Peripartum and postpartum reproductive and neonatal traits of Kangayam cattle of Tamil Nadu, India

M  PRABHU; N V  KAVITHAA; R  RUTHRAKUMAR; M  MURUGAN

doi:10.56093/ijans.v96i5.179352

Authors

M PRABHU Kangayam Cattle Research Station, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu 638 451 India
N V KAVITHAA Veterinary College and Research Institute, Udumalpet, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Tamil Nadu 642 205, India
R RUTHRAKUMAR Kangayam Cattle Research Station, Baguthampalayam Village, Sathyamangalam, Erode District, Tamil Nadu 638 451, India
M MURUGAN Centre for Animal Production Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 051, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v96i5.179352

Keywords:

Calf birth weight, Kangayam cattle, Fetal membrane, Gestation length, Peripartum, Parturition

Abstract

The present study was conducted over a period of seven years (2019–2026) at the Kangayam Cattle Research Station, Sathyamangalam, with the objective to evaluate key parturient, postpartum, and neonatal parameters in Kangayam cattle, known for their superior draught ability and cultural significance in Tamil Nadu. A total of 125 Kangayam calves were born to 43 cows without any complications during parturition. During systematic recording and analysis, the mean gestation length was found to be 290.07 ± 2.59 days. The average time taken for delivery was 54.43 ± 3.73 minutes, while the time required for placental expulsion was 181.70 ± 5.69 minutes. The mean weight of the fetal membranes was 2.75 ± 0.05 kg, and the average postpartum dam weight was 292.44 ± 3.28 kg. The mean birth weight of calves was 21.08 ± 0.23 kg. Regarding neonatal behavior, the time taken for calves to stand was found to be 15-60 minutes with colostrum suckling initiated at 50.88 ± 3.56 minutes. The findings of this study provide baseline data on parturient and neonatal characteristics in Kangayam cattle, which can be useful for improving management practices, enhancing calf survival, and supporting conservation and breeding strategies for this valuable indigenous breed.

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