Reproductive and Productive Performance of Up-Country Exotic Dairy Cattle Breeds of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The objective of the study was to assess the production and reproduction performance of up country dairy cattle breeds in Sri Lanka. A total of 200 dairy cows were selected for the study from 4 breeds (Friesian, Ayrshire, Jersey and Crossbred). The traits studied were age at 1 st service, age at 1 st calving, birth weight, mean milk production per lactation, average milk production per day, post partum heat, and calving interval for 6 lactation periods. It was revealed that the age at 1 st service (679 day) and age at 1 st calving (998 days) of Friesian were lower (p<0.05) than those of other breeds. Highest (P<0.05) birth weight of 35 kg was reported from Friesian compared to other breeds. Mean lowest (P<0.05) post partum heat of 75 day was recorded from Jersey. The lowest (p<0.05) calving interval of 403 days was reported from Jersey compared to other breeds. The highest (p<0.05) milk production per day (17 L/day) and per lactation (5519 L) were recorded from Friesian. Reproductive and productive performances of Friesian and Jersey breeds were better than Ayrshire and Cross-bred cows. Lowest average age at 1 st service and age at 1 st calving, highest birth weight and milk production were reported from Friesian, whereas, the lowest mean post partum heat and calving interval were recorded from Jersey. Differences in reproductive and productive performances were mainly attributed to breed and different feeding and management systems used in different farms.