A contribution to the study of puberty in Baoulé cattle

Abstract

Puberty is defined as the period at which reproductive function is initiated. It begins at 14 months in the female Baoulé and at 18 months in the male. At puberty, body weight attains 120 kg and 155 for females and males respectively. Approximately two thirds of adult body weight is therefore achieved (57 % in the female and 61 % in the male). Weight at puberty is correlated to growth rate (daily weight gain at 0-12 months). Sperm collected during puberty is of mediocre quality and cannot be frozen. Sexual development in the Baoulé breed seems to be more precocial than in other tropical cattle.