Dairy Farming - Breeding & Reproduction

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krishk2009

Active Member
1. Selection of milking animal:

* Milk production efficiency / statement of the owner regarding cows performance
* Pedigree i.e., the ancestry of the individual animal
* Appearance: General considerations for a dairy type animal.
* A dairy cow at its first look appears to be extremely angular in form, carrying no surplus flesh.
* Proper development of the udder & compact with prominent milk veins.
* Marked development of the barrel (body) in proportion to the size of the animals.
* The neck should be long, slender and neatly joined with both head and shoulders.
* Legs should be clean- cut, free from coarseness and with incurving things.
* Animals which have large udder, prominent milk vein and equally placed quarters and similar size of teats with firm attachment with the body are good for dairy purpose.Good quality udders ‘shrink’ after milking unlike poor one which undergo little change.
* Breed wise colour of the animals and shape of the horns especially in murrah buffalo is also considered.


2. Heat detection: General symptoms for detection of heat

* Swelling of vulval lips
* Mucus discharge from vulva
* Restlessness or excitement
* Mounting on other animals / allow other animal to be mounted
* Less appetite
* Frequent bellowing
* Frequent urination
* Licking of other animals
* Reduced milk yield in lactating animals


3. Time of service

* Estrus continues 18-24 hrs and the best time for A.I is 10-14 hrs from the onset of estrus symptoms
* For buffaloes inseminate between 14-20 hrs from the onset of heat for obtaining optimum fertility.


4. Artificial Insemination (A.I):

* It is always advisable to breed through A.I as there are many advantages in A.I method over natural service. Because in A.I method
* Semen of proven sire is used.
* There is less possibility of transmission of disease
* There is increased rate of conception.
* Least expensive


5. Pregnancy diagnosis:

* If the service is successful or the animal is conceived then the animal will not come to heat. i.e., cessation of estrus.
* Pregnancy can be confirmed as early as 60 days after conception.
* At the later stage of pregnancy, the volume of abdomen increases and there will be noticeable changes in mammary gland.


6. Gestation period:

* For cow = 280 ± 5 days
* For Buffalo = 310 ± 5 days


7. Breeding heifer

* In general, indigenous breeds get maturity at 30-36 months, exotic breeds at 18-24 months and cross breeds at 24-30 months.
* Heifer must be serviced when; its body weighs at least of 250 kgs and must be healthy and free from diseases.
* Generally it is not advisable to service heifer at first heat. Normally second heat is the best time for breeding.


Regards.
Mallikarjun

Firm - DMK Agri & Property Consultancy
 

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