Reproduction and milk production performance of buffaloes under field conditions in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

A study was undertaken in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh to know the performance of Murrah, graded
Murrah and local buffaloes in field conditions. The study revealed that the average age at first calving,
service period, calving interval and dry period were significantly (P≤0.01) lower in Murrah than that in
graded Murrah and local buffaloes. The mean peak yield, lactation milk yield and lactation length was
significantly (P≤0.01) higher in Murrah than that in graded Murrah and local buffaloes in the study area.
The average age at first calving (months) of graded Murrah buffaloes was significantly (P≤0.05) lower
in commercial milk producers than that in small farmers and landless milk producers in the study area.
The average dry period of graded Murrah buffaloes was significantly (P≤0.01) lower in commercial milk
producers than that in small farmers and landless milk producers. The average service period and calving
interval of graded Murrah buffaloes were significantly (P≤0.01) lower in small farmer category than that
in commercial milk producers. The mean peak yield, lactation milk yield and lactation period of graded
Murrah buffaloes were significantly (P≤0.01) higher in the commercial milk producers than that in small
farmer and landless milk producers.