Vol. 10, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Author(s): RL Bhagat, Ashok Mishra, Raviraj Jadhav, SH Sontakke, SA Joshi and JR Khadse

Abstract: The field progeny testing of Holstein Friesian crossbred bulls sponsored by National Dairy Plan phase-I during February 2014 to March 2019 and post project the same project was run by BAIF on its own internal funding. The project was operated in Uttar Pradesh state. Total 2952 crossbred progeny (Holstein Friesian x Local) owned by 2375 farmers spread over 70 cattle Development centres from Amethi, Pratapgarh, Rae Bareli and Sultanpur district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. These progenies were reached to Age at First Calving (AFC) and completed their lactation. The production performance of these progenies was studied considering attributes of districts (4), bull batch (4), birth year of progeny (6), season of calving (3), Age at First Calving (AFC) month groups (6), lactation order (4) and calving status (4). The 305 days milk yield was computed from the monthly milk yield records of morning and evening milking. The first milk recording got within fifteen days after calving and incomplete milk recording due to sale, transfer or death of progeny were excluded from the study. The average first lactation 305 days milk yield of crossbred progeny under field conditions of Eastern Uttar Pradesh was recorded as 2256.68±11.46 kg and it was significantly affected due to progeny birth year, while other factors showed non-significant effects. Milk yield increased with lactation number, and findings suggested that optimized AFC and careful management of calving status positively impacted productivity. This study highlights the critical roles of genetic selection and tailored management practices for improving crossbred cattle performance under diverse field conditions.