Non-genetic Factors Influencing Growth and Production Performance in Murrah Buffaloes

Abstract

Data consisted of 725 body weights and 330 first lactation records of Murrah buffaloes maintained at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. The overall least squares means for body weights were 32.63 ± 0.42 kg for birth weight, 103.03 ± 1.19 kg for six months body weight, 162.67 ± 1.98 kg for twelve months body weight, 254.92 ± 2.69 kg for eighteen months body weight, 344.49 ± 3.11 kg for twenty-four months body weight and 418.17 ± 3.36 kg for thirty months body weight. Least square analysis of variance indicated significant (P<0.01) effect of season on body weight at six months of age, period was having significant effect on all body weight but birth weight. The least squares means for first lactation traits were found to be 1307.18 ± 12.39 days for age at first calving, 326.13 ± 6.70 days for first lactation length, 1760.69 ± 42.25 kg. for first lactation 305-day milk yield, 1942.75 ± 53.79 kg. for first lactation total milk yield, 513.43 ± 10.34 days for first calving interval, and 208.23 ± 9.78 days for first service period. Season and period were having significant (P<0.01) affect on age at first calving.