Herd Strength, Calving Pattern and Causes of Mortality at Nili Ravi Buffalo Farm of ICAR-CIRB, Sub Campus, Bir Dosanjh, Nabha (Punjab) During the Year 2017- 18

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to study the calving pattern and causes of mortality at Nili Ravi Buffalo farm of CIRB sub campus, Nabha, during the year 2017-18. The opening balance (Total number of animals) on dated 1st April, 2017 was 507 heads comprising 370 females and 137 males. The number of female and male animals on the closing date (31st March, 2018) were 351 and 113, respectively. Of the 191 total animals, disposed off during the study period, 140 were surplus, 20 were below farm production standard, 05 were having reproductive problems, 02 were weak and old; and 24 deaths were reported. Eight cases of abortions (5.12%), seven cases of retention of placenta (ROP) (4.48%) and three cases of prolapse (1.92%) were reported. The study reported high incidences (5.12%) of abortions, followed by retained placenta (4.48%) and prolapse (1.92%) in the herd. The sex ratio added in the herd (Male: Female) was 54.49:40.38. Of the total 24 mortalities, highest number (10) occurred during the third quarter followed by fourth (07), second (05) and first (01) quarters of the year. In the present study, the highest mortality percentage occurred in the case of calves of 0-3 month’s age group. Between female and male, the higher mortality occurred in male calves (6.00%) as compared to that of female calves (3.85%). Total 148 calves added due to birth during the year (2017-18) out of which 85 were males and 63 were females. Calf mortality (0-3 months) was 5.06 %. During winter (November to January) 28, spring (February to April) 31, summer (May to July) 35 and autumn (August to October) 54 calves were born. It was concluded that the study reported high incidences (5.12%) of abortions, followed by retained placenta (4.48%) and prolapse (1.92%) in the herd. The highest mortality percentage occurred in the case of calves of 0-3 month’s age group. Between female and male, the higher mortality occurred in male calves (6.00%) as compared to that of female calves (3.85%). Here, it is noticeable that despite the animals found negative for Brucellosis, eight number of abortions occurred in the herd.