Assessment of body linear measurements of semi-intensively managed Bunaji calves raised during major dry season in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria

Abstract

Survival of semi-intensively managed cattle during dry season is critical towards their successful development. Cattle are of large size that obviously require high volume of feeds, for sustenance and productive purposes. A completely randomized design study over a period of three months during the major dry season (January to March) was carried out. The mean body measurements [chest girth (CG), body length (BL), body circumference (BC), tail length (TL), height at withers (HW) and body weights (BW)] were monitored fortnightly. The calves were allowed to graze in the morning, between 7.00 - 11.00 h and concentrate feed of 2 kg/day was offered in the afternoon on daily basis. Results from the study showed that the all the body measurements for the males increased till 6th week of the study, decreased till 9th week and thereafter increased till the 12th week. The estimated body weight for the males were 113.27 kg and 118.16 kg for the females at the end of the study. The mean CG was 122.89± 3.54 cm, BC was 132.41± 4.45 cm, TL was 81.74 ±2.01 cm, BL 89.54 ± 2.01 cm, HW 102.24 ± 3.22 cm and BW was 125.04 ± 2.89 kg. The correlation coefficient values were generally positive and significant. Highest positive correlations with significant differences were observed in all the parameters except for CG and BL (r= -0.07); and BL and HW (r= -0.57) which were negatively correlated. It was concluded that Bunaji calves would survive remarkably, with improved body measurements and weight gain if managed semi-intensively with available forage and concentrate during the dry season.