This study was an attempt at the analysis of the Zambia cattle population, its production systems and management practices using data collected during the 2017/2018 livestock and aquaculture census. The Public User Microdata Sample dataset provided by the Central Statistics Organization were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Traditional system and free range grazing were found to be the main production system and feeding practices (97.2%). Despite large expanse of arable land, crop and fodder production, there was poor integration with cattle production system thus predisposing the animal to poor productivity due to inadequate nutrition. The management practices were found to be limiting and a hindrance to improved performance. The study revealed diverse cattle genetic resources comprising of local and exotic breeds, and their crosses at different genetic proportions. The local breed crosses were mainly directed at exotic beef breeds (and evidence of crosses with exotic dairy breeds) as smallholder farmers tend to improve on the production performances and productivity. Disease prevalence was high and had been an impediment to the growth of the cattle industry. It was clear that cattle production development must be anchored on a value chain system approach. Efforts aimed at capacity building should be targeted at the smallholder farmers with the bulk (93.5%) of the cattle population. This should include impacting farmers with husbandry skills through provision of elaborate livestock extension services aimed at integrating crops and fodder production in feeding practices, communal grazing management and adequate access to veterinary services to control disease prevalence. Value addition and market development would be helpful in unlocking the potential of the beef meat and milk products industry.
Data on coat colour pigmentation and incidence of wattle were combined with production records of 1407 West African dwarf goats to study their influence on litter traits and body weight. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference among coat colours for litter size at birth and at weaning and birth weight. Basic white coloured goats were significantly (P <0.05) heavier at weaning and one year of age than the basic brown and black goats. The trend was that the weight decreased with increased pigmentation. Presence or absence of wattle did not exert any influence on the traits studied except yearling body weight Bilaterally wattled goats were lighter (P<0.01) than unilaterally wattled and non wattled goats.
Data on 260 litters were used to provide therefore to estimate the heritability and estimates of heritability, repeatability, genetic and phenotypic correlations for litter traits at birth and at weaning. Breed, sire within breed and doe within sire effects were found to be significant, (P<0.05) for litter size at birth and at weaning and for litter weight at birth and at weaning. Heritability estimates of 0.33±0.08, 0.38±0.02, 0.03±0.02 and 0.16±0.05 were obtained for litter birth weight, litter size at birth, litter size at weaning and litter weaning weight, respectively. Repeatability estimates were found to be generally moderate to high. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were positive and significant (P<0.01). Selection for litter size at birth and litter birth weight are likely to result in improved litter size at weaning and litter weaning weight respectively.
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