A total of 1015 adult cows belonging to nine West African cattle breeds were assessed for 16 body measurements and 18 qualitative traits to ascertain the existence of geographical patterns of variation. Sampling was carried out in 29 different provinces of Mali, Burkina Faso and Benin. For body measurements, taurine breeds took lower average values than the zebu breeds. Sanga cattle took intermediate values. Qualitative traits did not allow to differentiate among cattle groups (taurine, zebu or sanga) or breeds. Principal component analysis identified two factors explaining 56.4 and 9.2 % of the variance for body measurements, respectively. Two correspondence analysis dimensions computed on qualitative traits explained a small proportion of the variability (20.8 and 13.5 %, respectively). Contour plots were constructed using the eigenvalues computed for each individual and either factor or dimension identified; confidence regions calculated confirmed that body measurements clearly differentiated zebu and taurine cattle breeds while qualitative traits did not. Factor 1 was projected on a geographical map, using provinces as nodes, to assess breed-free variation for body measurements. A pattern of continuous variation from the Sahel area southwards was identified. Probably, breeding decisions promoting the crosses between zebu-like and taurine cattle are underlying this geographical pattern of variation. The implementation of selection strategies aiming at the increase of the productivity of native West African taurine cattle breeds while avoiding looses in trypanotolerant ability would be highly advisable.

Abstract.A total of 183 adult sires belonging to nine West African cattle breeds sampled in 67 villages of Mali, Burkina Faso and Benin were assessed for 16 body measurements and 18 qualitative traits. Within type of cattle (zebu, sanga or taurine), the different breeds analysed showed large differences in body measurements. In general, taurine breeds had lower average values than the zebu breeds while sanga cattle tended to have intermediate values. Principal component analysis identified three factors characterising body measurements. Factor 1 summarised the information provided by those traits characterising the size of the individuals and explained 59.0 % of the variability. Factor 2 tended to gather information characterising the body width and explained 8.0 % of the variation. Less representative, Factor 3 (6.6 % of the variability) had no clear interpretation. Qualitative traits did not allow to distinguish among either cattle groups or breeds. Two Correspondence Analysis Dimensions computed on qualitative traits (explaining 26.2 and 15.5 % of the variability, respectively) did not allow to differentiate between zebu, sanga or taurine cattle breeds. Our results confirm that, in the framework of a general appearance, body measurements are the main criteria for differentiating West African cattle breeds. Furthermore, the current research has not allowed to identify breeding preferences on qualitative type traits in West African cattle sires. Therefore, homogenisation of the appearance of individuals within cattle breed is not expected.

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Cassava root has a low shelf‐life that that could be extended by low‐temperature storage such as freezing and refrigeration. This study investigated the structural, functional, and pasting properties of starch extracted from cassava roots refrigerated for 3 weeks. Amylose contents (18%–26%) decreased with an increase in refrigerated storage, but the crystalline pattern (Type A) did not change. FTIR result suggests a weakening of the bonds in the OH‐region. Majority of the granules showed irregular shape, while a few were oval, round, truncated, and polygonal, suggesting that they are compound starches. Refrigerated storage resulted in significant (p < .05) increase in peak, setback, breakdown, and final viscosities, but the pasting temperatures of the starches were very similar (73°C). This study has demonstrated that useful end products such as starch may be obtained from refrigerated cassava roots. Practical applications This study confirms the possibility of extending the shelf‐life of cassava roots and established the quality of starch from the stored roots. Losses of cassava roots caused by rodents, physiological, and microbiological processes can be reduced by refrigerated storage, while also creating useful end products such as starch for industrial use. Farmers may through cooperative build large cold rooms in their farms and may store roots for up to 3 weeks without significant changes in starch.

Cassava root meal which has been used as good alternative energy source in poultry and pig diets is increasingly becoming an important energy source for feeding the world's human population. There are however, several by-products of cassava harvest ranging from the leaves, peels and pulp which have potential as feed ingredients in poultry rations. Cassava peels and pulps are moderate to high in energy and have been included in diets as replacements for conventional energy sources. Cassava leaves, moderate to good protein contents, have been used as protein supplements. Dietary recommendations of cassava by-products for poultry have varied considerably. The major factors limiting the efficient utilization of these byproducts in poultry diets include the high fibre and low energy contents and likely presence of antinutritional factors, mainly hydrocyanic acid (HCN) in the bitter variety of cassava. Several technologies have been used to improve the utilization of cassava by-products by poultry. The following paper reviewed the composition of some cassava by-products (leaves, peels and pulp), their recommendations for inclusion in poultry diets and processing methods to maximize their utilization by poultry. It was concluded that efficient use of cassava by-products will reduce feed cost of poultry production and provide additional source of income to cassava farmers and processors.

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The increase demand for poultry products has had direct effect on the supply and price of feed. This has increased research interest into the potential of locally available, less competed and low cost materials as feed ingredients. Several peels from roots/tubers and fruits have been evaluated in poultry diets but recommendations have not been consistent. High fibre, low nutrient density and likely presence of antinutritional factors limit the efficient utilisation of peel meal by poultry. Plant cultivar, age, agronomic practices, method of peel processing, breed and age of poultry all affect the inclusion level of peel meal in poultry diets. The increase interest in breeding crops for low antinutrients, knowledge in processing technologies and availability of several additives such as enzyme products, amino acids and antinutrients binding agents in the feed market could improve the usefulness of peel meal in on-farm poultry rations. This study reviews the potential of selected root/tuber and fruit peels as feed ingredients for poultry with regards their composition, dietary recommendation and prospects.

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