Demographic parameters and disposal pattern in Sahiwal cattle herd

Abstract

The knowledge of disposal rate, its causes and factors affecting it at various ages are very essential in a given herd for producing replacement stock to maintain proper herd structure. The relevant data for the present study on Sahiwal cows and their calves from 1994 to 2013 (20 years) were collected and recorded at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR-NDRI), Karnal. The analysis of influence of various non-genetic factors on disposal pattern was carried out by Chi-square method using the SPSS software. The age specific disposal of Sahiwal cattle at various age groups i.e. 0–1 month, 1–3 month, 3–6 month, 6–12 month, 12–18 months and 18 month to AFC were 13.79, 4.95, 2.80, 4.53, 1.29 and 3.21%, respectively. The mortality of female from birth to AFC in respective age groups was 13.79, 4.95, 2.00, 2.47, 0.72 and 1.90%, respectively. The incidence of mortality was decreased, while culling increased as the age advanced. Maximum mortality was observed mainly due to pneumonia and enteritis while poor growth and late maturity were the major reasons for culling. It was also observed that about 15.86% of the cows died while they were in the herd and the rest 84.13% were culled from the herd. The expected herd life at first lactation was found to be 2.52 lactations which showed the decreasing trend along the parity. The present study concluded that the first three months of age is more critical period for the survival of calves. Therefore there is need of intensive feeding and healthcare management to minimize involuntary disposal.