Effect of Management Systems on Growth Performance of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Calves in Winter Season

Abstract

Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) play an important role as a milk animals in the Indian national economy. India has nearly 57% of the world's buffaloes which contribute 56% of the total milk produced in India, i.e., 86 million tons per annum (FAO 2004). Economic rearing of replacement stock is a prerequisite for successful dairy farming. Buffalo traditionally are considered slow-growing animals, a trait which has a direct effect on early maturity and age of first calving. Low growth rate in young buffalo calves is by far the most important factor contributing to late maturity. The most efficient system of calf-rearing is one that gives higher body weight gain and low cost of feeding. Any management package that can induce early maturity without any detrimental effect on subsequent health of the calf will have a profound economic contribution.