Inheritance of part yields and their use in selection of buffaloes

The relative efficiency of selection based on part lactation compared to that of total first lactation was high. When the earlier parts of the lactation were considered, single third or fifth monthly milk yield gave a selection efficiency 1 to 6% higher than that obtained from total first lactation yield. The milk yield of the first 120 days and subsequent cumulative part lactation yields up to 270 days were observed to be more efficient for indirect selection for the first lactation than direct selection on the basis of total first lactation yield. For effecting early selection the first 120 days milk production could be used to advantage. Similarly, where there are difficulties in recording the yield daily throughout the lactation, the third or fifth monthly yield recording could be resorted to for selecting efficiently and to formulate culling plans for the herd.