Accurate estimates of genetic parameters are important for genetic improvement in Khari goats. In this regard, altogether 1005 adult does of Khari goat in Deurali VDC, Nawalparasi were evaluated in terms of litter weight at birth (LWB) and litter weight at weaning (LWW) and their genetic parameters from February, 2012 to January 2015. Least square means (LSM) and standard errors of the mean (SEM) for these traits were determined with respect to some non-genetic factors such as altitude, season of conception, season of kidding, dam’s parity, dam’s size at conception, and birth type. Accordingly, Overall LSM±SE of LWB and LWW in present study were determined 3.97±0.06 and 18.21±0.34 Kgs., respectively. Where, LWB did not differed significantly with altitude and dam’s parity, however, it was significantly influenced (p<0.001) by the season of conception, season of kidding, dam’s size at conception, and birth type. Similarly, LWW was significantly varied with respect to altitude (p<0.01), season of conception (<0.001), season of kidding (<0.05), dam’s parity (<0.001), dam’s size at conception (<0.001), and birth type (<0.001). Moderately high heritability estimates of LWB (0.52±0.16) and LWW (0.56±0.17) indicated that these traits were under the strong influence of additive genes and selection based the superiority of individual doe would be appropriate for successful genetic improvement. Highly significant positive genetic (rA=0.95) and phenotypic correlation (rP=0.91) between LWB and LWW suggested that selection for any of these trait would result in considerable positive change in other trait. More specifically, LWB can be used as a guide to select replacement does targeting to increased LWW within the herd. Journal of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science.Vol. 33-34, 2015, page: 251-258

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This study was conducted to assess the quality and quantity aspects of different genetic group of buck’s semen used for Artificial Insemination (AI) at National Livestock Breeding Centre (NLBC), Pokhara. For this, records from different breeds and genetic groups of buck semen collected over 3 years (2014-2016) were analyzed. Parameters such as volume, density, mass motility, initial motility concentration and post thaw motility were analysed for various non-genetic factors like year, season, green based feeding. Data were analyzed by least square method using Harvey 1990 software package. The result showed that different genetic group of bucks (P<0.001) have highly significant effect (P=0.00) on volume of semen. Significant interaction (P=0.01, 0.001) was observed between year and season on volume and density of the semen. Similarly, different genetic group of bucks had significant effect on density (P=0.03). Year showed a significant effect (P=0.02) on initial motility of the buck semen. Similarly, significant interaction between year and season on initial motility percentage (P=0.01) and post thaw motility percentage (P=0.00) was found. Likewise, year has a significant effect (P=0.01) on the Post thaw motility percentage (P=0.03) of the semen. Also, a significant effect of different breed of buck was found on post thaw motility percentage (P=0.00). In addition, the average post thaw motility percentage semen of all the genetic groups of bucks was above 52% which is considered as a good percentage for the success of AI. This result might be due to use of egg yolk free extender which is soya-based protein. Moreover, adoption of new buck semen processing technologies might further improve the semen quality and long term storability along with better management and distribution of these buck semen by Government of Nepal through livestock unit at different municipalities will improve the conception rate and save huge effort and investment for the importation of buck semen.

An experiment was conducted using 17 male buffalo calves to assess the effects of plane of nutrition on dry matter intake (DMI), daily gain (DG), body size measurement, apparent digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance. To attain 250kg BW, the calves were allocated into three groups: H, L-H and L, receiving the concentrate at 1.50% of BW, 0.75% of BW until 190kg BW and 1.50% thereafter and 0.75% of BW, respectively. The animals had ad libitum access to urea-treated rice straw (UTRS). The DMI of UTRS through the experiment was higher in L and L-H than H, showing 3.52, 2.90 and 2.62kg/day, respectively (P<0.01), but the total DMI did not differ among the treatment groups. The DG throughout the experiment was high in the order of H, L-H and L, showing 0.72, 0.57 and 0.45kg, respectively (P<0.01). The digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fiber and N retention were higher in H than in L (P<0.05). The findings of this study thus revealed the greater DG has an advantage of shortening the growing period around 3months, and consequently increasing benefit in fattening of buffalo calves in Nepal.

A study was conducted in major milk pocket area of Chitwanand Nawalparasi districts with the objective of assessing productive performance of dairy cattle reared in those areas. The study also aimed at categorizing the breed based on its breeding value to determine the most elite cow of different breeds.Four years of data send obtained from Animal Breeding Division in the period between (2008-2012) under the Dairy Cattle Improvement Program were reviewed and analyzed. Altogether, 18316 test day records of 728 animals of 172 herds were considered for evaluation. Results of the above study revealed that the overall least square mean and standard errors (LS mean and SE) of Lactation Milk Yield (LMY), fat percentage, and protein percentage were 2841±84.95 kg, 4.43±0.66 % and 3.33±0.1 %, respectively. Moreover, the study also revealed that breed had significant effect on milk yield (p<0.001), protein percentage (p< 0.01) and Fat percentage (p< 0.001). In addition, top dairy cattle are ranked based on its breeding value on productive parameters. Results of the above study suggested that animal of higher breeding value and it's offspring need to be promoted for better productivity in farmer managed condition of Nepal.Journal of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science. Vol. 33-34, 2015, page: 207-212