Enhanced Milk Production in Indigenous and Cross-Bred Cattle

Cross breeding has been used to increase milk productivity by crossing indigenous pure breeds (Bos indicus) and exotic high yielding cattle with genetic grades obtained affecting milk production. Cattle population indigenous to tropical regions such as Sahiwal when crossbred to exotic breeds Holstein Friesian (Bos taurus) with proper maintenance under local conditions has improved milk yield even after the crossbred cows cross the age of 11 years. The 5/8 Friesian and 3/8 Sahiwal cross bred cattle showed a steady lactation yield and lowered yield when calving. The lactation yield of miscellaneous indigenous local cattle is comparable to pure Sahiwal cattle even though the age of the indigenous miscellaneous cattle was of an higher age at 9 years. It is concluded that local miscellaneous cattle by cross breeding with indigenous pure bred cattle/exotic pure breeds and proper milking management systems should result in a higher lactation yield comparable to pure breed indigenous cattle benefiting the local rural economy.