Effect of non-genetic factors on economic traits of Surti buffalo

The effect of iron-genetic factors, viz. season of calving, period of calving and parity was studied on Surti buffaloes, maintained at Central Cattle Breeding Farm (CCBF), Dhamrod (Gujarat). Analysis of 1099 lactation records revealed that season of calving significantly influenced the lactation yield (LY), 305-days or less lactation yield (305-LY), lactation length (LL). dry period (DP), service period (SP) and calving interval (CI). Buffaloes commencing lactation in winter and summer (November to June) produced significantly higher LY, 305-LY and had a longer LL, whereas, buffaloes calving during rainy and autumn seasons (July to October) showed better reproductive performance (DP, SP and Cl). Period of calving significantly influenced all the aforementioned trails. Higher productive and reproductive performances were obtained during third period (1985-87). Buffaloes in different parities differed significantly with respect to LY, 305-LY, DP. SP and CI. Surti buffaloes continuously improved their production performance up to fifth lactation and reproductive performance up to sixth lactation.