Effect of Genetic and environmental factors on gestation length dangi cattle in field condition

Gestation length (GL), the period from effective fertilization until calving, is a reproductive trait that significantly affects cattle breeding and production. The cow's age is the key environmental factor influencing gestation length. The objective of this study was to study the factors affecting the Gestation length indangi cattle. Dangi cattle is well known for its hardy nature and its ability to work hard under heavy rainfall conditions. The study was carried out during the period from June 2010 to May 2015 in Nashik and Jalgaon regions of Maharashtra. In total, 1093 dangi cattle calving were studied. Overall least square mean of gestation period of Dangi cattle maintained under field conditions was 282.18 ± 1.5days. Analysis of data suggested that Body score condition, sire and year of calving accounted for significant variation (P<0.01) in the gestation length whereas the effect of sex of calf, parity number, season of calving was not significant (P>0.01).Rainy& summer season, body condition of animals are factors contributed to prolonged gestation length. Optimal gestation length was determined in the rang eoffrom 268 to 300 days.