Prediction of Body Weight of Savanna Muturu Cattle (Bos brachyceros)
S. I. Daikwo *
Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
D. M. Ogah
Department of Animal Science, Nassarawa State University, Nassarawa State, Nigeria
A. J. Amuda
Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
U. A. Dike
Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Stepwise multiple regression technique was used to predict body weight from linear body measurements in the savannah muturu cattle (Bos brachyceros). Sexual dimorphism was a significant (P˂0.05) source of variation for body weight (BW), ear length (EL), body length (BL), chest girth (CG), horn length (HL) and height at withers, with higher values reported for the males. Correlation coefficients between body weight and linear body measurements and within linear body measurements were all positive and significant (P˂0.01) irrespective of the sex of the cattle. The regression technique established highly reliable equations for predicting body weight from chest girth, body length and horn length. The best model for predicting body weight was BW = -72.908 + 1.738 CG + 3.511 HL. Information derived from this study may find application in selection for improvement of traits of economic importance in the muturu cattle.
Keywords: Muturu cattle, regression, sexual dimorphism, correlation, body dimensions