Milk production and reproduction traits of different grades of zebu x Friesian crossbreds under semi-arid conditions

Abstract

Data from Zebu x Friesian crossbred dairy cows of different upgrading kept in the Kenana Sugar Company (KSC) farm, 300 km south of Khartoum on the bank of the White Nile in the low rainfall savannah region were collected over a period from 1984 to 2004 and analyzed using Harvey's (1990) Least Squares programme. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in milk yield per lactation, daily milk yield and lactation between the 25% and 37.5% genetic groups. The 50% Zebu x Friesian group produced significantly more milk per lactation (2721.10 ± 87.36 kg) compared to the 25% and 37.5% groups (2067.20 ± 241.62 and 2192.68 ± 122.66, respectively). The milk yield per lactation and daily milk yield of the 50, 62.5, 75 and 87.5% breed groups was not significantly different. There were no significant differences in length of lactation between the 25%, 37.5% and the 50% group (267.99±18.14, 273.11±9.25 and 278.75±6.52, respectively). Groups with 75% and 87.5% of Friesian blood proportion had significantly longer lactation days (305.09 ±10.63 and 347.07 ±30.14, respectively). The range for dry period was between 78.37±12.27 days for the 75% genetic group to 92.56±16.76 days for the 25% group. The mean calving intervals for the five genetic groups ranged from 367.85±21.38 days for the 75% group to 394.60±16.33 days for the 50% group. The earliest age at calving (41.56±2.16 months) was achieved by the 37.5% group while the latest age at first calving (49.01±1.29 months) was recorded for the 62.5 % group. The results of this study and other similar studies in tropical countries provide proof that the local environment (i.e. high temperature, low feed quality and quantity, disease and parasitic loads) can sustain composite genotypes of up to 50% B. taurus blood and does not lead to significant yield increases in upgraded groups. The economic feasibility of raising crossbred cows (Zebu x Bos taurus) under the Sudan condition has to be further evaluated in comparison with native dairy breeds to determine the overall efficiency and economic benefits. Es konnten keine signifikanten Unterschiede der Laktationsleistung, der täglichen Milchleistung und der Laktationslänge bei Kühen mit einem 25 % und 37,5 % Holstein-Friesian-Anteil gefunden werden. Die F1 50 % Zebu x HF hatten eine signifikant höhere Milchleistung (2721 ± 87 kg) im Vergleich zu den genetischen Gruppen 25 % und 37,5 % mit jeweils 2067 ± 241 und 2192 ± 123 kg. Die Laktationsleistung und die tägliche Milchleistung der genetischen Gruppen 50 %, 62,5 %, 75 % und 87,5 % waren nicht signifikant unterschiedlich. Auch gab es keine signifikanten Unterschiede in der Laktationslänge zwischen den Kreuzungsgruppen mit 25 %, 37,5 % und 50 % HF-Anteil (268 ±18; 273 ± 9 und 279 ± 6) während die Kreuzungsgruppen mit 75 % und 87,5 % HF-Anteil eine signifikant längere Laktation aufwiesen (305 ± 11 und 347 ± 30). Die Trockenperiode schwankte zwischen 78 Tagen für die 75 % HF-Gruppe und 92 Tagen für die 25 % HF-Gruppe.

Milk yield and reproductive performance of dairy cattle under smallholder management system in North-eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia

“…The mean value of 47 months of AFC found in this study for the crossbred cows is higher than the average value of 36 months reported by Emebet and Zeleke (2007) for crossbred cattle in Eastern lowlands and Shiferaw et al (2003) of 41 months in central highlands in Ethiopia and 35 months reported by Asimwe and Kifaro (2007) for F 1 's in Tanzania. On the other hand, our finding was comparable with the reports of Ahmed et al (2007) for 25% crossbreds in semi-arid regions of Sudan (46 months). The lower AFC observed in crossbred cows than indigenous ones in this study is in agreement with the reports of Negussie et al (1998) in Ethiopia and Nigongoni et al (2006) in Zimbabwe, but in contrast with the finding of Asimwe and Kifaro (2007) in Tanzania who reported that AFC increases with the level of exotic blood level.…”

Effect of Season on Reproductive Performance of Bhagnari Cattle Managed Under Semi Intensive Management Condition

“…The higher milk yield was reported in cows calved in winter season; followed by rainy and summer seasons [9]. The results reported by Ahmad, et al and Baloch were also in agreements with the findings of current study for milk yield [6,17]. They also reported that the season of calving had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on milk yield.…”

“…In contrast to the finding of current study the daily milk production was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in cows that calved in summer and autumn than those that calved in winter and spring [20]. Increase in production caused by maturation and increase in body weight [21,6]. The cows of the same age but different parity were variation in production [22,6].…”

“…Increase in production caused by maturation and increase in body weight [21,6]. The cows of the same age but different parity were variation in production [22,6]. The increase in milk production in autumn was due to decreased of summer heat stress.…”

“…The animals and the products obtained from them contributed billions of rupees in to the national economy prolonged calving intervals, reduction in milk production and increases culling rate and finally economic losses of the farm. The season of calving infect has significant effect on the overall performance of the animal [6]. However some work has been carried out to assess the effect of season on reproductive performance of Red Sindhi and Sahiwal cattle breeds, but Bhagnari breed had received very little attention, hence it is the need of time to determine the effect of season on reproductive performance of Bhagnari breed.…”