Phenotypic characterisation and performance evaluation of indigenous cattle of Tripura: An unique germplasm

Abstract

The indigenous cattle of Tripura is an unique animal genetic resources, well adapted to the humid subtropical climate. An Extensive study was conducted across all eight districts of Tripura to explore the morphology, reproductive, managemental, and productive traits, through field surveys, questionnaires, and interviews with farmers about housing management, breeding, feeding, disease, production etc. For the phenotypic characterisation and performance evaluation of this indigenous cattle, a total of 278 animals (23 males and 255 females) were studied. Study revealed that, this indigenous cattle of Tripura are small-sized, compact animals with a robust, cylindrical body and an average body weight of 154.49±1.86 kg. Mean body length, height at withers, and heart girth were 99.42±0.50 cm, 99.44±0.50 cm, and 128.84±0.57 cm, respectively. Prime qualitative traits included straight forehead (90.28%), medium hump (73.02%), a medium to small dewlap, and laterally elongated ears. Coat colour with considerable variation, with light red (50.7%) most common, followed by black, dark red, grey, white, and fawn. Muzzle and hoof were mostly black. Bowl-shaped udder with cylindrical teats. The average daily milk yield was 1.32±0.03 kg with a lactation length of 153.24±1.54 days, milk fat content of 4.98±0.04% and SNF of 8.57±0.02%. The age at first calving was 43.56±0.21 months, the calving interval of 454.81±4.68 days, and the lifespan of 15-18 years with 5-9 calvings during the lifetime. These cattle are mainly reared under extensive grazing systems with natural breeding by local bulls. The study highlights that the indigenous cattle of Tripura are with valuable adaptive traits, superior milk quality, and are resilient to low-input farming systems. These unique characteristics and traits invite a need for systematic conservation, genetic improvement, and formal breed recognition.