PERFORMANCE OF CROSSBRED CATTLE AT DIFFERENT AREAS OFDHAKA DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH

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.