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Comparative growth and reproductive performance of Boran, Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu and Mpwapwa cattle breeds and various crosses

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Title Comparative growth and reproductive performance of Boran, Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu and Mpwapwa cattle breeds and various crosses
 
Creator Kasonta, J.S.
 
Subject CATTLE
BREEDS
GENETICS
REPRODUCTION
TANZANIA
WEANING WEIGHT
BIRTH WEIGHT
CROSSBREDS
GROWTH
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE
SEX
SEASONS
GENOTYPES
HERITABILITY
AGE
 
Description Reproductive performance, pre-weaning growth and calf mortality based on data over a 27-year period (1963-1989) were evaluated for Boran, Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu (TSZ) and their crosses maintained on-station at Livestock Research Centres Malya and West Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The crosses were 1/2Boran and 1/2TSZ and 3/4Boran 1/4TSZ. Under ranch-type management, estimated overall means were 1338 days (44.6 months) for age at first calving; 537 days (18.0 months) for calving interval;23.3 kg for birth weight; 95.3 kg for weaning weight at 28 weeks of age and370g for average daily weight gain up to weaning. Cumulative calf mortality from birth to weaning was 1.7%, from birth to 36 weeks was 2.1% and from birth to 72 weeks was 2.9%. Year had significant effects (P < 0.01) on all reproductive traits studied, and on pre-weaning growth and calf mortality, but no general trends over years were apparent. Season showed significant effects (P < 0.01) on daily weight gain and weaning weight, wet season born calves performing better than dry season born calves. Sex of calf had significant effects (P < 0.01) on length of calving interval and on all pre-weaning growth traits. Cows nursing a male calf had, on average, 28 days longer calving interval. Bull calves were 1.3 kg and 8.6 kg heavier at birth and weaning, respectively and gained 35 g/day more than heifer calves. Age of dam had significant effects (P < 0.01) on calving interval, on all growth traits and on mortality. Cows aged between 5-10 years were the most productive ones, having the shortest calving intervals, the heaviest calves at birth and at weaning and the lowest calf mortality up to the age of 72 weeks. Genotype had significant effects (P
 
Date 2016-02-08T09:03:17Z
2016-02-08T09:03:17Z
1992
 
Type Report
 
Identifier http://hdl.handle.net/10568/70844
 
Language en