Production performance of Nagpuri buffalo under field condition

Abstract

A total of 800 animals from 20 villages from different zones (Tahsils) of vidharbha region in Maharashtra were randomly selected. Data with respect to daily milk yield (DMY), peak milk yield (PMY), lactation milk yield (305 days, LMY), lactation length (LL) and dry period (DP) were recorded two times i.e. morning and evening and filled in as per the questionnaires developed by NBAGR, Karnal. The total LMY was then adjusted to 305 days of standard lactation yield. The data, thus collected was analyzed as per the standard statistical method. Significant differences (P≤0.01) between lactations were observed for all the traits under study. The DMY, PMY, LMY were found to be increasing from second to fourth lactation. The DMY starts declining after sixth lactation and was recorded to be lowest in seventh lactation. The PMY and LMY declined after fourth lactation. Non-significant effect of parities on LL upto third lactation was observed, while significant difference between means of first three lactations with that of fourth lactation onwards was noticed. A decreasing trend of LL was observed from first to seventh lactation. Difference between DP of first and second lactation was observed to be non significant, however DP of sixth lactation was significantly different from successive lactations. The DP increased from second to fourth lactation and then decreased gradually. Highly significant correlation of DMY with PMY, LMY and DP was observed. Negative but significant correlation between DMY and LL was observed. The correlation between PMY and LL was observed to be negative but non-significant. Highly significant association between LMY and DP was recorded. A non-significant correlation was found between LMY and LL, while LL and DP was found to be negative but non-significant.