Evaluation of crossbred cattle for production and reproduction traits in Jaipur district, Rajasthan

Abstract

Crossbred cattle significantly enhance milk production in Rajasthan, especially in Jaipur district. However, in-depth insights into their productive and reproductive performance remain limited and underexplored. Therefore, a study was conducted in Chomu and Amer tehsils of Jaipur district during 2023-24 to evaluate performance parameters of crossbred (H.F.) cattle. Data were collected from 887 cows (416 from Chomu and 471 from Amer) through structured interviews with 200 dairy farmers from twenty selected villages using a pre-tested interview schedule. The productive parameters assessed included lactation milk yield (LMY), lactation length (LL), average daily milk yield (DMY), and peak yield (PY). The mean LMY, LL, DMY, and PY were 3786.64±37.13 kg, 305.11±0.55 days, 12.37±0.11 kg/day, and 15.62±0.12 kg, respectively, in Chomu tehsil, while in Amer tehsil, the corresponding values were 3866.75±36.54 kg, 306.15±0.38 days, 12.60±0.11 kg/day, and 15.84±0.12 kg. The reproductive performance was assessed using age at first conception (AFCon), age at first calving (AFC), service period (SP), dry period (DP), calving interval (CI), and gestation period (GP). The reproductive mean values for these parameters in Chomu were 20.38±0.14 months, 29.45±0.14 months, 2.91±0.05 months, 1.99±0.03 months, 12.15±0.04 months, and 277.35±1.04 days and in Amer 20.94±0.13 months, 29.97±0.13 months, 2.87±0.03 months, 1.98±0.03 months, 12.18±0.03 months, and 279.08±0.08 days. The effect of location was significant on AFCon and AFC only. While its effect on other production and reproduction parameters included in the study was non-significant. The findings provide critical benchmarks for improving reproductive and production efficiency in crossbred dairy cattle. The study emphasizes the need to educate farmers on scientific management practices and highlights key areas for strengthening livestock support services in the region.