Current status of research on linear type traits in Indian cattle and future strategies

Linear type traits are of quite importance to animal breeders because of their significant influence on production performance as well as longevity and thus on overall profitability of the enterprise. To sustain the high milk production of dairy animals for a longer time without facing adverse consequences on animal health, it is important to include type traits in selection criteria. Besides, type traits have been found to have correlations with many economic traits. Dairy advanced countries are using linear type traits of cows in their selection programs, but due emphasis has not been given to type traits in Indian subcontinent. Very few studies have been undertaken for appraising linear type traits in dairy animals of Indian cattle breeds. The paper reviews the results of these studies and future strategies needed for type evaluation of Indian cattle. Given that a good type of dairy cow is efficient in production, as the research suggests, a systematic type recording system should be started for Indian breeds of cattle.