SELECTION OF DAIRY CATTLE & BUFFALOES

General selection procedures for dairy breeds

Selection of dairy cows
Selecting a calf in calf show, a cow in cattle show by judging is an art. A dairy farmer
should build up his own herd by breeding his own herd. Following guidelines will be
useful for selection of a diary cow.
whenever an animal is purchased from a cattle fair, it should be selected based
upon its breed characters and milk producing ability
History sheet or pedigree sheet which are generally maintained in organized farms
reveals the complete history of animal
The maximum yield by dairy cows are noticed during the first five lactations. So
generally selection should be carried out during First or Second lactation and that
too are month after calving.
Three successive complete milkings has to be done and an average of it will give
a fair idea regarding production by a particular animal
A cow should allow anybody to milk, and should be docile.
It is better to purchase the animals during the months of October and November.
Maximum yield is noticed till 90 days after calving.
Breed characteristics of high yielding dairy cows
Attractive individuality with feminity, vigour, harmonious blending of all parts,
impressive style and carriage
Animal should have wedge shaped appearance of the body
It should have bright eyes with lean neck
The udder should be well attached to the abdomen
The skin of the udder should have a good network of blood vessels
All four quarters of the udder should be well demarcated with well placed teats.
Selecting breeds for Commercial Dairy Farm - Suggestions
Under Indian condition a commercial dairy farm should consist of minimum 20
animals (10 cows, 10 buffaloes) this strength can easily go up to 100 animals in
proportion of 50:50 or 40:60. After this however, you need to review your
strength and market potential before you chose to go for expansion.
Middle class health-conscious Indian families prefer low fat milk for consumption
as liquid milk. It is always better to go for a commercial farm of mixed type.
(Cross breed, cows and buffaloes kept in separate rows under one shed).
Conduct a through study of the immediate market where you are planning to
market your milk You can mix milk from both type of animals and sold as per
need of the market. Hotels and some general customers (can be around 30%)
prefer pure buffalo milk. Hospitals, sanitariums prefer cow's milk.

Selection of cow/buffalo breeds for commercial farm
Cows
Good quality cows are available in the market and it cost around Rs.1200 to
Rs.1500 per liter of milk production per day. (e.g. Cost of a cow producing 10
liter of Milk per day will be between Rs.12,000 to Rs.15,000).
If proper care is given, cows breed regularly giving one calf every 13-14 month
interval.
They are more docile and can be handled easily. Good milk yielding cross breeds
(Holstein and Jersey crosses) has well adapted to Indian climate.
The fat percentage of cow's milk varies from 3-5.5% and is lower then Buffaloes.
Buffaloes
In India, we have good buffalo breeds like Murrah and Mehsana, which are
suitable for commercial dairy farm.
Buffalo milk has more demand for making butter and butter oil (Ghee), as fat
percentage in milk is higher then cow. Buffalo milk is also preferred for making
tea, a welcoming drink in common Indian household.
Buffaloes can be maintained on more fibrous crop residues, hence scope for
reducing feed cost.
Buffaloes largely mature late and give birth to calves at 16 to 18 months interval.
Male calves fetch little value.
Buffaloes need cooling facility e.g. wallowing tank or showers / foggers with fan.
Selection of she-buffaloes for milk production
When you purchase buffaloes for milk production we have to select healthy animal
known for economic milk production. We have to take following steps in selecting a
dairy animal
Breed characters
Body confirmation
Body weight
Ancestors performance
Reproduction capacity
Health condition
Age
No. of lactations
Past performance of the animal
Free of chronic disease
Cleanliness of teeth Legs and toes free of injuries
Good eye site
Whether animal is dry or lactating
Date of delivery
Month of pregnancy
If non-pregnant, how many times it came in to heat
Animal should follow owners instructions
The udder should be in good shape and easy to milk
The animal should not have the following
Poor growth
Late maturity
Not coming into heat
Repeat breeder
Long gap between two lactations
Uncurable chronic diseases
Retained placenta
Low milk production
Unable to give milk without calf