Prediction of lifetime yield traits from lactation traits in graded Murrah buffaloes

Abstract

Data on 200 graded Murrah buffaloes spreading over 31 years (1939-1969) taken from the Military Dairy farms located at Ferozpur and Jalandhar, were utilzed for the prediction of lifetime performance from lactation traits using them in sequential manner. R² values of prediction equations increased from 42% (When first lactation traits were used) to 96% (when traits of first 4 lactations were used). It was suggested that the prediction of lifetime performance with more than 90% accuracy should include performance traits of first 4 lactations.