indigenous dairy cows under smallholder farming system

The present study was undertaken to investigate productive and reproductive performances of crossbreds and Indigenous dairy cows. A total of 400 dairy cows each are equal number of Friesian x indigenous (FI), Sahiwal x indigenous (SaI), Sindhi x indigenous (SiI) and indigenous (I) were selected from eight thanas in Jessore district. The study found that the daily milk yield from FI, SaI, SiI and I cows were 8.39 ± 2.01, 4.63 ± 0.96, 4.35 ± 1.12 and 2.38 ± 0.73 liters, respectively. The milk yield was found significantly (P<0.01) higher in first stage of lactation than that of second and third both in crossbreds and I dairy cows. The lactation period of crossbreds was significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of I cows. The service per conception was found higher in I cows and the gestation length was almost similar in all the groups. The post partum heat period and calving to first service were highest in SiI cows. The dry period and calving interval were higher in I cows. The age at first calving was almost similar in crossbreds but significantly (P<0.01) higher in I cows. The birth weight was significantly (P<0.01) lower in I than crossbred dairy cows. Considering all the parameters studied, FI showed better performance followed by SaI, SiI, and I