The data pertaining to variable reproduction traits in Surti buffaloes were collected from network project on buffalo, Livestock Research Station, Vallabhnagar Rajasthan to obtain the genetic parameters of various reproduction traits in Surti buffaloes. The least squares means of various reproduction traits were adjusted for significant non-genetic factors and from these adjusted data, genetic parameters namely heritability and repeatability estimates as well as genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated in the population. The estimates of least-square means for calving interval, dry period and service period were 491.58+-8.56, 195.57+-6.87 and 223.60+-8.75, respectively. Effect of season and periods were highly significant (P LT= 0.01) but the effect of sire and parity were non-significant in all three traits. Regression of reproduction traits on age at first calving was negative and non-significant for all traits. Among the reproduction traits, dry period, service period and calving interval had very low heritability estimates it was due to the low additive genetic variances. Fitting maternal effect to repeatability univariate model (Model 2), it increased the additive genetic variance in CI and SP but reduced in DP. Lower repeatability estimates were observed for all reproduction traits under study. Genetic correlations of calving interval with dry period and service period were not estimated and phenotypic correlations of dry period with service period and calving interval were very high and positive.

Mehsana buffalo is one of the best dairy breed of buffalo in Gujarat state. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of non-genetic factors on Age at first calving (AFC) and Wet average (WA). The data set comprised 12560 records up to three lactations of 7870 Mehsana buffaloes, sired by 200 bulls from 1989 to 2013 under field progeny testing programme of Dudhsagar Research and Development Association (DURDA), Dudhsagar Dairy, Mehsana. The least squares maximum likelihood (LSML) program was used for estimation of various non-genetic factors on AFC and WA. The least squares mean with standard error of AFC and WA were 1383.30+-3.50 days and 7.00+-0.22 lit. Highly significant (P LT 0.01) effect of season and period of birth was recorded on AFC however, effect of clusters on AFC was observed to be non-significant (P LT 0.05). Further, highly significant (P LT= 0.01) effect of all the non-genetic factors (parities, season of calving, clusters, period of calving and age at first calving group) under study was observed on wet average in Mehsana buffaloes. The heritability of AFC and WA were estimated as0.11+-0.02 and 0.34+-0.03 respectively. Heritability of traits are useful for prediction of genetic response to selection and measure for accuracy in selection. Very high and significant estimate of heritability of WA. It was concluded that selection of Mehsana buffaloes may be based on this production trait in the herd.

Udder length, width and height are very important parameters to identify good dairy animals. Udder measurements including length, width and height on 437 Nili Ravi buffaloes were recorded before and after miking with 1180 records at 6 Experimental Stations in Punjab, Pakistan. Heritabilities were estimated using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction techniques. Environmental factors viz age of the buffalo at scoring, stage of lactation, parity, herd and season were included in the model. Least square means for udder length, width and height before milking were found as 52.65+-6.87, 53.52+-6.19 and 54.34+-4.99 cm and after milking as 47.08+-6.57, 48.15+-5.79 and 55.39+-5.15 cm, respectively. Heritability estimates for udder length, width and height before milking were found as 0.08+-0.07, 0.22+-0.08 and 0.22+-0.09, while after milking as 0.14+-0.07, 0.20+-0.08 and 0.09+-0.08, respectively. All the factors significantly affected before milking udder length. A significant effect of herd, parity, season of scoring and age on udder width before milking was observed. Herd, stage of lactation, parity and age of the buffalo at scoring significantly affected udder height before milking. Significant effect of herd, parity, stage of lactation and age of the buffaloes at classification on most of the traits suggest that managemental factors are important. Moderate heritability estimates for these udder traits provide a fair scope for improvement through selection and breeding which will help to increase milk yield in Nili Ravi buffaloes.