Factors influencing reproductive performance of cows from different Nguni ecotypes in southern Mozambique |
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Authors: | Sonia Maria Ataide Maciel Joshua Amimo Manuel Martins Ally Okeyo Mwai Michiel Matthys Scholtz Frederick Wilhelm Cornelius Neser |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Animal Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, UFS, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa;(2) Biotechnology Theme, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya;(3) REMOC, Lda (Reprodutores de Mozambique, Lda)- Posto Fomento Impaputo, Maputo, Mozambique;(4) ARC-Animal Production Institute, Irene, South Africa |
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Abstract: | The objective of this study was to assess the reproductive performance of two Nguni ecotypes (Nguni and Landim) raised in
a subtropical environment to enhance strategies for livestock development and restocking programmes within the southern African
region. Reproduction data collected between 1996 and 2009 from 365 cows of the Landim and Nguni ecotypes were analysed. From
the results, ecotype, place of birth, year and season of birth/calving had significant effects on age at first calving (AFC)
and calving interval (CI). Overall means for AFC and CI were 1,071 ± 166 days and 432 ± 85 days, respectively, while average
calving rate was 88.0 ± 4.7%. Heifers born in the dry season had lower AFC than heifers born in the wet season. Heifers born
at Impaputo Breeding Center were the youngest at first calving, followed by the South African born ones. Heifers of the Landim
ecotype also calved younger than heifers of the Nguni ecotype. CI was shorter in wet seasons (main breeding seasons) than
in dry seasons. Interaction between ecotype and year–season (p < 0.005) showed that, in wet and dry seasons, Nguni cows had shorter CI than the Landim. 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. |
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