A STUDY OF GROWTH RATE OF WADARA CALVES IN THE SUB-SAHELIAN REGION OF BORNO STATE

Abstract

Data on birth weight and growth rate from birth to 12 months of age of 90 Wadara calves maintained at the University of Maiduguri Livestock Farm from 1980 - 1987 period were studied. Mean birth weight was 25.5±2.6kg; 26.7 ±2.04kg for 40 males and 24.3±3.19kg for 50 females. The linear regression function was fitted on monthly body weight in two parts: 0-6 months and 6-12 months. Maximum gain in body weight was attained during 6 to 12 months of age in the male (8.30±0.50kg) and 0 to 6 months in the female (0.54±1.07kg). The difference in the rate of gain between the periods to 6 and 6 to 12 months in each of the sexes was highly significant (P< 0.01). Body weights at birth and at various ages were higher (P < 0.05) for the male than the female calves. The relative growth rate was rapid in both sexes during the first 3 months and was appreciable to the 7th month of age before declining progressively. The value in the first quarter was 18.0± 1.86 and 20.2 ± 1.60 percent for the male and female calves respectively.