Physical characteristics, management, and performance of newly recognized ‘Kathani cattle’ of Maharashtra state

Kathani cattle is not a registered breed, consequently, these animals are categorized as non-descript in the Livestock Census of Government India. The population about 10.51 lakh. Data 9474 spread over 118 villages distributed 13 tehsils 3 districts (Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, and Gondia) from Vidarbha region eastern Maharashtra was collected under survey, evaluation, characterization network project NBAGR, Karnal, during November 2017 to March 2020 analyzed document physical characteristics, management, performance new breed available/found state. Qualitative body part characters indicated that almost all had black coloured muzzle, eyelid, eyeball, hooves, tail switch. Biometry recorded included eight different measurements age sex groups. When compared with Gaolao, Kosali, Motu, Ongole breeds adjoining breeding tracts, molecular well phenotypic differentiation separate genetic identities cattle. Nearly 96% owners were found provide housing their 87% respondents provided shelter night only while 7.4% both day night. Respondents (74.70%) cultivated fodder for general area leftover (after crop harvest) paddy locally called Tanis, soybeans, mung, wheat, cowpea, chickpea, pigeon pea, gram Kutar. feed laboratory analysis revealed reared on very low nutritive value content like Tanis types Kutars. Natural service preferred method adopted by 94.8% 5.2% bred through artificial insemination semen exotic bulls. keepers (61.9%) survey experienced incidence some contagious diseases 72.55% holders vaccinatad against diseases. average at first ejaculate males 35.84±0.31 months, calving 54.86±0.05 interval 486.85±0.51 days, daily milk yield 0.55±0.01 litres, lactation length 237.76±1.82 days dry period noticed 245.75±2.28 days. study results will flag way registration formulation program further improvement this lesser-known population.