**3. Results and discussions**

#### **3.1 Genetic group effect on body weight and daily gain for on-station and on-farm calves**

On station there was significant effect of breed on body weight of the cattle between month 1 and 2, then between the later months from month 7 to 12 (Tables 1a and 1 b). The birth weights of the Friesian calves were higher than that of the Ankole (Table 2a). There was no significant difference in growth weight of both the Friesians and the Ankole up to six months. After the age of 6 months, the Ankole grew faster than the Friesian. This was attributed to the weaning shock that was experienced by the Friesian calves versus the Ankole that continued to suckle their dams. This is clearly illustrated in Fig. 1. This therefore explained the weight variation between the Friesian and Ankole after six months as illustrated in figure1. Animal used on the station were composed of an old stock that had been breeding for along time without replacement of bulls. This apparently introduced some element of inbreeding depression on the herd. The inbreeding could be an important factor that could be used to explain the variation in the growth rate. Furthermore, disease prevalence and worm burden were present on station; however, the Friesian calves were more susceptible to the diseases than the Ankole calves. The Friesian calves were intensively kept in paddocks compared to the Ankole calves which were moving with their dams. This increased the chances for the Friesian calves to pick worm eggs. These findings are similar to the results by Said at al., 2001 and Kugonza *et al*., 2005.

On farm the study found out that there was significant relationship between breed and growth rate (p<0.05) from the first month to the ninth months as illustrated in table 3a and 3b. The growth weight of the Boran was much higher than for the Boran x Ankole crosses and Friesian x Ankole crosses respectively. This could be explained by the fact that the Borans had great potential for growth intensity traits, have high feed conversion efficiency,

The Growth Performance Evaluation of Cattle

Ankole Boran cross Boran Friesian cross

**0**

**50**

**100**

**150**

**200**

**Body weight (kg)**

**250**

**300**

**350**

Breeds in the South Western Agro-Ecological Zone (SWAEZ) of Uganda 327

**1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Age period (months)**

On farm there was no significant relationshp between sex and growth weights p>0.05 among the breeds (table 3a and 3b). This could be explained by the fact that some factors in the model were not captured. The values taken were not large enough to distinctively give differences betweeen female and male animals, and probably sample size was small. However, from field experience, male calves were usually restricted from suckling unlike the females, this therefore counteracts hormonal effects. It is only when the male calves are intended for breeding that they get adequate milk. It becomes easy to distinguish between male calves intended for breeding to those left for slaughter. Female calves on the other hand were given preferential treatment because they were intended for breeding. Generally, female and male calves had competitive growth. These findings were in variation with the study by Krupá *et al.,* 2005. They found out that calves sex and age of dam at calving jointly explained the highest proportion variability (56 -75%). Riha *et al* 1999 as cited in Krupá *et al* 2005 found out that birth weight of calves both male-singles and male twins had higher birth weights than femalesingles and female-twins. This particular study found out that twinning of cattle was a rear occurrence in Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule. Riha *et al*., 1999 in Krupá *et al.,* 2005 reported higher birth weights, weights at 120 days, weaning weights, and average daily gains for males and singles. Higher growth intensity in twins could be due to either a smaller number of twins involved in the analysis or to milk stealing behaviour of twin calves. In the study areas of Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule, twinning hardly ever occurs and milk stealing behaviour was common among the Friesian crosses. In the Ankole, calf attachment to the dams is very

Goyache *et al.,* 2003 reported the highest weaning weights for calves descending from seven to eleven years old dams. On the other hand, Pribyl *et al.,* 2003 as cited in Krupá *et al.,* 2005 reported highest weights in fastest growth for calves of seven to nine year old dams. Lowest weights were reported for calves of first primiparas (2 year olds or younger dams). This could be explained by the fact that young dams needed more nutrients to complete their own growth (Kifaro, 1984 and Katyega 1988). In comparison with mature dams, cows of higher age

Fig. 2. Growth Patterns on breeds of Cattle in Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule

strong as such; milk stealing behaviour was a rare phenomenon.

Fig. 1. On station graph for weights of Ankole and Friesian Crosses

were well adapted to the environment and resistant to harsh conditions ( Ndumu, 2007). The dams of the Borans were not milked, therefore the calf got as much milk as it required for growth. Ankole on the other hand were dual purpose i.e. they were for both meat and milk production (Kugonza et al., 2005). This had effect on their growth pattern in terms of functional roles. The Ankole had low genetic potential were also well adapted to prevailing environmental conditions and exhibited better abilities to utilize low quality forages (Tuah and Yaa Nyamaa Danso, 1985; LRSP, 1999; Scerf, 2000 in Kugonza, 2005). The growth pattern of the Boran and Friesian crosses were lower compared to the pure breeds. This could be because of the following: high susceptibility to diseases, harsh environmental conditions, insufficient amounts of feeds during dry seasons, management related issues e.g. prophylaxis, deworming, and tick control (Moran, 2002; Asimwe and Kifaro, 2007). It was however difficult to determine the level of crossing since farmers had no records to substantiate the level of crossing among the breeds. Farmers had poor recording system and culture, information on the breeds was mainly got from memory and oral communication. This had challenges related to inaccuracy in records and hence human memory failure. These results were in agreement with those documented by Kugonza *et al.,* 2004.

#### **3.2 Effect of sex on the growth weights of calves on station and on farm**

On station, there was a significant relationship between sex and body weight of Ankole and Friesian calves (p<0.05). The birth weight of both male and female were similar (Figure 2). However, females' calves after the third month were heavier than the males. Similar studies by Vial, V. E. and More O'Ferrall G. J. (1965) had similar results. This could be explained as follows: large value in error variance, less managemental factors that were considered in the model during analysis, another reason could be castration stress that affects the males. This finding agrees with Fisher *et al.,* 2001 where they established that banding or branding and surgical castration negatively affects growth rates of castrated bull calves.

**1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Age period (months)**

were well adapted to the environment and resistant to harsh conditions ( Ndumu, 2007). The dams of the Borans were not milked, therefore the calf got as much milk as it required for growth. Ankole on the other hand were dual purpose i.e. they were for both meat and milk production (Kugonza et al., 2005). This had effect on their growth pattern in terms of functional roles. The Ankole had low genetic potential were also well adapted to prevailing environmental conditions and exhibited better abilities to utilize low quality forages (Tuah and Yaa Nyamaa Danso, 1985; LRSP, 1999; Scerf, 2000 in Kugonza, 2005). The growth pattern of the Boran and Friesian crosses were lower compared to the pure breeds. This could be because of the following: high susceptibility to diseases, harsh environmental conditions, insufficient amounts of feeds during dry seasons, management related issues e.g. prophylaxis, deworming, and tick control (Moran, 2002; Asimwe and Kifaro, 2007). It was however difficult to determine the level of crossing since farmers had no records to substantiate the level of crossing among the breeds. Farmers had poor recording system and culture, information on the breeds was mainly got from memory and oral communication. This had challenges related to inaccuracy in records and hence human memory failure. These results were in agreement with those documented by

Fig. 1. On station graph for weights of Ankole and Friesian Crosses

**3.2 Effect of sex on the growth weights of calves on station and on farm** 

surgical castration negatively affects growth rates of castrated bull calves.

On station, there was a significant relationship between sex and body weight of Ankole and Friesian calves (p<0.05). The birth weight of both male and female were similar (Figure 2). However, females' calves after the third month were heavier than the males. Similar studies by Vial, V. E. and More O'Ferrall G. J. (1965) had similar results. This could be explained as follows: large value in error variance, less managemental factors that were considered in the model during analysis, another reason could be castration stress that affects the males. This finding agrees with Fisher *et al.,* 2001 where they established that banding or branding and

Ankole Friesian

**Body weight (kg)**

Kugonza *et al.,* 2004.

Fig. 2. Growth Patterns on breeds of Cattle in Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule

On farm there was no significant relationshp between sex and growth weights p>0.05 among the breeds (table 3a and 3b). This could be explained by the fact that some factors in the model were not captured. The values taken were not large enough to distinctively give differences betweeen female and male animals, and probably sample size was small. However, from field experience, male calves were usually restricted from suckling unlike the females, this therefore counteracts hormonal effects. It is only when the male calves are intended for breeding that they get adequate milk. It becomes easy to distinguish between male calves intended for breeding to those left for slaughter. Female calves on the other hand were given preferential treatment because they were intended for breeding. Generally, female and male calves had competitive growth. These findings were in variation with the study by Krupá *et al.,* 2005. They found out that calves sex and age of dam at calving jointly explained the highest proportion variability (56 -75%). Riha *et al* 1999 as cited in Krupá *et al* 2005 found out that birth weight of calves both male-singles and male twins had higher birth weights than femalesingles and female-twins. This particular study found out that twinning of cattle was a rear occurrence in Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule. Riha *et al*., 1999 in Krupá *et al.,* 2005 reported higher birth weights, weights at 120 days, weaning weights, and average daily gains for males and singles. Higher growth intensity in twins could be due to either a smaller number of twins involved in the analysis or to milk stealing behaviour of twin calves. In the study areas of Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule, twinning hardly ever occurs and milk stealing behaviour was common among the Friesian crosses. In the Ankole, calf attachment to the dams is very strong as such; milk stealing behaviour was a rare phenomenon.

Goyache *et al.,* 2003 reported the highest weaning weights for calves descending from seven to eleven years old dams. On the other hand, Pribyl *et al.,* 2003 as cited in Krupá *et al.,* 2005 reported highest weights in fastest growth for calves of seven to nine year old dams. Lowest weights were reported for calves of first primiparas (2 year olds or younger dams). This could be explained by the fact that young dams needed more nutrients to complete their own growth (Kifaro, 1984 and Katyega 1988). In comparison with mature dams, cows of higher age

The Growth Performance Evaluation of Cattle

0

**Body weight (kg)**

20

40

60

80

**Body weight (kg)**

100

120

140

Breeds in the South Western Agro-Ecological Zone (SWAEZ) of Uganda 329

**1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Age period (months)**

**1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Age period (months)**

On station, there was a significant relationship between season and body weight among Friesian and Ankole calves. In the first five months of neonatal life, calves weighed higher during the wet season than the dry season. This could be explained by fact that there was fodder availability during the wet season for the dam and the calf. The variation in body weight after the fifth month tends to fluctuate between the wet and dry season. During these periods, the calves had grown faster and had better adaptability and tolerance to fodder fluctuation. From six months onwards, there was increased resistance towards worm

Fig. 6. Graph for weight Patterns of on farm Cattle and seasonal Variation

**3.3 Effect of season on the growth weights of calves on station and on farm** 

Fig. 5. On-station comparison of seasonal effects on cattle growth

**Dry Wet**

> **Dry Wet**

usually produce calves of lower birth weights as production abilities decreases along with the increasing age of the dam. The results in this study concur with the observations made by Krupá *et al.,* 2005. In this study, insignificant differences between the male and female calf weights could be explained by the fact that sample sizes were small, higher variance ratios, high herd variability in both husbandry practices and geographical locations figure 5.

Fig. 3. On-station comparison of weights of Female and Male cattle

Fig. 4. On-farm comparison of weights of female and male cattle compared

usually produce calves of lower birth weights as production abilities decreases along with the increasing age of the dam. The results in this study concur with the observations made by Krupá *et al.,* 2005. In this study, insignificant differences between the male and female calf weights could be explained by the fact that sample sizes were small, higher variance ratios,

> **1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Age period (months)**

> > **Female Male**

**1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Age period (months)**

Fig. 4. On-farm comparison of weights of female and male cattle compared

Fig. 3. On-station comparison of weights of Female and Male cattle

**Female Male**

high herd variability in both husbandry practices and geographical locations figure 5.

**0**

**50**

**100**

**150**

**Body weight (kg)**

**200**

**250**

**Body weight (kg)**

Fig. 5. On-station comparison of seasonal effects on cattle growth

Fig. 6. Graph for weight Patterns of on farm Cattle and seasonal Variation

#### **3.3 Effect of season on the growth weights of calves on station and on farm**

On station, there was a significant relationship between season and body weight among Friesian and Ankole calves. In the first five months of neonatal life, calves weighed higher during the wet season than the dry season. This could be explained by fact that there was fodder availability during the wet season for the dam and the calf. The variation in body weight after the fifth month tends to fluctuate between the wet and dry season. During these periods, the calves had grown faster and had better adaptability and tolerance to fodder fluctuation. From six months onwards, there was increased resistance towards worm

The Growth Performance Evaluation of Cattle

Nsubuga, 1996.

0

50

100

150

**Body weight (kg)**

months of age

6-11 months of age

**Source** 

Sea-

Over-

200

250

Breeds in the South Western Agro-Ecological Zone (SWAEZ) of Uganda 331

long distances in search for water for drinking. This finding agrees with study conducted by

**Ibanda Kiruhura Sembabule**

**1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Age period (month)**

Fig. 7. Comparison of Growth patterns of cattle in Kiruhura, Ibanda and sembabule locations

df W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 MS P MS P MS P MS P MS P Breed 1 79.55 0.0453\* 2339.10 0.0001\*\*\* 275.29 0.2102 237.75 0.2959 17.01 0.7982 Sex 1 8.75 0.4973 43.64 0.3624 381.95 0.1406 1475.94 0.0102 0.79 0.0005\*\*\* Season 1 1029.00 0.0001\*\*\* 5171.60 0.0001\*\*\* 2856.87 0.0001\*\*\* 2991.21 0.0003\*\*\* 157.99 0.4362 Overall 354.26 0.0001\*\*\* 2257.33 <.0001\*\*\* 1144.84 0.0004\*\*\* 1392.36 0.0005\*\*\* 1101.84 0.0066\*\*

Table 1(a). Analysis of variance of On-station MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian up to 5

son 1 281.75 0.3016 791.83 0.1604 2626.85 0.0102 2037.26 0.0913 530.25 0.4267 449.60 0.3376

all 755.78 0.0378 3395.64 <.0001\*\*\* 2639.55 0.0003\*\*\* 5081.26 0.0001\*\*\* 17461.11 <.0001\*\*\* 13080.93 <.0001\*\*\* Table 1(b). Analysis of variance of On-station MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian Cattle from

**Variance for live body weights (kg)**  W6 W7 W8 W9 W10 W11 Df MS P MS P MS P MS P MS P MS P Breed 2 0.038 0.3723 5419.67 0.0003\*\*\* 2527.08 0.0118\*\*\* 12810.69 <.0001\*\*\* 46552.13 0.0001\*\*\* 32136.75 0.0001\*\*\* Sex 1 1889.28 0.0081 2309.09 0.0171 354.40 0.3410 4048.35 0.0178 8473.26 0.0017\*\*\* 6430.67 0.0004\*\*\*

**3.5 Results of Analysis of Variance ann least square means** 

Key: \*=p<0.005, \*\*=p <0.001, \*\*\*=p<0.0001, MS= Mean square

**Source Variance for live body weights (kg)**

burden and other diseases hence explaining the fluctuation between the body weights during the wet and dry season. This finding agrees with observation made by Kugonza *et al*, 2005 and Twinamatsiko, 2001.

On farm there was significant relationship between season and the growth rate among the breeds in period four (p=0.0059) table 3a. Calves born during the dry season weighed heavier than the calves born in the wet season. This was due to adequate forage availability for the dams during the rainy season (Twinamasiko, 2001). This therefore met the gestational needs of dams and the foetus especially during the last trimester. There was inadequate forage during the dry season, as such, the dams had inadequate amount of forage availability. However, calves born during the wet season were weaker than those born during the dry season. The ability of these calves to cope with the environmental conditions was compromised. This explained why calves born during the dry season would perform much better than those born during the wet season. Further still, calves born in the wet season would perform less compared to the ones born in the dry season. This could be explained by the fact that there was coldness predisposing calves to pneumonia, high worm burden, high tick challenge, presence of bacterial and protozoan diseases e.g. collibacillosis, coccidiosis, etc. all these factors negatively affect the growth of the calves during the wet season. This agreed with the report of LRSP, 1999. The lack of environmental modification impacts negatively on growth pattern of calves. During the dry season, grazing ruminants often show signs of distress with only short periods of grazing from mid morning to late afternoon. The restricted grazing is usually attributed to the direct effects of temperature and solar radiation on the animal. But this is not necessarily the case as climate forage interactions also contribute to animal distress (Anonymous, 1981).

High ambient temperatures ushered in rapid maturation of forages leading to a rise in cell wall content. The particular parts affected were the stems and leaves of the pasture grasses. There was a direct relationship between plant maturation and temperature rises, as such, forages matured fast and led to increase in cell wall content. The increase in cell wall content decreased the digestibility of the cell wall. As the ambient temperature rose, the digestibility of the dry matter of the forage decreased due to a rise in the cell wall content and decrease in digestibility of the cell wall (Minson and McLeod, 1970 in Anonymous 1981). On the other hand, high light intensity led to increase in the content of water soluble carbohydrates, whereas high temperatures decreased water soluble carbohydrates (Anonymous, 1981). This therefore meant there was low fodder availability, poor nutritional value of the fodder. The dams during dry season were deprived of requisite nutritional needs to meet the functional roles of maintenance and reproduction (Mc Donald *et al*., 2002).

#### **3.4 Effects of location on the weights of calves on-farm**

Generally, the study found that there was no significant differences between body weight of calves among the different district (Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule) (p>0.05) but there was significant relationship in the months 6 (p=0.001) and months 8 (p=0.0007). This could be explained by the fact that the three districts were located in the same agro ecological zone, and therefore, the, management husbandry related practices were similar basically extensive systems with minimum investment. The similar practices included grazing, deworming, spraying, etc. It was however noted that water was more available in Ibanda than in Kiruhura and Sembabule. In the dry season, animals in Kiruhura and Sembabule had to trek

burden and other diseases hence explaining the fluctuation between the body weights during the wet and dry season. This finding agrees with observation made by Kugonza *et al*,

On farm there was significant relationship between season and the growth rate among the breeds in period four (p=0.0059) table 3a. Calves born during the dry season weighed heavier than the calves born in the wet season. This was due to adequate forage availability for the dams during the rainy season (Twinamasiko, 2001). This therefore met the gestational needs of dams and the foetus especially during the last trimester. There was inadequate forage during the dry season, as such, the dams had inadequate amount of forage availability. However, calves born during the wet season were weaker than those born during the dry season. The ability of these calves to cope with the environmental conditions was compromised. This explained why calves born during the dry season would perform much better than those born during the wet season. Further still, calves born in the wet season would perform less compared to the ones born in the dry season. This could be explained by the fact that there was coldness predisposing calves to pneumonia, high worm burden, high tick challenge, presence of bacterial and protozoan diseases e.g. collibacillosis, coccidiosis, etc. all these factors negatively affect the growth of the calves during the wet season. This agreed with the report of LRSP, 1999. The lack of environmental modification impacts negatively on growth pattern of calves. During the dry season, grazing ruminants often show signs of distress with only short periods of grazing from mid morning to late afternoon. The restricted grazing is usually attributed to the direct effects of temperature and solar radiation on the animal. But this is not necessarily the case as climate forage

High ambient temperatures ushered in rapid maturation of forages leading to a rise in cell wall content. The particular parts affected were the stems and leaves of the pasture grasses. There was a direct relationship between plant maturation and temperature rises, as such, forages matured fast and led to increase in cell wall content. The increase in cell wall content decreased the digestibility of the cell wall. As the ambient temperature rose, the digestibility of the dry matter of the forage decreased due to a rise in the cell wall content and decrease in digestibility of the cell wall (Minson and McLeod, 1970 in Anonymous 1981). On the other hand, high light intensity led to increase in the content of water soluble carbohydrates, whereas high temperatures decreased water soluble carbohydrates (Anonymous, 1981). This therefore meant there was low fodder availability, poor nutritional value of the fodder. The dams during dry season were deprived of requisite nutritional needs to meet the functional

Generally, the study found that there was no significant differences between body weight of calves among the different district (Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule) (p>0.05) but there was significant relationship in the months 6 (p=0.001) and months 8 (p=0.0007). This could be explained by the fact that the three districts were located in the same agro ecological zone, and therefore, the, management husbandry related practices were similar basically extensive systems with minimum investment. The similar practices included grazing, deworming, spraying, etc. It was however noted that water was more available in Ibanda than in Kiruhura and Sembabule. In the dry season, animals in Kiruhura and Sembabule had to trek

interactions also contribute to animal distress (Anonymous, 1981).

roles of maintenance and reproduction (Mc Donald *et al*., 2002).

**3.4 Effects of location on the weights of calves on-farm** 

2005 and Twinamatsiko, 2001.

long distances in search for water for drinking. This finding agrees with study conducted by Nsubuga, 1996.

Fig. 7. Comparison of Growth patterns of cattle in Kiruhura, Ibanda and sembabule locations


**3.5 Results of Analysis of Variance ann least square means** 

Key: \*=p<0.005, \*\*=p <0.001, \*\*\*=p<0.0001, MS= Mean square

Table 1(a). Analysis of variance of On-station MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian up to 5 months of age


Table 1(b). Analysis of variance of On-station MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian Cattle from 6-11 months of age

The Growth Performance Evaluation of Cattle

142.19 ±3.36

108.89 ±2.27

132.62 ±2.89

MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian Cattle

MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian Cattle

and Friesian crosses up to 6 months of age

Male 118.47 ±2.69

Dry 123.55 ±2.46

Wet 127.54 ±3.26

**Over--**

**Breed** Ankole

**Sex** Female

**Season** 

Friesian

**Breed** Ankole

On-farm growth data

**Sour-**

Distr-

Over-

Friesian

**Effect Live body weights (kg)** 

143.36 ±3.26

116.52 ±2.82

136.04 ±3.40

123.83 ±2.79

133.84 ±2.60

126.03 ±3.65

**Effect Live body weights (kg)** 

Wet 235.00 ±23.12 232.50 ±28.10

**ce Variance for live body weights (kg)**

149.56 ±3.04

110.17 ±2.31

137.09 ±2.90

122.64 ±2.56

128.68 ±2.38

131.05 ±3.16

Breeds in the South Western Agro-Ecological Zone (SWAEZ) of Uganda 333

**all** 120.28 125.39 129.23 141.21 161.38 182.23 207.50 224.67 235.71

156.77 ±3.05

116.28 ±3.31

144.82 ±3.20

128.23 ±3.19

143.24 ±2.43

129.81 ±4.06

Table 2(b). Least Square Means (LSM ±STDERR) for live body weights of On-station

**Overall** 240.57 235.40 277.60 298.80

**Sex** Female 268.50 ±16.77 263.00 ±23.52 287.00 ±5.84 310.50 ±8.58

**Season** Dry 236.00 ±9.19 242.50 ±12.57 263.50 ±6.53 281.25 ±9.59

 W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 W6 Df MS P MS P MS P MS P MS P MS P Breed 3 2276.64 <.0001\*\*\* 1994.67 0.0003\*\*\* 6595.22 <.0001\*\*\* 19748.96 <.0001\*\*\* 130.52 0.7571 1447.86 0.0221\*\* Sex 1 38.14 0.5969 425.06 0.2236 498.43 0.1838 315.32 0.3924 49.34 0.7459 1.07 0.9606 Season 1 . . . . 10.79 0.8441 3337.52 0.0059\*\*\* 1062.89 0.1341 5964.76 0.0003

ict 3 156.65 0.3181 338.84 0.3069 426.42 0.2212 651.41 0.2220 401.14 0.4267 4726.64 <.0001\*\*\*

Table 3(a). Analysis of variance of On-farm Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule Ankole, Boran

all 52.01 64.49 74.94 82.23 87.68 101.56

Table 2(c). Least Square Means (LSM ±STDERR) for live body weights of On-station

W12 W13 W14 W15 W16 W17 W18 W19 W20

183.32 ±4.34

127.34 ±4.50

164.63 ±4.66

146.04 ±4.07

165.21 ±3.66

145.46 ±5.33

W21 W22 W23 W24

Male 202.50 ±12.99 212.00 ±15.39 240.00 ±11.67 252.00 ±17.16

193.25 ±4.33

140.07 ±7.44

172.96 ±5.33

160.36 ±5.62

174.18 ±5.55

159.14 ±5.66

220.58 ±8.87

201.67 ±5.61

206.79 ±5.25

215.46 ±9.51

222.92 ±7.87

223.92 ±5.31

227.00 ±5.04

219.83 ±8.39

244.58 ±10.71

229.25 ±7.01

236.67 ±6.39

237.17 ±11.80


Table 1(c). Analysis of variance of On-station MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian Cattle from 12-17 months of age


Table 1(d). Analysis of variance of On-station MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian Cattle from 18-23 months of age


Table 2(a). Least Square Means (LSM±STDERR) for live body weights of On-station MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian Cattle


Table 2(b). Least Square Means (LSM ±STDERR) for live body weights of On-station MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian Cattle


On-farm growth data

332 A Bird's-Eye View of Veterinary Medicine

Sex 1 6166.57 0.0003\*\*\* 3594.66 0.0066\*\*\* 5943.41 0.0002\*\*\* 6781.15 0.0025\*\*\* 2353.32 0.0867 3067.20 0.0778

son 1 6166.57 0.5615 1366.74 0.0902 3240.59 0.0058\*\*\* 6365.49 0.0034\*\*\* 3024.48 0.0529 563.33 0.4436

all 18118.15 <.0001\*\* 8791.74 <.0001\*\*\* 13195.86 <.0001\*\*\* 28507.09 <.0001\*\*\* 13967.80 <.0001\*\*\* 1557.70 0.2029

Table 1(c). Analysis of variance of On-station MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian Cattle from

Sex 1 6.67 0.9214 1410.67 0.2397 29040.00 0.0011\*\*\* 13005.00 0.0548 8836.00 0.0015\*\*\* 13689.0

all 214.58 0.7298 975.65 0.3818 18859.29 0.0012\*\*\* 9023.00 0.0790 8836.00 0.0015\*\*\* 13689.00 0.0057\*\*\*

Table 1(d). Analysis of variance of On-station MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian Cattle from

**all** 47.22 56.64 64.95 69.00 78.00 83.29 94.11 101.13 108.15 117.85

64.12 ±2.57

67.29 ±1.86

69.46 ±2.13

61.94 ±2.26

59.72 ±2.76

71.69 ±1.75

Table 2(a). Least Square Means (LSM±STDERR) for live body weights of On-station

W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 W6 W7 W8 W9 W10 W11

77.02 ±2.57

77.02 ±1.62

82.34 ±1.93

72.47 ±2.18

76.33 ±2.11

78.48 ±1.99

81.21 ±2.42

83.79 ±1.56

86.01 ±1.89

78.99 ±1.99

81.12 ±1.99

83.87 ±1.92 102.01 ±2.63

89.81 ±1.92

99.60 ±2.23

92.22 ±2.22

98.14 ±2.17

93.68 ±2.34 106.57 ±2.48

98.01 ±2.15

103.83 ±2.31

100.75 ±2.24

106.67 ±2.38

97.92 ±2.27 119.17 ±3.34

100.55 ±2.71

114.98 ±2.99

104.74 ±3.02

106.16 ±3.02

113.56 ±3.06

142.49 ±4.08

104.75 ±2.81

131.26 ±3.43

115.98 ±3.39

121.66 ±3.15

125.59 ±3.74

Season 1 308.17 0.5033 1.25 0.9718 3.33 0.9695 333.33 0.7484

**Effect Live body weights (kg)** 

63.69 ±2.67

60.03 ±1.83

63.85 ±2.33

59.87 ±2.11

55.17 ±3.029

68.56 ±1.59

38.41 ±2.23

53.47 ±1.09

46.77 ±1.78

45.1 ±1.44

34.74 ±2.23

57.14 ±1.09

42.25 ±2.24

47.25 ±0.71

44.25 ±1.54

±1.14

±1.55

±1.10

MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian Cattle

Male 45.25

Dry 39.50

Wet 50.00

**Variance for live body weights (kg)**  W18 W19 W20 W21 W22 W23 Df MS P MS P MS P MS P MS P MS P

<sup>0</sup>0.0057\*\*\*

Breed 2 48504.95 <.0001\*\*\* 18953.47 <.0001\*\*\* 35975.63 <.0001\*\*\* 58680.75 <.0001\*\*\* 27175.23 <.0001\*\*\*

**Variance for live body weights (kg)**  W12 W13 W14 W15 W16 W17 Df MS P MS P MS P MS P MS P MS P

**Source** 

Sea-

Over-

**Source**

Over-

**Over-**

**Breed** Anko le

**Sex** Fema le

**Season**  Friesi an

Breed 2

12-17 months of age

18-23 months of age

Table 2(c). Least Square Means (LSM ±STDERR) for live body weights of On-station MBAZARDI Ankole and Friesian Cattle


Table 3(a). Analysis of variance of On-farm Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule Ankole, Boran and Friesian crosses up to 6 months of age

The Growth Performance Evaluation of Cattle

**4. Conclusion and recommendations** 

management practices developed and disseminated.

Anonymous (1981). Dairy cattle. Retrieved from http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn

#152 Retrieved June 30, 2010 from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd19/10/asim1952.htm

Review 65: 24-30

Volume 79, Issue 4 , Pages279 – 284 2001

11, ILCA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). 1-29.

**5. Acknowledgement** 

applauded.

**6. References** 

Breeds in the South Western Agro-Ecological Zone (SWAEZ) of Uganda 335

The study concludes that the factors that affect growth performance among on-station and on-farm cattle breeds include: breed, sex of the animal and seasonal variation. The study revealed that twinning in cattle was a rare occurrence. The study demonstrated that Boran cattle performed much better than the rest of other breeds in terms of growth followed by Ankole, Friesian cross and Boran cross respectively. It was found that the performance of cattle breeds did not vary significantly (p>0.005) among the different geographical areas of Mbarara, Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule except months six (p<005) and months eight (p<0.05). The genotypes of the breeds were very important in performance evaluations. It was however noted that, husbandry practices related to feeding, deworming, spraying, mineral supplementation and other disease control measures were paramount in promoting the full potential of the breeds. Other important factors to consider included environmental conditions e.g. temperature, humidity etc. The study recommended genetic characterisation of the cattle breeds. Guidelines for appropriate Ankole and Friesian breeding and

The following are acknowledged for their contributions in getting this work done. National Agriculture Research Organization (NARO) for funding this field based research activities. The farmers contributed immensely by availing cattle to be used in the research study and willingly accepting to cooperate during the data gathering process which most times was strenuous. Extension workers from Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule districts are

Asimwe L and Kifaro G C 2007. Effect of breed, season, year and parity on reproductive

Fisher, A.D., Knight, T.W., Cosgrove, G.P., Death, A.F., Anderson, C.B., Duganzich, D.M.,

Katyega P M 1998.Performance of Jerseys on the slopes of Mount Meru. World Animal

Kifaro G C 1984. Production efficiency of *Bos taurus* cattle in Mbeya region. Msc. Thesis .

Kiwuwa G H, Trail J C M, Kurtu M Y, Worku G, Anderson F M and Durkin J 1983.

Sokoine University of Agriculture. Morogoro, Tanzania. pp 52-95.

performance of dairy cattle under smallholder production system in Bukoba district, Tanzania. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 19, article

Matthews, L.R (2001). Effects of surgical or banding castration on stress responses and behaviour of bulls. *The Journal of the Australian Veterinary Association*.

Crossbred dairy cattle productivity in Arsi region, Ethiopia (Research report No.


Table 3(b). Analysis of variance of On-farm Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule Ankole, Boran and Friesian crosses from 7-12 months of age


Table 4(a). Least Square Means (LSM ±STDERR) for live body weights of On farmKiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule Ankole, Boran and Friesian crosses


Table 4(b). Least Square Means (LSM ±STDERR) for live body weights of On farm Kiruhura, Ibanda and Sembabule Ankole, Boran and Friesian crosses
