Breeding efficiency of Crossbred cattle and Murrahbuffaloes at organized dairy farm

Abstract

A total of 1474 and 1935 production and reproduction records of crossbred cattle and Murrah buffaloes from the year 1992 to 2012 were utilized in the present study to investigate breeding efficiency (BE) and various performance traits. Breeding efficiency was calculated using Wilcox and Tomar methods and Least –squares of Harvey model was used to study the effects of various non-genetic factors (period, season) on breeding efficiency. Average breeding efficiency of Crossbred cattle was 82.31 ± 0.97% ranging from 75% to 85% by Wilcox method and 98.14 ± 1.09% ranging from 95% to 99% by Tomar method. Average breeding efficiency of buffaloes was 78.03 ± 1.01% ranging from 69% to 84% by Wilcox method and 78.39 ± 0.39% ranging from 74% to 80% by Tomar method under the management conditions. Breeding efficiency correlated positively with weight at calving, milk yield 305 days and milk yield complete in Crossbred cattle and Murrah buffaloes by both methods. The effect of period was significant(less than 0.01) on the breeding efficiency by Wilcox method and non-significant by Tomar method in Crossbred cattle. The effect of season was non-significant on breeding efficiency by both methods in crossbred cattle. In Murrah buffaloes the effect of period was significant(less than 0.01) on the breeding efficiency by both methods while the effect season was significant(less than 0.05) on breeding efficiency by Tomar method and non significant by Wilcox method. Therefore it is imperative to emphasis improvement in the husbandry practices and the introduction of genetic evaluation programmes at the same time.