have unequivocal impacts on global agricultural production systems thereby its threats hampering food production and security. The current study was undertaken to identify the natural disasters affecting cattle farming along with the strength of the ability of the farmers to tackle cattle against natural disaster and knowledge and feelings on the impact of climate change in the Bangladesh perspective. A total of 719 cattle rearing households were surveyed from selected 14 upazilas of 9 districts. Data were analyzed with SPSS 20.0 software using descriptive statistics. From the study, it was found that most of the households (95.13%) were farm households depending on agricultural activities. The average herd sizes of indigenous, Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) and crossbred cattle were 3.84, 2.67, and 7.64 respectively. The average number of bull calf/bull in the case of indigenous (2.22) and RCC (2.43) were higher indicating that farmers were mainly reared these genotypes of cattle for fattening purpose and in the case of crossbred the average number of the milch cow was higher (3.04) indicating farmers rearing crossbred cattle mainly for dairy purpose. However, irrespective of areas 52.97% of cattle rearing farmers thought that natural disaster affected their cattle rearing and the highest 62.08% of farmers thought that the cattle rearing affected by flood followed by cyclone (57.83%), heavy rainfall (54.00%), thunderstorm (44.79%), drought (24.07%) and river erosion (9.66%). Moreover, overall 43.71% of cattle farmers and the highest 88.89% cattle farmers in Sylhet district reported that they were unable to tackle cattle against natural disasters. Furthermore, overall 12.95% of cattle farmers found they were ignorant about the climate change issues. The farmers in Bandarban (100.00%), Tangail (66.67%), Jessore (94.87%), and Rajshahi (76.19%) districts were had knowledge and feeling, on the other hand in Kurigram (97.83%) and Mymensingh (45.45%) districts farmers had no knowledge and feeling over climate change issues. Cattle farmers assumed that cattle health (64.22%) and production performance (49.09%) were mostly affected by climate change issues. Climate change effect and increasing weather extremes, directly and indirectly affects cattle rearing, thus impose bigger consequences to the livestock economy, alongside national food security. There has been no direct study conducted on the effects of climate change on cattle rearing in Bangladesh. This study affords to explore the effects of climate change and natural disasters on cattle rearing and provides preliminary guidelines to policymakers and for further research in the Bangladesh perspective.

Prevalence of Diseases and Disorders of Large Ruminant in Moulvibazar Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh

A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted at Sadar Upazila of Moulvibazar district from January 2018 through December 2018 to explore the prevalence of different cattle diseases and disorders based on Upazila Veterinary Hospital register data. The information regarding the animal's age, sex, breed, and date of treatment was collected passively from the registered patient. A total of 10434 cases record were evaluated. Diseases were categorized into seven different classes, where parasitic and protozoal diseases showed the highest magnitude (47.78%). Fascioliasis has been estimated most frequent complaint parasitic cases with a prevalence of 20.87% (95% CI: 20.10- 21.67). Prevalence of FMD (6.12%; 95% CI: 5.67-6.60) was highest among all infectious diseases. The overall disease prevalence was higher in the rainy season (43.80%), followed by winter and summer seasons. Infectious disease prevalence was significantly higher in males (12.79%) than females (8.86%); Red Chittagong Cattle (24.69%) than crossbred (9.45%) and local cattle (10.73%); and in the rainy season (12.12%) than summer (9.50%) and winter season (10.14%). Prevalence of parasitic and protozoal disease was higher in females (51.42%) than in males (43.64%); local cattle (52.32%) than Red Chittagong Cattle (7.00%) and Crossbred (46.45%); and the rainy season (64.76%) than summer (31.11%) and winter (37.00%). Findings of the present study will provide information about disease burden and help make informed decisions and necessary steps to control the diseases and disorders in the study area. Further, outcomes will act as baseline information and pave the road to further epidemiological study in the selected region.

Study on candidate genes for milk production traits of Red Chittagong Cattle

The study was carried out on Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD,) diacylglycerolacyltransferase-1 (DGAT1) and ATP-binding cassette G2 (ABCG2) genes which are responsible for variation in milk production traits (milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, and SNF yield) in cattle. These genes were used as candidate genes in Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) breed of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) herd for detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) causing variation in milk production traits. Focusing on the effects of SNPs on milk production traits, phenotypic variation within RCC breed was identified and categorized based on milk production traits. Average lactation yield varied from 527 to 1436 kg (n=29) per lactation. About 18% of lactating cows showed an average of &gt;1000 kg per lactation. Average fat percent ranged from 4.71 to 6.25 (n=15). Eighteen (18) set of primers were designed to amplify targeted regions of SCD, DGAT1 and ABCG2 genes, where 8 set from DGAT1, 6 set from SCD and 4 set from ABCG2 gene. Pooled DNA from 50 RCC cows and 5 RCC bulls were used in sequencing. In sequence analysis, the SCD, DGAT1 and ABCG2 alleles found fixed in RCC. This study suggests an evidence that RCC breed has fixed alleles with respect to SCD, DGAT1 and ABCG2 genes reported to be responsible for higher milk fat yield, higher fat and protein percent.&#x0D; Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 26 (1&amp;2), 2019: P. 1-7

A case study on year round fodder production scheme for smallholder dairy producers in Bangladesh

This study was undertaken to develop a year round fodder production model for small scale dairy farmers. Five pregnant dairy cows of Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) genotype were selected. For rearing five cows, 66 decimal of land was selected from existing fodder plots under Pachutia Research Farm at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka. The selected land was divided into two parts (33 decimal in each). One part was brought under perennial (Napier-4 and Splendida) and the 2nd part of land for seasonal (Maize &amp; Matikalai) fodder production. Data on live weight and live weight gain of cows, birth weight of calves, feed intake, milk production, actual biomass yield for both perennial and seasonal fodder, yearly manure production were recorded and calculated. Napier-4 grass, splendida, maize, straw, silage were supplied to the experimental cows according to the seasonal availability in different months. Concentrate mixture were also supplied consisting of wheat bran, kheshari (red gram), soybean meal, maize crushed, til oil cake, DCP and common salt. Economics of the model revealed that considering the sale of milk, calves and manure and cost included only feed and land leased, a farm/family rearing 5 indigenous dairy cows with his/her family labours, he/she could earn around BDT 98 thousand in a year (1$ = 85 BDT) and the benefit cost ratio of the model on total variable cost and total cost were 1.86 and 1.66, respectively. Therefore, it may be recommended that a farmer having 5 adult dairy cows with 66 decimal land under fodder cultivation may earn substantial share of his/her family income as small-scale rural dairying.&#x0D; Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 26 (1&amp;2), 2019: P. 89-102

Study of on-farm pre and post-natal feeding practices of Red Chittagong Cattle

The study was conducted with the objective to investigate prenatal and postnatal performances of Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) cows in subsistence feeding and nutrition compared to those in improved feeding system. Twenty RCC cows with average initial live weight of 204.6 (±29) kg at their 2nd or 3rd parity and at about seven months of pregnancy were divided into two equal groups and assigned to two dietary treatments: one group was fed as per farmers’ choice, while another was fed 25% higher metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) than requirements through concentrates, according to ARC (2009). Cows in farmers’ diet during last 50 days of pregnancy fed lower ME and CP (42.4 MJ and 445 g, respectively) than their daily requirements (43.5 MJ and 519 g, respectively), resulted in lower birth weight of calves compared to improved feeding (13.36 and 15.12 kg, respectively) where daily ME and CP intake was 57.77 MJ and 603 g. In first 60 days of lactation, cows under farmers’ diet fed required amount of ME and CP (44.83 MJ and 471g, respectively) compared to requirement (42 MJ and 388g, respectively). However, cows in improved diet fed 1.28 and 1.42 times higher ME and CP (52.92 MJ and 563 g) than requirements, and produced higher milk (1.97 and 2.50 L/d; P&lt;0.05) and daily gain (122 and 274 g/d; P&lt;0.01), compared to that of farmers’ diet cows. Therefore, it was concluded that diet of RCC cows in late pregnancy may be supplemented with CP in order to produce higher birth weight of calves. In case of lactating cows, a cost effective supplementation of concentrate mixture for increasing milk production and daily gain may be investigated by doing further research.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 21-25: 159-167, 2018

Genetic Evaluation Of Red Chittagong Cattle In Bangladesh

The current study was carried out using data of the Nucleus Herd and Community Herd of Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) established through USDA funded Red Chittagong Cattle project under the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, BAU, Mymensingh. Data on 151 calves and 75 lactating cows were analyzed. The estimated heritability values were 0.45 ± 0.05 for birth weight, 0.48 ± 0.05 for weaning weight, 0.41 ± 0.08 for pre-weaning daily gain, 0.47 ± 0.06 for lactation length, 0.43 ± 0.07 for lactation milk yield and 0.35 ± 0.09 for average daily milk yield. The highest Breeding Value (BV) were for birth weight (3.2 kg), weaning weight (24.46 kg), pre-weaning daily gain (82.39g), lactation length (52.25 days), lactation milk yield (186.04 kg) and average daily milk yield (0.66 kg). The minimum and maximum phenotypic index values by using phenotypic parameters were for growth traits (1196.24 and 4713.24) and milk production traits (8573.93 and 40670.81). The minimum and maximum genetic index values by using breeding values were for growth traits (1812.49 and 2870.21) and milk production traits (-1812.49 and 2870.21). All the estimated index values can be used in animal selection and breeding programs for RCC improvement and similar index selection can be applied for other indigenous cattle development programs in Bangladesh or elsewhere.&#x0D; SAARC J. Agri., 17(2): 141-154(2019)

Investigation of Ovarian Follicular Waves and Major Hormonal Profile in Red Chittagong Cattle

Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) is one of the renowned varieties of cattle which is indigenous and most potential type of domestic animal genetic resource in Bangladesh with distinct phenotypic characteristics. Reproductive management might be a process for multiplying this cattle variety. Therefore, the goals of this study were to characterize the follicular waves of RCC and to determine the Progesterone (P4), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) profile during three consecutive estrus cycle. Follicular wave emergence (Day 0) was identified using trans-vaginal ultrasound technique and follicular growth was then monitored from Day 0 to Day 23 during three consecutive estrus cycle and blood samples were collected. After measuring the growth and diameter of the follicles, hormonal assays of collected blood samples were performed using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). We found that, both RCC cows and heifers showed two waves inter-ovulatory intervals. The length of inter-ovulatory intervals and the diameter of the ovulatory follicle of RCC cows and heifers were slightly different from each other. The identification of the dominant follicle was confirmed from the start of its deviation from other subordinate follicles till it reached to the maximum diameter and identified as dominant follicle which increases linearly for approximately six days (growing phase). This dominant follicle is remained approximately same size for five days (static phase), and then begins to regress (regressing phase) decreasing the antral diameter. The follicular waves are first detectable as 4 - 5 mm follicles approximately at day 0 and day 10 both for RCC cows and heifers which showed two waves inter-ovulatory intervals. The circulating varied concentrations of LH, FSH and P4 were determined using ELISA in case of both cows and heifers and the concentration curves followed the similar pattern of change during the estrus cycle. Hence, the knowledge about ovarian follicular waves will create a base line for reproductive management of RCC as well as to allow reproductive biotechnologies to improve and multiply this cattle variety.