Characterization of Doayo and Kapsiki taurine cattle breeds of Cameroon in their natural environment.

Data were collected on live weight (LW), heart girth (HG), height-at-withers (HW), trunk length (TL), age, sex, and coat color of 207 taurines cattle--122 of the Doayo (Namchi) breed and 85 of the Kapsiki (Kirdi) breed. The animals, aged 1 to 20 years, were selected from 60 herds randomly selected from villages of Poli of Faro and Mokolo of Tsanga, divisions of the North and Far North Regions of Cameroon. The data were analyzed using the SAS program with a linear model, applying standard tests. Results indicated no breed effect (P > 0.05) in the growth trends of LW, HG, HW, and TL. HG and TL were highly significantly (P < 0.0001) related to LW. The growth pattern for the two breeds was the same since the linear contrast of least square means for the traits at various age groups did not differ (P > 0.05) significantly. The breeds attained maturity as from 4 years. In the absence of breed effect (P > 0.05), a single regression equation was established for the estimation of live weight as thus LW = -244.42 (±22.57) kg + 2.49 (±0.23) HG + 1.04 (±0.25) TL, with HG contributing up to 70% of total variation and TL, 2%. This equation could be used to develop a measuring band useful in the rural environment for commercial and clinical veterinary purposes.

Factors which affect Gudali and Wakwa calf weights at birth and weaning on the Adamawa Plateau, Cameroon.

Birth and weaning data on zebu cattle (Gudali and Wakwa) of north Central Cameroon were analysed. Calf breed, sire and sex had significant effects (P < 0.01 or 0.001) on birth weight while parity and season of birth were not important. Calf breed, sex, season of birth and birth weight had significant effects (P < 0.05 or 0.01 or 0.001) on 8-month weaning weight. Sire and parity had no significant effects (P > 0.05) on weaning weight. Wakwa calves were heavier at birth (24.30 +/- 0.42 versus 22.6 +/- 0.56 kg) and weaning (158.32 +/- 3.46 versus 148.77 +/- 2.88 kg) than Gudali calves. An increase of 1 kg in birth weight led to an increase of 1.27 kg in weaning weight. Calves born at the end of the rainy season were heavier at birth, but were lighter at weaning than those born at the beginning of the rainy season. These results suggest that under extensive low input husbandry conditions calving should be programmed for the end of dry season/early rainy season (breeding during middle to end of the rainy season).