Mortalities and reproductive performances of gudali cattle at the wakwa regional centre of agricultural research, cameroon (1998 - 2008)

Author: 
Mfopit M. Y., Messine O., Dandjouma Aboubakar A.K.

The study was conducted on records of animal movements of the Centre from 1998 to 2008. The maximum of the calving took place in March and April (33% of total births). The majority of services (48.6%) occured in the period during which pastures were at their best level. Age at the first calving was 1606 ± 263 days (53.5 ± 8.8 months). More of the heifers (77.03%) calved for the first time after the age of 4 years. There was no significant relationship between age at first calving and month of birth of the female. Calving interval was 603 ± 227 days (20.1 ± 7.5 months). The intervals were significantly affected by the rank of lactation. The mortality rate of calves under 12 months was 26.7%. Most of the mortalities occurred before the age of 3 months (65% of total calf mortality), a majority (34%) in the three weeks following birth. Calves born during the rainy season had a death rate (28.4%) higher than that of calves born during the dry season (23.30%). It would appear that, in order to minimize these mortalities, a breeding season should be established order to regroup the births at the most favorable period.

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