FACTORS AFFECTING ON AGE AT FIRST CALVING IN CROSSBRED CATTLE MAINTAINED AT LES QADIRABAD DISTRICT SAHIWAL

Article Information

Title: FACTORS AFFECTING ON AGE AT FIRST CALVING IN CROSSBRED CATTLE MAINTAINED AT LES QADIRABAD DISTRICT SAHIWAL

Authors: M. Ahmad, M.N.Tahir, F.Ahmad, S.S.Shah, M.Jahanzeb, M.Akhtar, R.H.Mirza, M.Ikram

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Science (PJS)

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30
Y	2022-07-01	2023-06-30
Y	2020-07-01	2021-06-30
Y	1900-01-01	2005-06-30

Publisher: Advance Educational Institute & Research Centre

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2022

Volume: 74

Issue: 3

Language: English

DOI: 10.57041/pjs.v74i3.780

Keywords: Crossbred CattleSeasonFilial GroupAge at first calving.

Abstract

The data on age at first calving for 539 records of crossbred cows of differentfilial/genetic groups were considered for the present investigation. These crossbreds belonged to eightfilial/genetic groups (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7 and F8) maintained at Livestock Experiment StationQadirabad District Sahiwal from 1991 to 2014 (24 years). The duration of 24 year was divided into 6periods (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 and P6) of four years each. Each year was further divided into threeseasons as winter (November-February), summer (March- June) and spring (July-October) on the basisof geo-climatic conditions prevailing in the region. The overall population mean of age at first calvingwas determined 1261.88±9.934 days. The analysis of variance revealed significant effect of period ofcalving on age at first calving. The finding of this study shows that age at first calving was subjected tonon-genetic factor. Effect of season of calving on age at first calving was non- significant whichindicate breed characteristic to adaptation with environment. Meanwhile effect of filial/genetic groupwas significant on age at first calving. Therefore, from the result of this investigation it can bedetermined that improving the feeding, health and other husbandry practices are essential to enhancethe performance trait of this herd.

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Research Objective

To study the factors affecting age at first calving in crossbred cattle of different filial/genetic groups under different climatic conditions/seasons and to suggest amendments in managemental standard operating procedures.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from 539 records of crossbred cows of eight filial/genetic groups maintained at Livestock Experiment Station Qadirabad District Sahiwal from 1991 to 2014. The 24-year period was divided into six 4-year periods, and each year was divided into three seasons (winter, summer, spring). The effects of period of birth, season of birth, and filial/genetic group on age at first calving were analyzed using the Mixed Model Least Square and Maximum Likelihood computer program. Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) was used for pairwise comparison of means.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A[Collect Data on 539 Crossbred Cows 1991-2014] --> B[Divide Data into Periods and Seasons];
    B --> C[Analyze Effects of Period, Season, and Filial Group];
    C --> D[Apply Mixed Model Least Square and Maximum Likelihood];
    D --> E[Perform Pairwise Comparisons using DMRT];
    E --> F[Determine Significant Factors Affecting Age at First Calving];
    F --> G[Formulate Conclusions and Recommendations];

Discussion

The significant effect of period and filial/genetic group suggests that improvements in feeding, health, and husbandry practices, along with better selection criteria, are essential to enhance the performance traits of the herd. The non-significant effect of season indicates breed adaptation to the environment. The study also compares findings with previous research on various cattle breeds.

Key Findings

The overall mean age at first calving was 1261.88±9.34 days. The period of calving had a significant effect on age at first calving. The filial/genetic group also had a significant effect on age at first calving. The season of calving had a non-significant effect on age at first calving.

Conclusion

Season of calving has a non-significant effect, indicating breed adaptation. Period of calving and filial/genetic group significantly affect age at first calving, likely due to improved management and feeding practices during specific periods and effective selection. Therefore, attention to feeding, animal health, husbandry facilities, and selection measures is crucial for improving herd performance.

Fact Check

1. Data Duration: The study considered data from 1991 to 2014, a period of 24 years. (Confirmed)
2. Number of Records: The analysis included 539 records of crossbred cows. (Confirmed)
3. Overall Mean Age at First Calving: The overall population mean of age at first calving was determined to be 1261.88±9.34 days. (Confirmed)

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