Authors : B.B.A. Taiwo, O.D.D. Olaniran and F.A. Aluko
Abstract: The study examined the effects of breed, age, sex and body condition scores on linear body measurements on White Fulani (Bunaji), Rahaji and Sokoto Gudali. Sokoto Gudali was significantly (p<0.05) superior to Rahaji and White Fulani in Height at Withers (HAW), Heart Girth (HG) and Depth of Body at Rear Flank region (DARF). Body measurements increased with age. Maximum increase was between 1-3 years. Sex of animals significantly (p<0.05) affected most body measurements, bulls being superior to cows in Height at Hips (HAH), Width at Hips (WAH) and DARF which are good measures of tissue development. Also Body Condition Scores (BCS) significantly (p<0.05) affected all body measurements. Distributions of animals in the three conditions (fat, medium and lean) were 21, 51.2 and 27.5%, respectively. Animals with medium BCS showed consistent relationship with body measurements. Within breed, BCS were strongly (p<0.01) related to body measurements to make linear measures a possible good indices and reliable indicator of BCS which can be used to assess beef cattle under field conditions.
B.B.A. Taiwo, O.D.D. Olaniran and F.A. Aluko, 2010. Breed and Environmental Factors Affecting Body Measurements of Beef Cattle in Yewa, Nigeria. Agricultural Journal, 5: 211-214.