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There is need for characterization of performances of cattle breeds in relation to milk yield and composition particularly in Adamawa State where seasonal fluctuations in climatic elements can affect livestock resilience. This study was carried out to evaluate the breed variation in milk yield and composition of some selected breeds of Nigerian indigenous cattle in Adamawa State in the late wet season (August-October). The milk of 20 cows each from four breeds (Bunaji, Rahaji, Adamawa Gudali and Bokoloji) was sampled for milk yield and composition analysis three times within the season. Milk was analysed for its composition. Breed significantly (p<0.05) influenced the milk component evaluated. Bunaji was superior in milk yield (1.92), fat yield (5.73) and total solid non-fat (4.59). Rahaji was superior in phosphorus (410), sodium (61.01) and iron (3.16) while Bokoloji was superior in protein (4.98) and calcium (721). For the correlated relationships between the milk components evaluated in different breeds, there was a significant (p<0.05-0.01; r = -0.89 to 1.00) correlation between milk components except (p>0.05; r = -0.21 to 0.24) within various breeds. Zero relationship existed between milk yield and Fe in Adamawa Gudali (p>0.05; r =0.00) while a perfect relation exists between milk yield and protein yield (p>0.01; r = 1.00) in Rahaji, Adamawa Gudali and Bokoloji and between protein yield and fat yield (p>0.01; r = 1.00) in Bunaji and Bokoloji.For the pooled correlated responses, there was significant (p<0.05-0.01; r = -0.95 to 0.99) relationships between most milk components. It was therefore concluded that Bunaji had the highest milk yield, Bokoloji was best in milk protein and fat contents while Rahaji was best in mineral contents. Also, correlated relationship between milk components should be maximized in formulating a selection programme for improvement of milk in Nigerian indigenous cattle.

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This study was conducted to evaluate egg production curves of Shikabrown parents, using  mathematical models. A total of 200 birds: 100 from each of the two strains of Shikabrown®  parents (sire and dam) lines at the Breeding Unit of Poultry Research Programme, National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) were used for the study. The birds were obtained from the selected lines (sire and dam) and were denoted as Strain A and Strain B, respectively. Body weight (BWT), age at sexual maturity (ASM), egg number (EGGNO), and egg weight (EWT) were examined. Four non-linear models (Logistic, Richard, Gompertz, and Exponential) and a linear model were used to predict the efficiency of weekly bodyweight and egg production traits. The adequacies of the models were fitted using R Package, version 3.0.3. High coefficients of determination for BWT (R2 = 0.84 - 0.93) were recorded in the models for both Strains. Strain A had higher R2 (0.93) for BWT in Richard, Gompertz and Exponential models while Strain B recorded (R2 = 0.89) in Logistic, Richard and Gomprtz models. High coefficient of determination was obtained in a reproductive trait; egg number; in which almost all the models gave (R2 = 0.70). Exponential model recorded a higher R2 (0.93) for EGGNO in strain A. EWT in strain A recorded higher R2 (0.96) coefficient of determination across the four nonlinear models except linear model with (R2 = 0.95) for egg weight. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the birds' performance for BWT and EWT, with strain B having a higher BWT (1.59±0.01) and Strain A having a higher EWT (48.75±0.17). Similarly, age of birds in lay had a concomitant significant differences (P<0.05) in their BWT as well as their EWT. The birds performed better for BWT and EWT in week 26 and 27 for both Strains. It was concluded that Strain significantly (P<0.05) had effect on BWT and EWT of Shikabrown® parent with Stain B performing better than Strain A in the former trait and strain A better than strain B in the latter trait. R2 identified differences between Strains in predicting egg production traits. Strain B was adjudged good and profitable because the Strain had the highest mean values in body weight and egg number and it is being recommended as one of the lines for future improvement of Shikabrown® .