In Niger, a Comparative Study of the Growth and Reproductive Performance of Local Azawak and Crossbred Cattle
In Niger, a Comparative Study of the Growth and Reproductive Performance of Local Azawak and Crossbred Cattle
Halidou Maiga Nafissatou1*, Abdou Moussa Mahaman Maâouia2, Moumouni Issa1, Marichatou Hamani1
ABSTRACT
Niger’s cattle genetic resources have a relatively low level of milk and meat production that is influenced by environmental factors. Thus, within the framework of the genetic improvement of cattle, after the selection of the Azawak zebu in 1931, the crossing of this breed with the Alpine Brown by artificial insemination, is experimented in Niger. This work reports the first results of this introduction on growth and reproduction. Data from 52 crossbreds (75%, 50% and 25% of Alpine Brown blood degree) and 63 Azawak were used for reproduction parameters, and 373 animals for growth parameters. The age at first calving of the crossbred cows (34.25 ± 3.77, 29.74 ± 3.37 and 32.80 ± 3.42 months respectively in the 75%, 50% and 25%) is significantly different from those of the Azawak (41.57 ± 6.76 months). The age at fertilization of crossbred cows was 21.38 months compared to 32.57 months for Azawak cows. The calving interval was 17.85 ± 3.60 months and 18.50 ± 5.26 months for crossbred and Azawak cows, with no significant difference. It clearly appears that the crossbred cows grow better and start breeding earlier. These first results of the crossbreeding augur well for the future performance of milk and meat production of crossbred cattle.
Keywords | Production performance, Cattle, Niger.
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