Comparative study on some morphological and performance traits of Hill cattle, Sahiwal and crossbred cattle

Abstract

A total of 720 animals were selected comprising of 260 Sahiwal (SC), 260 Crossbred (CB) and 200 Hill cattle (HC) of different age and sex to study body morphometric and performance traits. There was a significant (P?0.05) difference between body morphometric traits between Hill cattle and Sahiwal as well as between Hill cattle and crossbreds. Estimates of almost all the body morphometric traits in all the age groups were significantly (P?0.05) lower in Hill cattle than rest two groups (Sahiwal and crossbreds). The estimates of these traits were statistically indifferent between Sahiwal and crossbreds cattle except in greater than 36 months age group, where these were significantly (P?0.05) higher for crossbreds. Age at first calving was significantly (P?0.05) lower in crossbreds than indigenous breeds while as service period was lowest in Hill cows and maximum in Sahiwal cows. Dry period and calving interval were significantly (P?0.05) highest in Sahiwal cows.