Physical Features, Behavioural Characteristics and Husbandry status of Gayal (Bos frontalis) in the selected area of Chattogram, Bangladesh

Abstract

Gayal (Bos frontalis) is a semi-domesticated and endangered bovine species in Bangladesh. The present study was assigned to determine the physical features, behavioural characteristics and husbandry status of gayal in a selected area of Chattogram, Bangladesh. The study was conducted in a Gayal farm at Rangunia upazilla in Chattogram district, Bangladesh from 15th February, 2021 to 31st March, 2021 for duration of about 1.5 month. It appeared from the study that Gayals were reared under semi-intensive management system in the farm. They browsed forest herbs, shrubs and grasses freely in the hilly environment and came back to the farm after a period for salt. Total number of gayal was counted 95 in that farm. The coat colour of the adult gayal was variable. White stocking was very prominent in adult gayal. All gayal calves possessed reddish brown in colour. The weight of adult gayals was more than 400kg. Reproductive efficiency was high and calving interval was recorded average 402 days from the record book. Both roughage and concentrate were supplied for the animals. Vaccination and deworming were done in the farm following vaccination and deworming schedule. Gayals exhibited high disease resistance. As the gayals’ milk production was not sufficient, these animals were reared only for meat purpose. The present study revealed that physical features, behavior character and farming of gayal under semi-intensive rearing system were different from other bovines.