Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I) : Heifers of zebu breeds mature and calve earlier as compared to European breeds.
Statement (II) : The size and age of the heifers should be the basis for giving first service.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

As a general rule, crossbred heifers in India are bred when they reach a target body weight of \(250\) to \(270\text{ kg}\), regardless of their exact age.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question compares reproductive benchmarks between indigenous Zebu (Bos indicus) heifers and exotic European (Bos taurus) heifers.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement (I) compares the age of puberty and calving.
European breeds (such as Holstein Friesian or Jersey) reach puberty early, typically between \(10\) and \(15\) months of age, and calve for the first time at around \(24\) months.
In contrast, Zebu breeds are slower to mature.
They generally reach puberty at \(24\) to \(30\) months and calve for the first time at \(36\) to \(40\) months.
Therefore, Statement (I) is incorrect.
Statement (II) discusses breeding criteria for heifers.
In herd management, heifers should not be bred based on age alone.
If a heifer is bred before she is physically mature, it can stunt her growth, cause difficult births (dystocia), and reduce her lifelong milk yield.
A heifer should be bred only when she has reached about \(60\%\) to \(70\%\) of her mature adult body weight.
Therefore, both age and body size must be considered.
Thus, Statement (II) is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.