Abstract:
The study was conducted to see the performance of different crossbred cattle likely Sahiwal
and local crossbred (SL×L), Holstein and Sahiwal crossbred (HF×SL), and Holstein
crossbred (HF×HF). A total 120 crossbred cows were selected from different area of Dhaka
district. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) of lactation length, age at puberty, age at
first service, age at first calving, dry period and days open but no significant difference
(p>0.05) was found in service per conception and calving interval of different crossbred
cattle. It was observed that birth weight of calf SL×L, HF× SL and HF × HF was
20.92±1.83 kg, 26.55±2.43 kg, and 37.35±3.79 kg respectively. Mean milk yield per day
for SL×L, HF×SL, HF×HF crossbred cattle were 4.45±0.79, 15.73±1.72, 25.6±3.16
liters respectively. Lactation yield was higher 6944.05±970.41 liters in HF×HF crossbred
cattle. Age of puberty was shorter 18.12±1.18 months in HF×HF cross and longer
27.47±1,43 months in SL×L crossbred cattle. The reproductive performance of HF×SL
crossbred needs minimum service per conception (1.27±0.55) and SL×L crossbred need
maximum service per conception (1.37±0.74). Calving interval was higher 15.87±1.09
months in HF×HF crossbred cattle. Dry period was lower 79.5±13.24 days in HF×HF
crossbred cattle. From the above perspective it could be concluded that HF×HF crossbred
cows may be suitable for profitable farming in Bangladesh but herd life and life time
productivity is one of the most influential factor for profitable dairy farming. However,
further study with larger sample sizes covering more different management systems would be
required to describe a better inference in this consideration.
