CATTLE BREEDING FARM
JUNAGADH AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
JUNAGADH
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Introduction:
Cattle Breeding Farm was established in the year 1920 by the Nawab of Junagadh State. After independence it was transferred to Government of Saurashtra and to Government of Gujarat in 1960. Later when Gujarat Agricultural University was created in 1972 the farm was transferred to the University. With the tetrafurcation of Gujarat Agricultural University in 2004, the farm was now under jurisdiction of Junagadh Agricultural University.
An organized herd of purebred Gir cattle (Started 1920) and Jaffrabadi buffaloes(Started September 1978).This farm is involved since last many years in the conservation, improvement and advancement of above breeds through various Plan, Non-plan and ICAR funded projects. The farm is also actively involved in breed improvement of field animals through field progeny testing programme and supply of breeding bulls as well as frozen semen doses of high genetic merit to Field AI centers, Gram Panchayat, Gaushalas, Religious, Government organizations and other agencies.
Farm details:
Main Farm:
Cattle Breeding Farm, Junagadh Agricultural University is the largest and oldest organized farm maintaining purebred herds of Gir cows and Jaffrabadi buffaloes. Cattle Breeding Farm, Junagadh is located at 70.5 0 west longitude and 21.4 0 North latitude and is about 60 meters above mean sea level. The climate of Junagadh is mainly tropical to sub tropical. Presently, the station has a total land area of 184 hectare, out of which 106.5 hectare is cultivated (90.5 hectare irrigated + 16 hectare un-irrigated), 42 hectare uncultivated / Grassland-vidi is being utilized for grazing and 22 hectare under road and buildings. Talav Farm of 16 hectare is transferred to Junagadh Municipal Corporation. As regards to irrigation potential, main-LRS farm has 12 wells and 4 borewells. All are functional and supply water 7-8 hrs /day.
Jonpur vidi:
The subsidiary farm i.e. Jonpur vidi having land area of 130 hectare at village Jonpur, near Mangalpur, Ta-Keshod, Di- Junagadh is also comes under Cattle Breeding farm, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh. Out of 130 hectare land, 20 hectare land is developed and made suitable for cultivation of fodder crops during monsoon season as no irrigation facilities exist at Jonpur vidi. Rest of 110 hectare land is non-cultivated. Natural pasture grasses grown during monsoon, these grasses are cut, dried, bailed and transported to Cattle Breeding Farm and being utilized for dry fodder for livestock of CBF. Average 4.0 to 4.5 lakh kilograms of dry pasture grass produced in Jonpur vidi every year.
Mandate:
1. To create minimum facilities for research in the subject of Animal Sciences.
2. To conserve and improve Gir cows and Jaffrabadi buffaloes at the Research station as well as in the field
3. To identify the livestock problems of the area and plan the research strategy as a corrective measures for particular problem.
4. To demonstrate standard animal husbandry practices to the farmers of Saurashtra and to serve as livestock farm for undergraduate and Post graduate students of different colleges of JAU.
Objectives:
The major objective of Livestock Research Station is to strengthen Research, Teaching and Extension activities related to livestock through various projects with following objectives.
1. Maintenance and improvement of purebred Gir cows and Jaffrabadi buffaloes through selective breeding
2. Evaluation of Gir bulls for their genetic merit through Progeny Testing Programme.
3. Supply of superior germplasm (Breeding bulls as well as frozen semen doses) for improvement of the breeds in the surrounding areas.
4. Establishment of elite herds of Gir cows and Jaffrabadi buffaloes on the farm
5. Extension of Artificial insemination services by establishing AI centers
6. Dissemination of scientific information to dairy farmers of the region during their visit to the farm and during field visits of scientists.
7. Establishment of Frozen Semen Laboratory
8. Field Progeny Testing programme in Gir cattle and Jaffrabadi buffaloes Incorporating farmer’s herds and Gaushalas of Saurashtra region.
Scientific Staff Details:
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Sr. No.
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Photograph
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Name of the faculty, designation and contact
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Qualification
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1
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Dr. B. D. Savaliya Research Scientist (AGB) and Head E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
M.V.Sc., Ph.D. (Livestock Production & Management) |
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2
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Dr. G. B. Solanki Assistant Research Scientist E-Mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
M.V.Sc., Ph.D. (Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics) |
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3
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Dr. S. S. Parikh Assistant Research Scientist E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
M.V.Sc (Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics) |
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4
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Dr. P. M. Gamit Assistant Research Scientist E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
M.V.Sc (Livestock Production & Management) |
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5
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Dr. H. P. Vijyeta Assistant Research Scientist E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
M.V.Sc (Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics) |
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6
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Dr. J. K. Chaudhary Assistant Research Scientist E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
M.V.Sc (Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics) |
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7
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Dr. R. B. Makwana Assistant Research Scientist E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
M.V.Sc (Animal Nutrition) |
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8
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Dr. M. R. Parmar Assistant Research Scientist E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
M.V.Sc (Livestock Production & Management) |
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9
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Dr. V. K. Karangiya Assistant Research Scientist E-Mail : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
M.V.Sc (Animal Nutrition) |
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10
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Shri. C. N. Jadav Assistant Research Scientist E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
M.Sc (Agronomy) |
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11
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Shri. A. M. Hadiya Agriculture Officer Mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
M.Sc., Ph.D. (Genetics & Plant Breeding) |
Ongoing Research Schemes/Projects at Cattle Breeding Farm:
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Sr. No.
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Name of the Scheme
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Budget Head
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Non-Plan Schemes
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1.
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Research in Cattle Breeding Farm
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5302
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2
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Livestock Research Station
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5353
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3
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Progeny Testing Scheme for Gir Cattle
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6316
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4
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Livestock Inspector’s Training centre
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7253
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5
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National Agricultural Research Project-Phase-II at Junagadh
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9091-9
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6
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National Agricultural Research Project-Phase-II at Jonpur
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9091-9
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Plan Schemes
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7
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Establishment of Elite herds of Gir cattle and Jaffrabadi buffaloes
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12303-05
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8
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Establishment of Mobile Ambulatory Veterinary Clinic at Junagadh
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12318
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9
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Establishment of Artificial Insemination centres in Saurashtra, Junagadh
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12319
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10
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Integrated Farming System (Integrated Farming combining crop- Livestock bio-resources) at Junagadh
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12303-14
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11
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Strengthening of Veterinary component at Junagadh
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12953
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ICAR Schemes
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12
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Network Project on Buffalo Improvement (Jaffrabadi)
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2305-03
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13
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AICRP on Indigenous Cattle (Gir)-Germplasm Unit
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2303-08
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14
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AICRP on Indigenous Cattle (Gir)-Data Recording Unit
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2303-09
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Research Projects completed at Cattle Breeding Farm:
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Sr. No.
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Title of the research project
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Principal Investigator
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Co-PI
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Duration
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1
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Survey of Animal Genetic resources of Jaffrabadi buffaloes
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Dr. K. R. Tajane
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Dr. K. S. Dutta
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23-02-1996 to
31-03-1998
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2
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Survey of Animal Genetic resources of Gir cattle
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Dr. K. R. Tajane
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Shri. H. B. Gardharia
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09-08-1998 to
31-05-2000
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3
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Utilization of groundnut gotar as a potential roughage source in Gir cows
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Dr. K. S. Murthy
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Dr. K. S. Dutta
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4
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Identification and development of perennial forage groundnut for developing underutilized cultivable wastelands of coastal saline areas of Gujarat
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Dr. Ratnakumar
(Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagadh)
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Dr. K. S. Murthy
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5
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Studies on development of suitable silvopasture system for improving livestock productivity in rainfed region
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Dr. K. S. Dutta
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Dr. K. S. Murthy
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01-07-2000 to
30-05-2004
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6
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Enrichment of agricultural wastes for enhancing nutritive value in Gir and Jaffrabadi animals and recycling of animal wastes for promoting organic farming
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Dr. P. U. Gajbhiye
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Dr. K. S. Murthy
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09-11-2009 to
31-03-2012
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7
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Development of modules for precision dairy farming for Gir and Jaffrabadi animals
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Dr. P. U. Gajbhiye
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Dr. K. S. Murthy
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08-0-7-2010 to
31-03-2012
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Research Recommendations:
Sixteen recommendations and information have been passed for Farmer’s, Forest department, dairy entrepreneurs and scientific communities which are as follows:
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Sr. No.
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Recommendations
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1
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Groundnut gotar in combination with wheat straw (40:60) forms an excellent roughage source for lactating cows without affecting dry matter and nutrients intake and digestibility of nutrients and balances of nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium of the whole rations. Milk yield, FCM yield and composition of milk were also not significantly affected due to the inclusion of varying levels of groundnut gotar and wheat straw. The cost of feeding per day, cost of feeding per kg milk production and per kg. FCM production was Rs. 26.64,3.39 and 3.21 respectively at 40% inclusion in the ration of lactating Gir cows.
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2
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Inclusion of groundnut gotar at 40% levels in the ration for the growing Gir calves sustained growth rate up to 497.17 without significantly affecting the biometry, dry matter and nutrients intake and digestibility of nutrients of the whole ration. The cost of feeding per day and cost of feeding per kg live weight gain were Rs. 14.31 and RS. 27.71,respectively at 40% inclusion in the ration indicating the potentials and economic use of groundnut gotar in the ration of growing Gir calves.
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3
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Farmers and Livestock owners of Saurashtra are recommended that in the ration of Gir heifers, inclusion of 4% urea treated wheat bhusa in place of groundnut gotar results in 19% higher live weight gain at 23% lower cost of feeding.
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4
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A ration containing Jowar straw and ground nut gotar in 70:30 ratios can sustain the maintenance function in Gir bullocks with positive effect on body weight maintenance, digestibility of nutrients and balances of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Calcium.
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5
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Milk replacer containing the following ingredients is useful to replace 50 % of milk for feeding weaned Gir calves without any adverse effect on body growth. Ingredient composition for one kg. milk replacer is wheat flour-100 g., soya bean meal ,120 g., groundnut meal 400 g. skim milk powder-130 g., coconut oil-100 g, Butyric acid -3 g. molasses -100 g, mineral mixture-32 g and citric acid-15 g. |
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6
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Feeding of 4 % urea treated wheat straw as sole roughage source to lactating Gir cows could sustain milk production up to 3.4 lit/day economically with 139 per cent higher returns compared to feeding ad lib. Wheat straw and 5 kg green Jowar fodder /cow/day.
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7
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Under rain fed South Saurashtra agro-climatic conditions, reseeded and sown pastures comprising of legumes Stylosantheshamata and Stylosanthesscabra and grasses Cenchrusciliaris and Dicanthium coricosum yielded 1.26 and 2.78 tonnes higher dry matter / hectare respectively, over natural pasture, resulting in higher net economic gain in terms of pasture and protein yield. Patanwadi lambs grazing on sown pasture had higher growth rate and significantly (p<0.01) lower age at first lambing.
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8
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Under Rainfed agroclimate situation of South Saurashtra, Tree Species-Azadirechta indica, Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus mauritiana and Tectonagrandis have fairly good survival and growth rate on barren, degraded and wasteland. Therefore, these tree species can be planted to conserve, afforestate and improve such land.
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9
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On a large farm of Gir cattle in South-Saurashtra region, herd structure of 330-345 heads with 100-110 (30-33%) cows, 65-70 (18-21%) breedable heifers and 245-250 (72-75%) total female proportion in the herd is optimum to achieve higher wet average (7.3-7.7 lit), herd average (4.2-4.7 lit), % milch cows (55-60%) and higher return over feed cost (140%) in the herd.
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10
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Dairy farmers/gaushalas of Gir herd in South-Saurashtra region desiring to improve herd performance and return should set optimum targets of herd performance traits of 7.6 lit. wet average, 4.3 lit. herd average and more than 64% milch cows for economical and sustainable dairy farming.
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11
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Dairy farmers of large herd of Gir cattle in South-Saurashtra region should set age at first calving of 44 months and calving interval of 14 months as targets to improve these traits for maximum return. They can maintain Gir cows up to 8 lactations for economical dairy farming, however, high yielding cows may be maintained for more than 8 lactations also.
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12
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Dairy farmers of large herd of Jaffrabadi buffaloes in South-Saurashtra region should set age at first calving of 47 months and calving interval of 15 months as targets to improve these traits for maximum return. They can maintain Jaffrabadi buffaloes up to 6 lactations for economical dairy farming, however, high yielding buffaloes may be maintained for more than 6 lactations also.
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13
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Maintaining an established breeding herd of an average of 110 Gir cows in South Saurashtra region results in an average of 388 (i.e., 400) total heads, 260 total adult units and 72% total female population with 85 (22%) breedable heifers, 80 (21%) growing females below 2 years of age and 63 (57% total cows) milch cows with wet average of 6.8 lit., herd average of 3.8 lit. and return of 116% over feed cost. Herd structure and performance vary significantly by year. Month significantly influences calving rate and herd average. Wet average (7.0-7.4 vs 6.1-6.3 lit), herd average (4.2-4.3 vs 3.3-3.4 lit) and % milch cows (57-60 vs 54-55%) remain higher from March to May and lower during August-September months. Performance traits show negative trend with number of cows, total breedable females and total heads present in the herd. Hence, optimum herd structure should be maintained for higher performance and return.
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14
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Maintaining an established breeding herd of an average of 110 Gir cows in South Saurashtra region results in an average of 388 (i.e., 400) total heads, 260 total adult units and 72% total female population with 85 (22%) breedable heifers, 80 (21%) growing females below 2 years of age and 63 (57% total cows) milch cows with wet average of 6.8 lit., herd average of 3.8 lit. and return of 116% over feed cost. Herd structure and performance vary significantly by year. Month significantly influences calving rate and herd average. Wet average (7.0-7.4 vs 6.1-6.3 lit), herd average (4.2-4.3 vs 3.3-3.4 lit) and % milch cows (57-60 vs 54-55%) remain higher from March to May and lower during August-September months. Performance traits show negative trend with number of cows, total breedable females and total heads present in the herd. Hence, optimum herd structure should be maintained for higher performance and return.
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15
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Average milk production of Gir cows increased with increase in parity and reached peak of 2300 lit. of 300-d milk yield in 5th lactation. In subsequent lactations also, 300-d lactation milk yield remained between 1950 and 2100 lit. up to 8th lactation which indicated high persistency of production over parity. Productive life of cows averaged 8.5 years (i.e., 3108 days) with 10,000 lit. life-time milk production with an average of 4.3 calvings during lifetime. iii) About 19 % Gir cows remained in the herd for more than 12 years of age (on an average 14.6 years) and more than 25 % of cows performed in the herd for more than 6 lactations. Hence, breeding goals of 44 months of age at first calving and 14 months of calving interval may be set for Gir cattle.
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16
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In organized large dairy herd of Jaffrabadi buffaloes in South Saurashtra region- i) Over-all breeding efficiency, lactation efficiency, age at first calving, calving interval and lactation period of Jaffrabadi buffaloes averaged 79.0±1.5 %, 58.2±1.6 %, 1656.7±28.6 (54.3 month), 541.9±7.9 (17.8 month) and 291.9±5.0 days, respectively. About 28 % of heifers calved for the first time below the average age of 47 month and 31 % of buffaloes calved at an average calving interval of 15 months. ii) Average milk production of Jaffrabadi buffaloes increased with increase in parity and reached peak of 1900 lit. of 300-d milk yield in 4th lactation. In subsequent lactations also, 300-d lactation milk yield remained between 1700 and 1800 lit. upto 6th lactation which indicated high persistency of production over parity. Productive life of buffaloes averaged 10.1 years (i.e., 3701 days) with 8500 lit. life-time milk production with an average of 4.7 calvings during life-time. iii) About 20 % Jaffrabadi buffaloes remained in the herd for more than 12 years of age (on an average 16.6 years) and more than 38 % of these animals performed in the herd for more than 6 lactations. Hence, breeding goals of 47 months of age at first calving and 15 months of calving interval may be set for Jaffrabadi buffaloes.
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Recommendations approved during last 5 years for Farmers:
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Sr. No.
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Year
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Recommendation
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01
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2018
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It is recommended to dairy farmers that fogger cooling system in loose housing buffalo shed is beneficial in sustaining milk production.
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02
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2019
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Dairy farmers are recommended to feed 18 kg/day green Marvel/Jinjavo grass equivalent to 50% Crude protein replacement to Gir cows (470 kg body weight and 7.6 litres milk/day) to enhance milk production by 6.81% and profit (return over feed cost) by 41.08%. Marvel/Jinjavo grass should be harvested at 40-45 days interval.
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Recommendations approved during last 5 years for scientific community:
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Sr. No.
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Year
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Recommendation
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01
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2017
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Sorgum vulgare (Jowar) and Sorgum halepense (baru) fed at 25 per cent flowering stage is safe for ruminants as the HCN content is below the toxic.
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02
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2018
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It is recommended that a single dose of PGF2 immediately after parturition in Gir cows enhances the process of placental separation, hastens the uterine involution, decrease the service period and increase the conception rate
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03
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2019
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Marvel/Jinjavo (Dicanthium annulatum) grass has 8.65% Digestible Crude Protein (DCP) and 61.83% Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN). Chemical composition of Marvel/Jinjavo grass: Crude protein-13.4%, Crude fibre-32.8 %, Crude fat-2.1 %, DCP-8.65% and TDN-61.83%.
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Pride of Cattle Breeding Farm
1) “Breed Conservation Award-2020 for Jaffrabadi Buffalo” received by Cattle Breeding Farm, JAU, Junagadh
“Breed Conservation Award-2020” for Jaffrabadi breed of Buffalo in Institution Category received by Cattle Breeding Farm, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh from ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, Haryana in virtual ceremony on December 23, 2020.
2) Gir Unit of C.B.F Ranked with “A” Grade
AICRP on Indigenous cattle (Gir) is running at Cattle Breeding Farm, JAU, Junagadh for Genetic improvement of Gir cattle through progeny testing by Central Institute for Research on Cattle (CIRC-ICAR), Meerut (U.P). Gir unit of Cattle Breeding Farm, JAU, Junagadh ranked ‘A’ grade with ‘Very Good’ remark in research evaluation in Annual Review Meet of AICRP on cattle for last three years (2017-2019).
Awards and pride animals:
1.Jaffrabadi bull of this centre won the first prize at in India Livestock Show held at Bharatpur, Rajasthan in February, 1991.
2. Jaffrabadi buffalo “Punjeswari” of this research station won the first prize in All India Livestock show held at Delhi in April 1989.
3. Gir cow (Devika) won the first prize of Rs 400/- in the state level milk yield competition held in Junagadh in May 2005.
4. Gir cow (Bhavika) of this centre provided to Akshar Purshottam goshala, Sarangpur won the first prize in Milk yield competition organized by state Government in May 2004.
5. Jaffrabadi Buffalo bull-Gajanan won second prize at Tarnetar pashumela in May 2007.
6. Gir cows Devika and Sukhia won First and second prizes respectively, by recording 25.8, 25.5litres per day in milk judging competition for Gir cows during Krushimahotsav year 2007.
Salient achievements:
1. Breed descriptors were developed for Gir and Jaffrabadi breeds
2. Thirteen sets of Gir bulls (each set consisting of five bulls) were tested for genetic improvement under Progeny Testing Programme of the state. More than 850 Gir and Jaffrabadi bulls of high genetic worth were supplied to various villages of Saurashtra region for improving field animals.
3. On the farm, 37.93 % of Gir cows and 28.99% Jaffrabadi buffaloes are of elite category producing an average lactation yield of 3507 and 3560 liters, respectively.
4. Full-fledged frozen freezing laboratory was established and is freezing semen doses of Gir and Jaffrabadi bulls.
5. Twelve Artificial Insemination centers were established in Saurashtra region under this research centre and these centers are run by trained AI workers to cater the needs of dairy farmers of the villages surrounding the centers.
6. Two batches of “Gopal Mitras” were trained for artificial insemination activities of the region.
7.This research station trained and awarded one year certificate to 362 students and two years certificate to 95 students, respectively.
8. This research station serves as a model dairy farm for farmers of the Saurashtra region making it an important aspect of their visit.
9. With an aim to supply clean and pasteurized milk to residents of the campus a mini dairy plant with a capacity of 200 litres/hour was established under RKVY. The plant is commissioned and milk supply is done now in Polythene pack.
10. A roughage processing plant to process roughage into dry roughage pellets and roughage blocks was commissioned under RKVY. Under this scheme wheat straw, otherwise unused by livestock owners, and groundnut haulms are processed into blocks as well as pellets toreduce the bulkdensity and fed to farm animals.
11.Gir bulls of Set-I, Pankaj (ranked 1st)) and Bhavik (ranked 2nd) declared progeny tested by ICAR-CIRC, Meerut.
12. Jaffrabadi bulls of Set-I, Laxman (ranked 1st)), Moti (ranked 2nd) and Bhagaro (ranked 3rd) declared progeny tested by ICAR-CIRB, Hisar.
Success stories:
1. Success story from the results of Silvo pasture project was prepared on a farmer named Kara Ala of Jonpur village.
2. From the artificial insemination work and its success under field conditions in the area of AI centers established by this research station, a success story was prepared.
3. Two success stories are submitted to AICRP on cattle ICAR-CIRC, Meerut.
: Contact :
Dr. B. D. Savaliya
Research Scientist (AGB) and Head
Cattle Breeding Farm
Junagadh Agricultural University
Junagadh -362 001
Telephone : (O) 0285-2670177
Cattle Breeding Farm
Junagadh Agricultural University
Junagadh -362 001
Telephone : (O) 0285-2670177
E-mails:1) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.