Characteristics and performance of Bachaur cattle in the Gangetic plains of North Bihar

Abstract

A field study was undertaken in 53 villages belonging to 5 blocks of Sitamarhi district of Bihar to study the morphometric and performance traits of Bachaur cattle in its breeding tract. Animals (752) of both sexes belonging to different age groups were studied. The study revealed that in Bachaur cattle, a small size breed, the height at withers, body length and chest girth were 119.23±0.47 cm, 116.99±0.48 cm and 150.88±0.55 cm in adult males and 112.53±0.25 cm, 109.71±0.25 cm and 140.46±0.32 cm in adult females, respectively. The estimated body weights of Bachaur cattle were 246.76±2.42 kg in adult males and 200.55±1.32 kg in adult females. Among the draught breeds of India, the Bachaur cows were reasonably good milkers with an average lactation yield of 752.10±5.82 kg and peak yield of 4.70±0.07 kg/ day. The breed is reported to be regular in reproduction cycle with the age at first calving and calving interval of 31.55±0.35 months and 14.44±0.22 months, respectively in its breeding tract. Bachaur cattle fulfilled the livelihood requirement of cattle farmers in the breeding tract by its draught power to a greater extent and by milk and dung to a smaller extent. The strategies for improving the performance of the cattle are discussed.

Keywords

• Bachaur
• Cattle
• Morphometric characteristics
• Live weight
• Milk