DefinePK

Research Objective

To evaluate the dairy and growth performance of Djelli cattle under traditional breeding conditions in Niger. The specific aims were to determine the average milk quantity produced by Djelli cows according to the season and to determine the average daily gain (ADG) of Djelli calves.

Methodology

The study was conducted from February to October 2023 in three localities (Yelwani, Koulbaga, and Say) in Niger. Data were collected from 45 households, involving 81 lactating Djelli cows and 69 of their calves. Milk production was measured weekly using a digital scale. Calf weights were recorded at birth, one month, and two months of age to calculate the average daily gain (ADG). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's multiple comparison test with SPSS software.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A[Site and Sample Selection in Gothèye and Say] --> B[Data Collection];
    B --> C[Milk Production Monitoring];
    C --> C1[Weekly Manual Milking and Weighing];
    B --> D[Calf Growth Monitoring];
    D --> D1[Weighing Calves at Birth, 1 Month, and 2 Months];
    D1 --> E[Calculation of Average Daily Gain];
    C1 --> F[Data Compilation];
    E --> F;
    F --> G[Statistical Analysis using SPSS];
    G --> H[ANOVA and Tukey's Test];
    H --> I[Interpretation of Results and Conclusion];                    

Discussion

The study found that the milk production and growth performance of Djelli cattle are heavily influenced by seasonal forage availability, with significantly better results during the rainy season. The average milk yield of Djelli cattle is comparable to other local Sahelian breeds like the Fulani zebu but lower than specialized dairy breeds such as Azawak or Kouri when raised under improved conditions. Similarly, the growth rate of Djelli calves is superior to some local breeds (Gudali) and comparable to others (Azawak), suggesting good genetic potential for growth. The weight advantage of male calves over females is consistent with findings in other zebu breeds. The results suggest that with improved management, the performance of Djelli cattle could be significantly enhanced.

Key Findings

- Average daily milk production was significantly higher in the rainy season (2.09±0.73 kg) compared to the dry season (1.66±0.52 kg).
- Peak lactation yield was 3.47 kg at the end of the rainy season, compared to 2.48 kg in the dry season.
- Male calves were significantly heavier than female calves at birth (21.68 kg vs. 20.27 kg), one month (30.17 kg vs. 28.43 kg), and two months (37.9 kg vs. 35.27 kg).
- The average daily gain (ADG) for calves was significantly higher during the rainy season (e.g., 281.49 g/day from May-July) than in the dry season (204.80 g/day from Feb-April).
- The overall average ADG for Djelli calves was 259.42±43.28 g/day.

Conclusion

The production parameters of Djelli cattle, including daily milk yield and average daily gain, increase during the rainy season due to high forage availability and decrease during the dry season. The breed's overall performance is comparable to other productive local breeds under traditional management. These findings provide a crucial baseline for establishing a genetic selection and improvement program for the Djelli zebu in Niger. Further research under controlled station conditions is recommended to fully assess the breed's potential.

Fact Check

1. Claim: Average daily milk production was 1.66±0.52 kg in the dry season. The text's abstract states this, and Table 2 confirms a mean of 1.67±0.52 kg for the dry season period (FMA).
2. Claim: The average birth weight for both sexes was 20.93±1.82kg. This is stated in the abstract and confirmed in Table 3 under the "Total" row for birth weight (P0).
3. Claim: The average daily gain (ADG) of male calves was 270.31±40.79 g. This is stated in the abstract, and Table 3 confirms the value for males (M) in the GMQ (0-2 month) column is 270.30±40.79 g.

Mind Map