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SummaryThe authors describe the evolution, morphological characteristics, body weights, body measurements and production performance of three indigenous cattle breeds in Bhutan, namely the Siri, Mithun cross Siri (Jatsha for male and Jatsham for female) and first backcross hybrids (Yangka for male and Yangkum for female). The data was collected through a sample survey which was conducted in Lobesa block of Thimphu district in April/May 1995 near the Natural Resources Training Institute (NRTI). Observations were recorded from 44 Siri (22 bulls and 22 cows), 10 Mithun cross Siri (5 Jatshas and 5 Jatshams) and 8 first backcross hybrids (5 Yangkas and 3 Yangkums). The aim of this breed description is to assist in developing the future conservation strategies of the indigenous breeds in Bhutan.

The newborn piglet is prone to hypothermia because of the body heat which is lost in evaporating birth fluids from its surface and because the climatic environment provided for the piglet at birth can be sub-optimal. If deep body temperature drops by over 2°C from the norm of 39° C the pig suffers from reduced locomotor vigour and becomes, more lethargic (Stephens, 1971). Such disadvantages can make the piglet less effective in competing for a teat and colostrum and also more prone to be overlain by the dam (English and Morrison, 1983). Because of the possible consequences of hypothermia, therefore, there is a need to quantify piglet body temperature trends from birth in the variable conditions provided for farrowing and to develop improved approaches for reducing the problem.Studies in newborn piglets were conducted on a large commercial unit in which farrowing took place in pens with solid floored front creeps with underfloor heating, while the remainder of the pen floor was of woven wire. Mean temperatures (4 cm above floor level) in the front creep and the remainder of the pen were 22.6°C and 21.4°C respectively. Rectal temperature (at a depth of 4 cm) was recorded using a hand held digital thermometer in 168 piglets in 17 litters at 10 minute intervals in the first hour of life, at hourly intervals thereafter up to 10 hours and also at hourly intervals from 24 to 36 hours of age.

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