Investigating reasons for lower birth weight in crossbred calves

Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the reasons of lower birth weight in crossbred (50-75% Exotic and 25-50% Hariana) calves. The data on birth weight of 2,102 crossbred calves, progeny of 22 sires over a period of 11 years from 2005 to 2015 were analyzed under investigation using Least Squares analysis. Heritability of birth weight was calculated using half sib correlation method. The observed parameters were period of calving, season of calving, sex of calf, parity of dam, age of dam at calving, weight of dam at calving and sire of calf. Research results revealed that average birth weight of crossbred calves was 21.92 kg. The effect of period of calving, season of calving, sex of calf, age of dam at calving, weight of dam at calving and sire of calf was statistically significant on birth weight. Birth weight showed increasing trend across the periods. The heaviest (9.47% more than rainy) birth weight was observed for calves, born in hot-dry (summer) season whilst, it was the lowest in those born inhot-humid (rainy) season. Male calves were heavier (3.66% more) at birth than the female calves. Cows more than 6 years of age and 400 kg body weight produced the heaviest calves. Five sires (22.72%) had their calves with more than 24 kg birth weight. Heritability of birth weight in crossbred calves was moderate (0.24±0.08) reflecting the ample scope of improvement through proper feeding and care of dam.