The Effect of Developmental Changes in Hair Coat on the Performance of Friesians and Buffaloes

Buffaloe and Egyptian cattle are the main sources of milk and meat production, in Egypt . The buffaloe are noted for high percentage of fat in the milk and relative high milk yeild . Friesian cattle were imported in Egypt in an attempt to raise the productivity of Egyptian cows . Crossing and grading up the local cattle with the Friesians were practical for this purpose. Chosing the Friesian cows was carried out according to their pedigree sheets and phynotepic parameters such as under shape, size of animal and hair coat characteristics. The hair coat characters seem to have an effect on the adaptability of Friesian animals and hence it might affect growth and milk production.The aim of the present investigation was to study the hair coat characteristics isttics of Friesian cattle bred in Egypt . The characteristics of hair coat of buffaloes also were under investigation in relation to the production performance of the animals.