Reproductive performance of crossbred cattle under intensive management conditions

The study was carried out to assess and analyze the reproductive and productive performance of crossbred cattle at Nagori dairy farm Nagori Society Karachi. Mean (plus minus SEM) age at puberty was 616.850 plus minus 23.500 days, and 451.650 plus minus 21.600 days and age at first calving was 928.350 plus minus 31.803 and 796.5 plus minus 39.771 days in Red Sindhi and crossbred cattle respectively. The status of calving was recorded as 75% and 65% normal and 25% and 35% abnormal in Red Sindhi and crossbred cattle respectively. Sex of calves was recorded as equal in number (50%) in Red Sindhi cows and male 45% and female 55% was found in crossbred cattle. Normal placental expulsion was 85% and 80%, whereas abnormal 15% and 20% for Red Sindhi and crossbred cattle respectively. Mean calving interval was 413.050 plus minus 10.362 and 372.200 plus minus 7.486 days, mean service period 124.15 plus minus 10.162 and 181.700 plus minus 59.199 days, and post-partum estrus period 105 plus minus 65.9.004 and 45.300 plus minus 5.671 days for Red Sindhi and crossbred cattle respectively. Mean gestation length 280.200 plus minus 0.596 days for Red Sindhi cattle and 277.35 plus minus 1.155 days for crossbred. Mean dry period of 89.700 plus minus 0.596 days and 86.950 plus minus 5.504 days for Red Sindhi and crossbred cattle respectively while milk yield per lactation was recorded as 3973.2 plus minus 137.209 kg for Red Sindhi cattle and 6052.050 plus minus 275.444 kg for crossbred. When Red Sindhi cattle were crossed with Holstein-Friesian (50% blood ratio) significant (less than or equal to 0.05) differences was found between traits of both the breeds. Age at puberty and calving interval was reduced by crossing of local breeds with exotic breeds than their parents. It is concluded that crossbreed cattle considered superior in breeding efficiency as compared to local cattle breed. Crossing of Red Sindhi cattle with Holstein Fries ian (50% blood ratio) proved well and had no noticeable problems More than 35% increase in the milk yield was obtained in the crossing of Red Sindhi cattle.