Comprehensive genetic analysis of linear type traits for characterization of the Sahiwal cattle in an organized herd

Sahiwal is one of the most important dairy cattle breeds of the Indian subcontinent. A holistic and balanced approach to selection and breeding strategies must be adopted to bring about desirable genetic improvement in livestock, including indigenous cattle. The inclusion of linear type traits for dairy cattle selection in any breed improvement program has not been carried out in India so far. Therefore, this study was taken up to characterize Sahiwal cattle, on the basis of linear type traits. Data was collected on adult Sahiwal cows up to their 10th parity, maintained at Institute herd of Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana from 2006-2021. Data were analysed using Least Squares Maximum Likelihood (LSMLMW), considering a sire model for the present study. Parity, season and period of calving were taken as fixed effect and age at first calving as covariable. Sire or animal was considered as random variable. Least squares means of objective linear type traits viz., stature was 125.97 & PLUSMN;0.68 cm, body length 136.58 & PLUSMN;1.01 cm, chest girth 173.04 & PLUSMN;1.14 cm, body depth 203.40 & PLUSMN; 1.39 cm, rump angle 14.50 & PLUSMN;0.39 cm, rump width 20.62 & PLUSMN;0.28 cm, udder depth 20.87 & PLUSMN;0.41 cm, rear udder height 18.38 & PLUSMN;0.33 cm, and teat length 6.16 & PLUSMN;0.24 cm. On the other hand, least square mean scores of subjective linear type traits (1-9 scale) viz. fore teat placement was 6.32 & PLUSMN;0.46, rear teat placement was 7.27 & PLUSMN;0.35, rear leg side view was 6.26 & PLUSMN;0.26, rear leg rear view was 6.28 & PLUSMN;0.27 score, foot angle 6.86 & PLUSMN;0.27, angularity 34.97 & PLUSMN;0.50-degree, central ligament 6.55 & PLUSMN; 0.39, fore udder attachment 5.91 & PLUSMN;0.32, fore teat placement 6.32 & PLUSMN;0.46, and rear teat placement was 7.27 & PLUSMN;0.35. Parity had a significant (p<0.05) effect on fore udder attachment and central ligament and teat length in Sahiwal cattle. Season of calving had the significant (p< 0.05) effect, observed in case of udder depth in Sahiwal cattle. Period of calving had a significant (p<0.05) effect on rump angle, udder depth, teat length, angularity and central ligament in Sahiwal cattle. Based on results of present study, it was observed that Sahiwal cattle establishes a balance between the scoring pattern of linear type traits, as the balance scoring of animals was desirable for better sustainability and production performance of a dairy cattle, on a longer run. Moreover, linear type traits have a better scope in selection process and genetic improvement programs that can be utilized as balanced and comprehensive approach for indigenous dairy cattle.