Performance of growth traits in Punganur cattle

Present investigation comprehends the study of the effect of non-genetic factors and estimation of heritabilities, genetic correlation of body-weight traits in Punganur cattle. Data consisted of a total of 562 progeny records of 169 cows and 53 bulls over a period of 22 years (2000 to 2022) maintained at Livestock Research Station, Palamaner, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Over all least-squares means for birth weight, 6-month weight and 12-month weight were 11.5 ± 0.089, 43.126 ± 0.073, 61.296 ± 0.064 kg respectively. Body weight traits were significantly affected by period of birth, whereas season of birth has not influenced the similar traits. There is a significant (p≤0.01) difference between males and females for 6-month body weight, 12-month body weight except birth weight. Heritability estimates of birth weight, 6-month weight, 12-month weight were 0.171 ± 0.107, 0.600 ± 0.001 and 0.001 ± 0.048 respectively indicated that birth weight and 12-month weight has been less affected by additive gene action. Strong and positive direct genetic correlation between 6-month and 12-month weight traits was 0.788 ± 0.162 indicated that selection of one trait might improve the other trait and low genetic correlation observed between birth weight and 12-month weight was 0.043 ± 0.697. The average estimated breeding values of birth weight, 6-month weight and 12-month weight were 0.176, 0.087 and 0.000 kg respectively. The positive trend for 6-month body-weight was observed in present study implies efficiency in selection based on phenotypic performance.