Department of Geography and Regional Development University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J & K
Online published on 20 June, 2017.
The study is conducted to compare the biological performance of indigenous (local cows, Dzomo, Yak) and crossbred cows like Holstein Friesians and Jersey cows in cold arid region of Ladakh, as these aspects have a profound influence on the eficiency of milk production. The study primarily emphasised on generating credible database on the productive and reproductive performance of the dairy animals within their natural environment and effect of supplemented locally grown feed and fodder. A total of 227 dairy cows with at least two lactations are selected randomly from three agro-climatic regions of Leh district i.e., Leh, Nubra and Changthang regions. The overall mean age at first calving and milk yield from different species of dairy animals was found 1160.45 ±34.23 days and 3.53 ± 2.73 litres/day respectively. The average age at first calving among jersey cows is 963.22 ± 12.16 days, Holstein Friesian 1140.32 ± 41.10, Local cow, 1230.41 ±2.58, Dzomo 1124.32 ± 31.93 and Yak 1354.22 ± 4.29 days respectively with significant difference (p<0.01). It is observed that mean milk yield of Holstein Friesian cows, Jersey crossbreds, local cows, Dzomo and Yak are 4.33 ± 2.25, 5.97 ± 2.29, 2.61 ±0.81, 2.97 ±0.60 and 1.90 ±1.90 ±0.60 litre/day and lactation length was recorded 285.54 ± 22.28, 331.72 ± 32.20, 285.87 ± 38.89, 309.76 ± 33.61 and 228.28 ± 28.04 days respectively. Highest milk yield (5.97 ± 2.29 litre/day), highest lactation length (331.72 ±32.20 days) and lowest age at first calving (963.22 ±12.16 days), low calving interval (470.34 ±53.09 days), low dry period (78.16 ±34.37 days) was found in Jersey exotic cows. The low milk yield is found in (1.90±0.60 litre/day), lowest lactation length (228.42 ±28.04 days), highest post partum heat (250.42 ±84.11 days), and highest dry period (140.42 ±45.59 days) are found in Yak. It reveals that the Jersey cows are the best performers in terms of milk production and lactation length. Mean milk production of jersey cows is significantly higher than Holstein Friesians, Dzomo, Local cows and Yak (p<0.01). The lactation length of Holstein Friesian and Yak differed significantly (p<0.01) while as in Holstein Friesian, Jersey, local cows and Dzomo have no significant difference. Dry period was also short in crossbreds as it varies 78.16 ± 34.37 days in jersey and 114.18 ± 21.24 days in Holstein Friesians and a maximum dry period of 140.45 ±45.49 days is recorded in Yak. In terms of calving interval, the indigenous cows require more than 578.66 ±47.03 days while jersey cows need 470.34 ±53.09 days. The post partum heat period was significantly low in jersey cows (121.0±23.70) in comparison to indigenous breeds.
