The Productivity of Muturu Cattle (Bos brachyceros) under Ranching Conditions in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

An analysis of the productivity of Muturu cattle (Bos brachyceros, a native breed with tolerance to trypanosomiasis) under ranching conditions was carried out at Raav, Benue State during 1981 to 1991. Six calving seasons occurred during this period. When the performance of the Muturu under ranching and village management conditions was compared, age at first service, age at first calving and calving interval appeared to be similar. However, calf mortality rate in the ranch herd (5%) was lower than that in the village herd (10.8%). When the productivity of the Muturu in the ranch and village herds were compared to the Bunaji, the predominant indigenous zebu cattle breed in Nigeria, the Muturu cattle were superior in age at first service, age at first calving, calving interval and calf mortality rate. These results suggest that the Muturu should be studied further with a view to enhancing their productivity.

Genetic diversity and zebu genes introgression in cattle population along the coastal region of the Bight of Benin

“…West African taurine cattle (B. taurus) breeds are under threat of extinction due to uncontrolled breeding practices by farmers aiming to enhance the size and the productivity of their animals. However, it is recognised that animals of these breeds are well adapted to their local environments and remain productive in areas where Zebu or crossbreeds are often unable to survive (Agyemang et al 1991;Uza, 1997). The phenotypic traits of these animals are the result of hundreds of years of natural selection in relation to the local environments under permanent tsetse, ticks and helminth challenge.…”