MORPHOMETRIC, PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS IN INDIGENOUS CATTLE OF NORTHERN AZAD JAMMU & KASHMIR Authors: B. Shahid, K. Z. Abbasi, M. I. Khan, F. S. Awan Journal: Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences (JAPS) ISSN: 1018-7081 (Print), 2309-8694 (Online) Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Pages: 670-679 Year: 2022 DOI: http://doi.org/10.36899/JAPS.2022.3.0468 URL: https://doi.org/http://doi.org/10.36899/JAPS.2022.3.0468 Publisher: Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum Abstract:

The objective of this research was to study the morphometric measurements, productive and reproductive performances of indigenous cows and heifers in Northern Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K). A total 237 phenotypic characteristics was recorded visually. Five main coat colors (reddish brown, light brown, black, white and grey) were found with black muzzle and eye-lashes. The head length was 37.7±0.2 cm with small horns (11±0.3 cm). The positive correlation between horn length/horn base circumference, ear length/ear width, forehead width/horn length were found statistically significant (p≤0.01). The highest positive correlations were found between age/rump width (0.77), age/parity (0.66), body weight/ heart girth (0.62) and parity/rump width (0.60). The average age at puberty (41.02±0.6 months), average age at first service (49.3±0.7 months), age at first calving (58.54±0.7 months), mean gestation period (279.6±0.2 days), mean post-partum heat period (253.2±14.8 days), mean service period (257.69±5.8 days), mean calving interval (17.87±0.4 months), mean service per conception (1.5±0.06) and average milk yield per day (1.20±0.06 litre) were also recorded. In conclusion, the indigenous cattle are short stature, reddish brown in color with poor reproductive and productive performance.

Keywords: Morphometric, Productive, Reproductive, Indigenous cattle, Azad Kashmir