Mortality and reproductive performances in Azawak zebus at the Station of Toukounous, Niger (1986-1992)

Abstract

Mortality and reproductive performances were studied in Azawak zebus at the Station of Toukounous in Niger. Mortality was recorded for the whole herd from 1986 to 1992. Reproductive performances were determined based on 296 cows born between 1976 and 1992 and present at the Station on May 15, 1993. The average rate of total mortality was 4.9%. The mortality rate of calves under 12 months of age was 8.5%. Calving was evenly distributed over the year. The average age of heifers born between 1981 and 1990 at first calving (A1C) decreased from 1354 ± 37 to 1020 ± 30 days, with a mean of 1108 ± 125.1 days. The average calving interval (CI) for cows born between 1981 and 1988 decreased from 432 ± 33 to 362 ± 67 days with a mean of 424.4 ± 87.9 days. The month, year of birth and weight effects at 18 months of age were significant (P < 0.0001) on A1C, whereas only parity had a significant effect (P < 0.0001) on CI. The mean fecundity rate reached 78% between 1987-1992. Reproduction parameters improved starting in 1986, i.e., at a time when the first results from changes in animal husbandry (e.g., herd size reduction on grazing), initiated during the drought of 1984, became apparent.