Studies on Causes of Disposal in Kankrej Cattle Herd

Abstract

The causes of disposal of cows and heifers of the Kankrej herd at Anand were investigated, and the production performance of culled cows was studied. The average annual disposal of cows and heifers was 29.54 ± 6.26 and 12.21 ± 0.62 per cent of their respective average herd strength. Low milk yield (40.49%), breeding troubles (20.07%), tuberculosis (6.69%), and old age (5.63%) were the major reasons for disposal of cows through sale. Similarly, accidents (10.98%), old age (6.85%), and diseases (72.19%) were the major causes of disposal due to death. Tuberculosis (30.10%) and tympany (9.59%) were the main diseases responsible for mortality. Of the total heifers sold, 43.47% were sold with the dam, 10.70% due to breeding troubles, and 18.90% for breeding purposes. Disposal due to death constituted 10.85% at birth, 19.53% due to accidents, and 63.11% due to diseases. The average daily milk production of cows sold due to low production, breeding troubles, and for breeding purposes was 2.45 ± 0.28 kg, 3.48 ± 0.46 kg, and 3.72 kg, respectively, compared with the average daily milk production of 4.75 ± 0.39 kg for the whole herd.