Abstract
Data on growth traits of 1736 swamp buffalo calves collected during 1-980-1991 at the Surin Livestock Breeding and Research Station in Thailand were utilized in this study. The objective was to evaluate the environmental factors affecting various growth traits of calves. The data were analyzed, using Harvey's Mixed Model Least Squares and Maximum Likelihood computer programme. The least squares mean for birth weight was 30.11±4.49 kg with a coefficient of variation of 14.9 %. The trait was affected significantly (P0.05). The least squares mean for 2-year weight was 352.90±25.96 kg. This trait was significantly affected by the year and season of birth and the weaning weight but the effect of sex of the calf and the parity of the dam was nonsignificant. The least squares means for pre-weaning and post-weaning average daily gain were 460.50±90.0 I and 408.34±65.63 g, respectively. Both traits were significantly affected by year and season of birth and parity of the dam. The pre-weaning daily gain was also affected by the calf sex. Key words: environmental factors, growth traits, swamp buffalo calves
