Influence of non-genetic factors on disposal pattern of Sahiwal cattle under an organized farm

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted to examine age/parity specific incidence of disposal and to assess the effect of various non-genetic factors on disposal of Sahiwal cattle maintained at the Institute. The analysis was carried out on data of 1,984 calving records of 519 Sahiwal cows born between 1985 and 2009, and 830 female calves born between 1986 and 2009. Traits considered in present study were abnormal calving, disposal of female calves up to age at first calving (AFC) and disposal of adult cows up to 4 lactations. The overall incidence of abnormal calving was 5.75% and was significantly affected by season and period of calving. Higher incidence of abnormal calvings were found during autumn and rainy seasons and it also revealed an increasing trend over the periods. Overall incidence of disposal of female calves up to AFC was 33.78%, comprising 9.11% due to culling and 24.67% due to mortality. Overall disposal of adult cows up to 4 lactations was 76.65%, comprising 11.85% due to mortality and 64.80% due to culling and was significantly affected by period of first calving. Major reasons of disposal were mortality during calfhood stage and culling during adult life. Maximum mortality was observed during first month of age. Therefore, intensive care of calves especially during first month of age against inclement weather conditions and improved breeding and management of cows to reduce involuntary culling would be expected to result in reduced likelihood of undesirable disposal of animals.