Influence of Environmental Factors on Performance Traits in Murrah Buffaloes: A Review

Abstract

Abstract

Murrah buffaloes are the most important milch buffalo breed in India with superior genetic potential and has been used quite extensively for upgrading local stock to improve performance of nondescript buffaloes throughout the country. The success of Indian dairy industry is much dependent on production, reproduction and functional traits of Murrah buffaloes. Performance of these traits in Murrah buffaloes are generally affected by environmental or non-genetic factors such as season of calving, period of calving and parity of animals. Proper evaluation or unbiased prediction of genetic worth (breeding value) depends upon the adjustment of effect of significant non-genetic factors on the production, reproduction and functional traits. The production traits reviewed were monthly test day milk yield (MTDMY), monthly test day fat yield (MTDFY), first lactation 305-days or less milk yield, first lactation 305-days or less fat yield, first lactation total milk yield, lactation length and dry period. The reproduction traits reviewed were age at first calving, calving interval, service period, conception rate, sire conception rate, number of services per first conception and daughter pregnancy rate. The functional traits reviewed were mastitis, metritis and abnormal calving in Murrah buffaloes. In order to improve productivity, obtain efficient reproduction and health of dairy animals it is necessary to develop an understanding of the factors affecting milk production, reproduction and functional traits.

Keywords: Murrah, milk production, reproduction, functional traits

Cite this Article: Kumar M, Ratwan P, PatilCS. Influence of Environmental Factors on Performance Traits in Murrah Buffaloes: A Review. Research & Reviews: Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 2017; 6(1): 6–16p.