Appraisal of linear type traits in graded Murrah buffaloes

Abstract

To define graded Murrah buffaloes, it’s dairyness on the basis of linear type traits and to determine the effect of various non-genetic factors such as parity and stage of lactation on expression of these traits, 115 graded Murrah buffaloes were selected randomly to record the various linear traits and scaled / scored under 1-9 point scale as recommended by International Committee for Animal Recording, 2001. Thus graded Murrah can be defined as a breed of buffalo having stature of 141.30±0.38 cm, chest width of 30.43±0.33cm, rump angle of 10.24±0.45cm, rump width of 29.25±0.30 cm, body depth of 238.01±0.99 cm, udder depth of 9.93±0.74 cm, teat length of 8.23±0.18 cm, rear leg set (side view) of 126.37o ±1.60o , foot angle of 52.46o ±0.82o , rear udder height of 46.53±0.76 cm, central ligament of 2.77±0.85 cm with milk vein having length of 59.49±0.84 cm. It is having lower slope at rump and rest of the traits being intermediate. Most of the traits in graded Murrah buffalo were little behind the desirable type traits. Thus, there is further scope for improvement in all type traits of graded Murrah buffalo. The various non-genetic factors such as parity and stage of lactation do not exert any significant effect on expression of these traits.