**2. Cattle breeds and distribution in Nigeria**

### **2.1 White Fulani (Bunaji)**

White Fulani ranks first among number and distribution in all the cattle breeds in Nigerian [21, 22]. It is estimated that it makes up roughly 37% of the national herd [23, 24]. They can be found in Nigeria's Western, Northern, and Middle Belt regions. They are completely missing in Borno, where Rahaji and Wadara abound, and in the south-east, where Zebu is scarce. Bunaji are said to be superior to all other Zebu breeds in terms of disease resistance and hardiness, which has favored their expansion into the derived savannah and the humid zone's edge [21, 22].

Late sexual maturity, a long interval between calving, and a short lactation period are some of the breed's drawbacks. The Bunaji, on the other hand, are known for their genetic aptitude to be sturdy, heat tolerant, and suited to local conditions [24]. A white coat color, a relatively large size, and a height of about 130 cm are all phenotypes. At maturity, bulls and cows weigh about 500 kg and 325 kg, respectively. They have a prominent hump, a little belly flab, and medium-length, upcurving, lyre-shaped horns. The White Fulani has three key economic characteristics: milk production capacities of around 2,300 kg per lactation, the ability to fatten for beef cum milk production, and the bull's proclivity to be utilized as a draught animal. At NAPRI-Shika, Zaria, offspring of White Fulani and Holstein crosses have resulted in improved milk production [24]. The average age for first calving was 42–45 months, however it might go as high as 5 years in Fulani herds. They contribute a large portion of the beef consumed in Nigeria [24, 25].
