Studies on productive performance of Gaolao Cattle in the breeding tract of Maharashtra

Abstract

The productive performance of Gaolao cattle were studied at different location in the breeding tract. The idea behind the collection of data in breeding tract of Gaolao cattle from the farmers and breeder heard of Gaolao rather than on the organized farm to obtain the real picture of productive performance of breed in the breeding tract. The productive traits often help in judging the economic value of the animal. In present finding the overall least square means for lactation milk yield (LMY) of Gaolao cattle was recorded as 520.79 + 6.20 kg. The effect of block and colour was found non-significant on lactation milk yield (LMY) of Gaolao cattle. The overall least square means for peak milk yield (PMY) of Gaolao cattle was recorded as 3.10 + 0.03 kg. The effect of block was found highly significant on peak milk yield (PMY) whereas, the effect of colour was found non-significant. The overall least square mean for days to reach peak milk yield (DRPMY) of Gaolao cattle was recorded as 34.49 + 0.44 days. The effect of block and colour was found non-significant on days to reach peak milk yield (DRPMY)of Gaolao cattle. The overall least square mean for lactation period (LP) of Gaolao cattle was recorded as 254.51 + 1.17 days. The effect of block was found significant on lactation period (LP) whereas, the effect of colour was found non-significant. The overall least square mean for dry period (DP) of Gaolao cattle was recorded as 172.71 + 0.90 days. The effect of block was found significant on dry period (DP) whereas, the effect of colour was found non-significant. The improvement in productive characteristics of indigenous breed has become essential to make economically viable dairy animal.