Influence of Inbreeding on Performance Traits of Sahiwal Cattle

Abstract

In analysis of pedigree and performance records of 967 purebred Sahiwal cows and 68 bulls at Allahdad Cattle Farm, Jahanian, Multan from 1926 to 1966, a slight amount of inbreeding resulted due to purebreeding. The coefficient of inbreeding among 325 inbred cows ranged from .2 to 33.3% with an average of 6.9 ± .3%. The first lactation milk yield averaged 1,989 ± 31 kg among inbred cows and was adversely affected by increased inbreeding. However, milk yield expressed as most probable producing ability increased by 3.4 ± 3.2 kg for each percent increase in inbreeding. Age at first calving and calving interval were reduced slightly by inbreeding. © 1974, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.