Non-genetic Factors affecting Body Weight and Scrotal Circumference at First Semen Collection and Semen Production Traits of Kankrej Bulls

Nikhil S. Dangar; Balkrishna P. Brahmkshtri; Gaurav  M. Pandya; Niteen Deshmukh

Nikhil S. Dangar Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science and A.H., Kamdhenu University, Navsari-396450, Gujarat, India
Balkrishna P. Brahmkshtri Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science and A.H., Kamdhenu University, Navsari-396450, Gujarat, India
Gaurav M. Pandya Livestock Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari-396450, Gujarat, India
Niteen Deshmukh Dama Semen Production Unit, Dama, Managed by Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producer’s Union Limited, Banas Dairy, Palanpur-385 001, Gujarat, India

Keywords: Age, Body weight, First semen collection, Kankrej bulls, Scrotal circumference.

Abstract

This study was conducted on 13 bulls of Kankrej cattle breed maintained at Dama semen station of Banas dairy (Gujarat) to study the effects of non-genetic factors, viz., season of birth and year of birth on body weight at first semen collection (BWFSC) and scrotal circumference at first semen collection (SCFSC) as well as the effect of BWFSC and SCFSC on future semen production traits like semen production period, age of bull at disposal and lifetime production of frozen semen doses per bull. The overall least squares means for body weight of bulls and scrotal circumference of bulls at first semen collection, semen production period, age of bull at disposal and lifetime production of frozen semen doses per bull were 578.68 ± 25.18 kg, 30.86 ± 1.60 cm, 704.3 ± 151.22 days, 1875.73 ± 135.95 days and 55243.83 ± 21307.60 doses, respectively. Results of the present study revealed that body weight and scrotal circumference of bulls at first semen collection were not significantly affected by season of birth and year of birth. Similarly, BWFSC and SCFSC had no significant effect on semen production traits.