Karan Fries vs. Jersey Cattle in Southern Foothills of Bhutan

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the performances of Karan Fries [KF] and Jersey Pure [JP] dairy cattle breeds managed at the government farm in the sub-tropical environment of Samtse, Bhutan. Quantitative data on production and reproduction were retrieved from 320 individual cow/calf performance records maintained at the farm from July 2014 to March 2018. Qualitative data on adaptability were congregated through key informant interviews. The mean birth weight and monthly weight gain in KF calves were significantly higher than JP. Mean age at first service and age at first calving for JP were 24.6 months and 33.9 months, respectively, which were significantly lower than KF. Mean daily milk yield [kg] in 1st lactation was significantly higher in JP than KF, but there was no yield variation in subsequent lactations. Mean lactation yield [305 days] for KF cows increased to 3823.9 kg in 4thlactation, which was 371 kg higher than JP, but not statistically significant. Milk production was closely associated with season in a year with higher production for both the breeds in winter. KF had good foraging ability and was surefooted to survive in the rugged terrain. However, bad temperament and high quantity forage requirement for animals are the disadvantages. The study concluded that JP breed attains production at younger age and has medium body size requiring lesser fodder intake. Thus, JP and its crosses shall continue to be a breed of choice for the subsistence and semi-commercial dairy farms with limited fodder resources. KF may be recommended in commercial farm with adequate facilities and resources at hand to sustain them.