Productivity o f Two Indigenous Nigerian Cattle Breeds and Their Crossbred Under Range Grazing Management

ENGLISH/ ABSTRACT (ENGLISH/ ABSTRACT (ENGLISH/ ABSTRACT (ENGLISH/ ANGLAIS A study was conducted to determine the productivity of Muturu , Ndama and their crossbred cattle under range management in Ebonyi state-Nigeria. The birth rate and milk yield of the cow as well as the birth weight of the calves were observed. The growth and zoometric indices were calculated from the observed parameters. The cow birth rate in early rainy season was superior ( p < 0.05) to late rainy, early dry and late dry seasons' birth rates, 24.37% as against 15.56%, 6.92% and 7.00% respectively. N'dama breed produced the highest milk yield among the breed of cattle (19.30 kg) as against 13.30 kg and 13.83 kg/month/cow for Crossbred and Muturu cattle respectively. The highest milk yield (peak yield) was obtained in second month of lactation (26.81 kg). Season, sex and breed significantly affected the birth weight (p < 0.05) of the two Nigeria breed and their crossbred cattle. The male calves' birth weights (14.10 kg) were superior to female (12.53 kg). N'dama , Muturm and the crossbred calves birth weights varied significantly ( p < 0.05) having 16.17 kg 9.97 kg and 12.76kg respectively. The birth weight of calves in the rainy seasons was heavier than dry season. The milk yield and birth weight from the cattle first filial generation heterosis were negative (-2.69% and - 2.37% respectively). The shape index (0.02%), depth index (6.57) and growth index (5.81%) and cow index (55.71%) have positive heterosis.