Paper
Environmental Factors Affecting Linear Classification of Top Line and Feet and Leg Traits in Nili Ravi Buffaloes of Pakistan
- Authors:
- Riaz Hussain Mirza; Khalid Javed; Maqsood Akhtar; Mubasher Rauf; Musarrat Abbas Khan; Murtaza Ali Tipu; Syed Muhammad Raihan Dilshad
- Abstract
- The present study was planned to apply a linear scoring system to Nili Ravi buffaloes and evaluate environmental factors that affect them. Five Nili Ravi buffalo herds in Punjab were studied using ICAR guidelines. Milking buffaloes (437) were scored for 6 linear type traits, and 1180 records were generated in 2 years. Factors like herd, stage of lactation, parity, season of scoring and age were included in the model. Data were analysed using PROC-MIXED of the SAS. Average linear scores for rear legs set, rear legs rear view, foot angle, locomotion, bone structure and top line were found to be 4.72±1.62, 4.99±0.89, 5.39±2.13, 4.88±0.69, 5.34±1.79 and 4.87±0.84, respectively. Herd affected all traits significantly, but stage of lactation affected only rear legs set and locomotion. Parity, age of cow at classification and season affected most of the traits. Some of linear scores developed for cattle breeds do not fit for this breed, and new trait definitions are needed. The top line score of 8-9, which represents an arched back, has not been observed. Differences among herds suggested that performance can be improved by improving environment and genetics. Further research is needed for standardization of linear type scores for these traits in the Nili Ravi breed.
- Keywords
- Environmental Factors; Feet and Leg; Linear Classification; Top Line; Nili Ravi Buffalo; Pakistan
- StartPage
- 84
- EndPage
- 91
- Doi
- 10.18005/JAEB0303001