Scanning of linear functional type traits for milk production in Sahiwal cattle*

Abstract

Sahiwal cows (208) of Govemment Livestock Farm, Hisar (Haryana), were scored for 13 type traits and also overall
score. The distribution of animals across various classes of type scores revealed a normal distribution with mean score of linear type traits varied from 72.68±0.79 to 81.17±0.82 points. Stage of lactation affected significantly stature, rump width, rear udder height, feat placement, udder depth and overall score. Differences due to age at scoring were significant (P<0.05) for almost all linear type traits and overall score whereas age at first height only. The heritability estimates of linear type traits ranged between 0.07±D.27 and 0.82±0.33 and their phenotypic associations with milk production were moderate to high. All the 13 linear type traits accounted for 48.03 % of the total variability in milk production. Step-wise regression analysis revealed that 92.63 % of the variation accounted by all linear type traits in milk production could be predicted by stature, dairy character, rear udder width, teat placement and udder depth. The index selection based on first lactation milk yield, dairy character and rear udder width resulted in expected genetic gain of 172.96 kg and 2.21 points in total milk production up to second lactation and overall type score respectively. In the absence of milk production records major emphasis may be placed on dairy character and udder traits for early selection ofSahiwal cows for a breeding goal of milk and type.