Comparative Analysis of Measuring Bodyweight in Indigenous Bargur Hill Cattle by Direct and Indirect Methods using Morphometric Measurements

Background: Bargur cattle, native to the Bargur hills of Tamil Nadu, India, are well-adapted to the region’s hilly terrain and tropical climate. However, due to their semi-wild nature, they can be challenging to handle. Accurate body weight estimation is crucial for managing these animals, especially for decisions related to treatment, marketing and feeding. In the absence of weighing equipment in the field, body weight is often estimated using easily measurable body dimensions like Body Length (BL), Chest Girth (CG) and Height at Withers (HW). Several methods, including Weighbridge, Schaeffer’s, Agarwal’s and Lambourne formulas, are used to estimate body weight in such conditions. Methods: Various methods have been employed to estimate the body weight of Bargur cattle in the absence of weighing equipment. The techniques used in this study include: Weighbridge: A standard calibrated weighing scale, considered the most accurate method for determining true body weight. Schaeffer’s Formula: An equation based on body measurements to estimate body weight. Agarwal’s Formula: Another formula using body measurements for estimating body weight. Lambourne Formula: A method that estimates weight using certain body measurements. Result: The results of the study indicate that the body weight of Bargur cattle can be reliably estimated using Schaeffer’s method. This method demonstrated higher accuracy compared to the other techniques (Agarwal’s formula and Lambourne formula), making it a valuable tool for effective decision-making in marketing, drug dosing and feeding. Schaeffer’s formula proved to be the most efficient and accurate for assessing the weight of Bargur cattle, thereby assisting in the management and monitoring of the breed in field conditions.