Work

The effect of geographical region of birth on the reproductive performance of the Nguni in southern Mozambique

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of place of birth on the reproductive performance of two Nguni ecotypes (Nguni and Landim) raised in a sub-tropical environment to enhance strategies for livestock development and restocking programmes within the southern African region. Reproduction data collected between 1994 and 2009 from 301 cows of the Landim (n = 122) and Nguni (n = 179) ecotypes were analysed. Results indicated that ecotype and place of birth had significant effects on age at first calving (AFC) and calving interval (CI). The means for AFC were 1085 and 1003 days, those for CI were 422 and 436 days, while the calving rate (CR) was 90.0% and 85.7% for the Nguni and Landim, respectively. This study demonstrates for the first time a possible genotype by environment interaction between Nguni ecotypes. This might aid future cattle development and restocking programmes in southern Africa, taking into consideration the adaptation of indigenous genotypes and climate change.Keywords: Age at first calving, calving interval, ecotypes, Landim, environment

Source: South African Journal of Animal Science

DOI: 10.4314/sajas.v43i5.11

Authors: S Maciel, AM Okeyo, J Amimo, MM Scholtz, FWC Neser, M Martins

Institutions: University of the Free State, International Livestock Research Institute, Animal Production Institute, Agricultural Research Council of South Africa

Language: English

Topic: Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $500