Optimization of age at first calving for improvement in lifetime performance in Murrah and Nili-Ravi Buffaloes
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v96i8.170451Abstract
The present study was performed to determine the optimum age at first calving for better lifetime productivity in buffaloes. The data pertaining to Murrah (679) and Nili-Ravi (501) buffaloes was assembled for the duration from 1983 to 2017 (35 year) documented at ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar and Sub-Campus, Nabha, Punjab. The data on first lactation and life time performance records of 1180 buffaloes, were collected. Order 3 polynomial regression curves was employed to evaluate the optimum age at first calving for better lifetime productivity in buffaloes. In Murrah, the polynomial regression model (order 3) of FDP (First Dry Period), FLTMY (First Lactation Total Milk Yield) and FLL (First Lactation Length) incorporating AFC (Age at First Calving) as independent variable indicated best (80-100%) fitting, hence these traits can be predicted with highest accuracy on the basis of AFC. The regression model consisting of AFC as independent variable to predict lifetime traits such as MY/PL (Milk Yield Per Day of Productive Life), HL (Herd Life), MY/PD (Milk Yield Per Day of Productive Days), MY/HL (Milk Yield Per Day of Herd Life), UD (Unproductive Days), Total LTMY (Total Lifetime Milk Yield) and Standard LTMY (Standard Lifetime Milk Yield) were best fitted (80-100%). Whereas, the regression model in Nili-Ravi buffaloes to predict lifetime traits such as HL, MY/HL and MY/PD with AFC revealed best fitting. It can be deduced that AFC as independent variable, can be used with higher accuracy for the prediction of first lactation and lifetime traits.
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