Mortality pattern of Murrah buffalo males in an organised herd

Materials and Methods The estimate of world buffalo population is approximately 185.29 million dispersed in 42 countries, out of which 97% (179.75 million) are found only in Asia [1]. India has approximately 57% (105.3 million) of the total world buffalo population. The water buffalo ( ) contributes immensely to the agricultural economy through milk, meat, hides and draught power [2]. Share of buffalo milk occupies the highest position in Indian dairy industry, contributing about 56% of total milk (110 MT) produced by its varied population which is less than half that of the cattle population [3]. Population size of Murrah is 20.49 million which constitutes 19.45% of the total buffalo population of India [4]. Murrah buffalo is the most efficient milk producer and has better adaptability throughout India [5]. The breeding tract of Murrah buffalo breed comprises of Rohtak, Hisar and Jind districts of Haryana and Nabha and Patiala districts of Punjab in India [6]. Knowledge of disposal pattern of buffalo males from a herd is important because it aids in making more accurate planning and successful execution of genetic improvement programmes. According to Afzal [7] the mortality in cattle and buffalo calves ranged from 29.1% to 39.8%. Martin and Wiggins [8] estimated that 20% calf mortality resulted in reduction of 38% profit of a livestock farm. Dechow [9] concluded that herd management system and selection of sire with high productive life evaluations was associated with lower mortality. Reports of disposal pattern in cattle are available, but for Murrah breed of buffalo such information is scanty. Therefore, the present work was taken up to identify and summarize causes of mortality of Murrah Buffalo males from National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) herd.