Characterization of Growth Performance of Namchi and Kapsiki Endangered Cattle Breeds of Cameroon

Abstract

The growth performance of 80 Kapsiki and 83 Namchi calves was monitored at quarterly intervals, between 1985 to 1990, from birth to one year of age. The calves were maintained at the Yagoua Station of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development. The birth weight (BWT) and liveweight at three (TWT), six (SWT), nine (NWT) and twelve (YWT) months were evaluated using the SAS general linear model procedure. Means were 13.2 and 15.5 kg, 42.9 and 58 kg, 68.3 and 75.2 kg, 85.9 and 97.6 kg, and 104.7 and 115.5 kg for BWT, TWT, SWT, NWT, and YWT, in Namchi and Kapsiki calves, respectively. Cumulative daily weight gains were 0.32 and 0.48 kg, 0.25 and 0.39 kg, 0.21 and 0.35 kg, and 0.21 and 0.32 kg, between BWT and TWT, TWT and SWT, SWT and NWT, and NWT and YWT, for Namchi and Kapsiki, respectively. The growth performance of the Kapsiki breed was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than that of the Namchi breed for all traits. The seasonal effect was not significant (P > 0.05), except for sixmonth and yearling weights (P < 0.05) in both breeds. Sex did not affect the traits (P > 0.05). However, male calves were heavier and grew faster than female calves. The rainy season and cold dry season were favorable as calving periods for the production of heavier and faster growing Namchi calves, while the hot dry season favored heavier and faster growing calves in the Kapsiki breed.