On Farm Evaluation of Growth and Reproductive Performances of Horro Cattle Breed in Horro District, Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

The survey study was conducted to evaluate the growth and reproductive performances of Horro cattle breed kept under farmers’ management system in Horro district, western Oromia, Ethiopia. Data were collected through monitoring from a farm source. The total number of households and animals involved in the study were 52 and 151, respectively. The data were analyzed using the general linear model procedures of Statistical Analysis System (SAS). The estimated least square means for birth weight (BW), three months weight (3MW), six months weight (6MW), weaning weight (WW), eighteen months weight (18MW), pre weaning daily gain (PrWDG) and post weaning daily gain (PoWDG) were 16.92±0.24 kg, 38.93±0.30 kg, 56.44±0.51 kg, 76.34±0.45 kg, 108.07±0.74 kg, 252.93±1.52 gm and 119.92±1.72 gm, respectively. The overall least square means for days open (DO) and calving interval (CI) were 315±3.11days and 19.216±0.14months, respectively. Year of birth significantly affected (P < 0.01) all growth traits considered in the study. Similarly, season of birth significantly affected (P < 0.01) all traits. Parity of the dam affected (P < 0.01) all traits considered, except 18MW, and its effect increased with increasing parity until the third parity. The effect of sex of calves on all studied growth traits was also apparent (P < 0.01), where males were heavier and grew faster than females. In conclusion, non-genetic factors exerted significant effects on the growth and reproductive performances of Horro cattle breed kept under a farmer management system. Thus, the level of management should be improved in order to exploit the genetic potential (growth and reproduction performances) of Horro cattle breed kept under farmers’ management systems.