Enhancing milk and fertility performances using selection index developed for Indian Murrah buffaloes

Abstract

Selection for genetically superior Murrah buffaloes under Network Project on Buffalo Improvement, India, is presently based on milk yield, and it was observed that even in the absence of any direct selection pressure applied on fertility, there has been a downward trend in fertility associated with the selection for milk yield. The aim of the study was to develop selection indices which include fertility besides milk yield in Murrah buffaloes. Data pertaining to 1,224 lactation records spread over a period of 19 years were recorded and analyzed in the study. The negative association of pregnancy rate (fertility) with a 305-day milk yield (-0.08 ± 0.04) and wet average (-0.12 ± 0.02) indicated the importance of incorporating fertility trait in the construction of selection index. Four types of selection indices were constructed and evaluated. Two indices were developed using expected producing ability 305-days milk yield (EPAMY) with 6.5 and 4% fat in milk along with expected fertilizing ability (EFA). The other two indices developed consist of expected producing ability wet average (EPA WA) and EFA. The index involving (EPA WA and EFA) was found to be a more effective selection criterion in our herd, as the accuracy of index was more (0.61), in comparison to the index involving EPA MY and EFA. The robustness of selection index was assessed by increasing the relative economic values of included traits by 25 and 50%, and accuracy of the index remains almost stable without much change. The developed selection strategy involving EPA WA and EFA should be considered for the genetic evaluation of Murrah buffaloes, as it has a potential for maximizing the lifetime reproduction and production performances of the breed.

Development of sustainable performance index based on production, reproduction, health and longevity for genetic improvement of Sahiwal cattle

“…(1991) and Valsalan et al. (2014) reported that an increase and decrease in economic values of traits even up to 25% and 50% causes no major change in the index coefficients and accuracy of indices.…”

“…Valsalan et al. (2014) reported average expenditure per day per Murrah buffalo by considering the same items of expenditure as Rs. 216.12.…”

Dairy production systems and the adoption of genetic and breeding technologies in Tanzania, Kenya, India and Nicaragua

“…Among the 13 buffalo breeds used for milk production in the country, the Murrah breed is the most important for dairy (Valsalan et al, 2014) and is the breed of choice for upgrading buffaloes for milk production . A National dairy plan implemented since 2011 aims to develop more productive animals (both cattle and buffaloes) and to develop and expand production systems to increase milk supply in India over a 15 year horizon (NDDB, 2014).…”

Factors Affecting Performance of Indian Murrah Buffalo: A Review

“…The first lactation length (FLL) in Murrah buffaloes ranged from 278.26 ± 3.19 days [28] to 373.10 ± 5.80 days [9]. Valsalan et al [29] reported lactation length 286.06 ± 1.72 days in Murrah buffaloes. The effect of season of calving on FLL reported significant [16] and non-significant [18,19,20,30,23].…”