BIRTH WEIGHTS OF CROSSBRED CAl!.VES BORN THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION AND EMBRYO TRANSFER

Abstract

The goal of this study was to know whether there is any difference in birth weight (BW) of calves born through
artificial insemination (Al) or Embryo Transfer (ET). The data was collected at SabarmatiAshram Gaushala (SAG)
from November, 1997 to June, 2004 taking into consideration the birth of 400 Holstein Friesian x Sahiwal (HF x S)
crossbred calves, to eliminate the difference due to breed of dam I sire. All animals were managed under uniform
standard feeding practices. Data was analysed with respect to ET/Al technique, year (1998 to 2004) and season.
The Mean values of BW of ET born males and females and Al born males and females were 27. 70±0.60, 25.16±0.53,
29.98±0.53 and 26.7 4±0.44 Kg, respectively, with significant differences (P<0.05). There was a significant difference
in the BW of calves born during the year 1998 and 1999, while other did not show any significant difference. There
was no significant difference in the BW in relation to different seasons. It was concluded that the difference in the
BW might be due to the technique adopted in embryo production and its handling.