PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF BUFFALOES UNDER IRRIGATED CONDITIONS IN RAJASTHAN’S NORTH-WESTERN PLAIN

Sanjay; Kuladip Prakash Shinde; Shankar Lal; Kailash; Sampat Kumar Choudhary; Sonam Kumari Mina; Lalit Kumar

doi:10.56093/ijvasr.v55i5.183746

Authors

Sanjay M.Sc. Scholar, Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan - 334 006
Kuladip Prakash Shinde Assistant Professor, Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan - 334 006
Shankar Lal Assistant Professor, Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan - 334 006
Kailash Assistant Professor (Guest Faculty), Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Agriculture, Sriganganagar, Rajasthan
Sampat Kumar Choudhary M.Sc. Scholar, Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan - 334 006
Sonam Kumari Mina M.Sc. Scholar, Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan - 334 006
Lalit Kumar M.Sc. Scholar, Department of Livestock Production and Management, SAS, Nagaland University, Medziphema

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijvasr.v55i5.183746

Keywords:

Buffalo, smallholder management, growth performance, milk yield, reproductive traits, Rajasthan

Abstract

Performance data on buffaloes under actual smallholder management in Rajasthan’s Agro-climatic Zone-1B remain scarce. This study compared growth, productive, and reproductive performance across 120 smallholder farms (60 each in Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar) using multi-stage random sampling, structured interviews, and direct body measurements up to 18 months of age. Hanumangarh district and large herds (>10 animals) showed significantly superior growth, productive, and reproductive performance than Sri Ganganagar and smaller herds, including higher body weight, wither height, heart girth, average daily gain, lactation length, and milk yield, along with lower age at first oestrus, age at first calving, service period, and calving interval. Stall feeding with wheat straw and non-leguminous green fodder predominated, while artificial insemination adoption (25–53%) increased with herd size. Results indicate that district location and herd size strongly influence buffalo performance under smallholder conditions. Targeted extension services focusing on scientific feeding, breeding, and health management are essential to enhance productivity and farmer livelihoods in the region.

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