Performance Of Gaur X Cattle Hybrids

The phenotype, growth performance and the reproductive status of 60 heads of male and female gaur x cattle hybrids were recorded and compared with Sahiwal-Friesian crossbred cattle. The main objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the phenotype of the hybrids, the growth potential for beef production and to assess the reproductive capabilities of these hybrids for future propagation. The present result shoved that the phenotypic features could be utilised to identify this gaur x cattle hybrils . They showed similar growth pattern as the Sahiwal-friesian crossbred cattle indicating a faster growth rate at any phases of the growth curve. The fast growth rate and high carcass value of the gaur x cattle hybrids indicate that these animals have the potential for beef production. The gaur x cattle hybrids were not sterile as speculated. The male hybrids showed normal libido and mating behaviour but rated as questionable potential breeders due to the small scrotal circumference, high incidence of sperm abnormalities and poor sperm quality. Natural mating hybrids were related to low pregnancy involving the male rate with a high incidence of pregnancy wastage, therefore not suitable for use as breeding bulls . However the female hybrids can maintain normal pregnancy, produce high calf crop and normal calf which indicate that they were not affected by the interspecific hybridization and may be used for the propagation of these animals.

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