Influence Of Sire And Dam Breed On Some Reproductive And Growth Characteristics Of Small Holder Cattle Herds In Jigawa State Of Nigeria

📄 Project Abstract

This study had the objectives of determining the fertility and calving ease of small holder indigenous cattle herds inseminated with imported semen from proven sires, as well as to determine the effects of non genetic factors, and sire and dam breed on birth weight and growth rate of the crossbred calves. The results showed that the mean age, parity, body condition score, number of inseminations per conception and gestation length of cows and birth weight of calves were 6.2years, 2.3, 3.8, 1.3, 286.1 days and 29.5kg, respectively. Age, parity and number of insemination per conception were highly variable (CV=32-47%) while body condition score and gestation length of cows and birth weight of calves were less variable (CV=3-17%). Fifty four percent (54%) of the cows had normal calving while 46% were assisted. Amongst the assisted calving, 89% of the calves survived while 11% died. The age, parity and dam body condition had significant effect ( P< 0.01) on calving ease of the dams. Calvin...