Vol. 10, Special Issue 9 (2021)

Author(s):
Sandeep Kumar Sangwan, Surander Singh Dhaka, Abhay Singh Yadav, Patil Chandrashekhar Santosh and Mahavir Chaudhari

Abstract:
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of non-genetic factors and estimate the genetic parameter of production performance traits {305 days or less milk yield (305MY), Peak yield (PY), Persistency (PR), Milk yield per day of lactation length (AMY), Milk yield per day of first calving interval (MCI) and Milk yield per day at age of second calving (MSC)} in Murrah buffaloes. The records pertaining to the first lactation of 396 buffaloes, the progeny of 82 sires; calved during the year 1995-2018 and maintained at Buffalo research centre, LUVAS, Hisar were analysed by using a mixed technique of Harvey model. The overall least-squares mean for 305MY, PY, PR, AMY, MCI and MSC were 2128.37±34.43 kg, 10.81±0.11 kg, 206.48 ±3.16, 6.95±0.08 kg/day, 4.80±0.09 kg/day and 1.22 ±0.02 kg/day, respectively. Period of calving had a significant effect on 305MY, PY, AMY, MCI and MSC. Linear regression of Age at first calving had a significant effect on PY, AMY and MSC. The heritability estimates 305MY, PY, PR, AMY, MCI and MSC were found to be 0.33±0.18, 0.33±0.18, 0.22 ±0.17, 0.26±0.18, 0.44±0.19 and 0.30±0.18 respectively. The observed genetic correlation and phenotypic correlation were positive among all traits, which varied from 0.13 ±0.52 (PR with AMY) to 0.94 ±0.02 (305MY with MSC) and 0.18 ±0.05 (PR with AMY) to 0.96 ±0.04 (305MY with MSC). The correlations of MCI and MSC with other traits are observed as high and positive, indicated that selection based on MCI and MSC simultaneously would improve other traits in Murrah buffaloes. The present study suggested that MCI and MSC may be the best trait to be taken into selection criteria for improvement of milk production in Murrah buffaloes.