AGB 211: Livestock and Poultry Breeding (2+1)

IMPROVEMENT OF BUFFALOES

• Since long Murrah has been recommended as the breed of choice for upgrading local buffaloes for increasing the milk production. In this process, no base-line data have been collected regarding the reproduction and milk production of local buffaloes. Progeny testing of Murrah bulls carried out by the Milk federations under Dairy Herd Improvement Plan Actions may be strengthened and expanded. Future bulls of Murrah for AI have to be generated from the field by inseminating the semen of Murrah bulls of high breeding value to elite local buffalo cows. This will facilitate incorporation of some favorable genes from the local population. Licensing of buffalo bulls for natural service has to be taken up on large scale since about 6 per cent of breedable females alone are covered through AI. Simultaneously, AI coverage of buffalo cows has to be increased by ensuring higher conception rate.
• Breeding record is the registering of information available on reproduction of the animals. The record should be simple, accurate, complete, upto date, understandable and easy to maintain.