Effect of Body Condition Score (BCS) on Production Performance of Sahiwal Cattle

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out with the total of 18 Sahiwal cattle of 1 st to 4 th parity were selected for the study and distributed into three different groups based on their pre calving BCS (before 15 days of expected date of calving) namely G1 (2.50-3.00), G2 (3.25-3.75) and G3 (4.00 and above) with six animals in each group. The average fortnight milk yield increased up to 60 th day and thereafter declined up to 90 th day in G1, G2 and G3 group of animals, which was significant (p<0.05) up to 75 th day. G3 group animals had highest average fortnightly cumulative Milk yield (Kg) in entire study period. Highest 305 days predicted lactation milk yield (2462.66 Kg /lactation) and average peak yield (16.50 Kg/ animal) was obtained in G3 group animals and the lowest predicted lactation milk yield (1870.68 Kg/lactation). The 305 days predicted lactation milk yield in G2 group animals was 2356.75 Kg /lactation and average peak yield was 14.90 Kg/ animal. The G3 group animals also attained their peak yield in 46 days compared to G2 and G1 group animals with 51 and 54 days, respectively. The persistency of milk production was highest in G2 group animals with 65.63 % followed by G3 and G1 group animals. The studied revealed that BCS had a significant (P<0.05) effect on post-partum estrus and service period in experimental animals.