Characterization and Performance Evaluation of Masilum Cattle: A Distinct Indigenous Germplasm of Meghalaya

Abstract

This study aimed to document the phenotypic variability, morphometric traits, and management practices of Masilum cattle (Accession no. INDIA_CATTLE_1300_MASILUM_03053) in their native tract of the Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. A total of 114 farmers from 29 villages were surveyed, and 435 animals across different age and sex groups were evaluated for physical and body measurements. Masilum cattle are reared for milk, meat, draught power, manure, and participation in socio-cultural activities. Animals were maintained under a semi-intensive management system, with daily grazing from morning to evening. Free-range grazing was practised during the dry season, whereas grazing was regulated during the cropping period to prevent crop damage. Feeding was largely unimproved, and housing was simple, reflecting a low-input production system. The population exhibited uniformity in type, being small, compact, hardy, and cylindrical, with a predominance of white coat colour. Bulls had a moderate hump and short horns (10-12 cm). In adult cows, mean body length, height at withers, heart girth, horn length, ear length, face length, and tail length (without switch) were 97.64±1.08 cm, 100.90±0.95 cm, 128.90±1.53 cm, 9.94±0.63 cm, 18.91±0.22 cm, 38.08±0.47 cm, and 68.61±0.97 cm, respectively, with most traits showing no significant sex-wise differences. Performance assessment indicated moderate productivity, with average daily milk yield of 2.14±0.26 kg and lactation length of 120-170 days. These findings suggest that Masilum cattle represent a distinct, well-adapted indigenous hill breed with consistent physical, morphometric, and production characteristics, supporting their potential for conservation and sustainable utilization.