Characterization of indigenous cattle genotypes based on linear body traits in the humid tropics

Abstract

Selection for trait of interest is a major problem in cattle production when faced with the challenge of varied growth traits in different genotypes. Low understanding of the production potentials of these cattle breeds constitute problems in effective improvement of physical body characteristics. A total of 18 cattle was used to characterize the Nigerian local cattle genotypes based on quantitative traits. Three genotypic groups {White Fulani (WF), N'Dama (ND) and White Fulani x N'Dama (WFxND)} crosses were used for the experiment. Experimental design was a completely randomized design (CRD) with genotypic group as major factor of interest. Quantitative traits measured were body length (BDL) (cm), hip height (HHT) (cm), heart girth (HG) (cm), horn length (HL) (cm), tail length (TL) (cm), ear length (El) (cm) and neck length (NL). Results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in body length in weeks 99 – 111 and 112 – 124 with the White Fulani and N'Dama genotypes having longer bodies. The values ranged from 33.00 to 39.29cm in WF, 39.49 to 39.59cm in N'Dama and, 18.25 to 32.90 in WF x ND. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in hip height of cattle in age interval of 99-111 and 112-124 weeks of age, with the White Fulani and N'Dama genotypes having highest hip. The genotypes showed significant (p<0.05) differences in heart girth in 99 and 124 WOAwith the White Fulani and N'Dama genotypes having widest heart girth. The genotypes showed significant (p<0.05) differences in horn length in all the weeks with White Fulani showing superiority. The genotype had longer horns in the White Fulani and followed by WF x ND across the week intervals. The values ranged from 14.99 to 15.20cm in WF, 5.75 to 10.19cm in N'Dama and, 3.00 to 4.29 in WF x ND. The tail length of the three genotypes showed significant (p<0.05) differences in 99-111 and 112-124 WOA. Higher values were obtained in White Fulani genotype which showed longer tails than the N'Dama and WF x ND. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in neck length of the cattle genotypes in 112-124 WOA. Higher values were obtained in White Fulani genotype which showed longer neck than the N'Dama and WF x ND. White Fulani could be used to enhance growth of Nigerian indigenous cattle in the study area. The present findings could assist in the design of long-term genetic improvement programmes for cattle production in Nigeria.