Comparative analysis of cattle production systems in Nigeria grassland agroecology

This study explores herd production characteristics and phenotypic traits of indigenous dairy cattle in the grassland agroecology of Nigeria. The study highlighted the crucial role of agroecology as a modifier of cattle production operations and emphasized the need for further research to understand...

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Main Authors: Akeem B. Sikiru, Bisong O. Otu, Olayinka J. Makinde, Saoban Saheed, Stephen S. A. Egena, Ibrahim R. Muhammad
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Maximum Academic Press 2024-01-01
Series:Circular Agricultural Systems
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Online Access:https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/cas-0023-0012
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author Akeem B. Sikiru
Bisong O. Otu
Olayinka J. Makinde
Saoban Saheed
Stephen S. A. Egena
Ibrahim R. Muhammad
author_facet Akeem B. Sikiru
Bisong O. Otu
Olayinka J. Makinde
Saoban Saheed
Stephen S. A. Egena
Ibrahim R. Muhammad
author_sort Akeem B. Sikiru
collection DOAJ
description This study explores herd production characteristics and phenotypic traits of indigenous dairy cattle in the grassland agroecology of Nigeria. The study highlighted the crucial role of agroecology as a modifier of cattle production operations and emphasized the need for further research to understand the genetic basis of variations in the production. Herd production data were collected through focus group meetings using FEAST software, while body measurements and phenotypic traits of lactating and breeding cattle were recorded in the agroecological zone within the grassland. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics, and Moses Test of Extreme Reaction using SPSS v.20.0.0. The results indicate that the agroecology type significantly influenced various herd production characteristics (p < 0.05). Additionally, agroecology had a significant effect on body measurements and phenotypic trait expressions in the cattle, including live weight, body condition score, testis circumference, age at puberty, and age at first calving (p < 0.05). Furthermore, age differences were observed among cows based on the agroecological zones (p = 0.008), while no significant variation was found in the age of breeding bulls across both agroecology. This study concludes that within the Nigeria's grassland, agroecology plays a crucial role as a modifier of herd production characteristics and phenotypic trait expressions in smallholder dairy cattle operations. These cannot be unconnected with genetics, hence, there is a need for understanding the genetic basis of the variations.
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spelling doaj-art-ee1e3e55a64947d6a77b0138a6d2a2fb2025-08-20T02:12:28ZengMaximum Academic PressCircular Agricultural Systems2767-96082024-01-01411710.48130/cas-0023-0012cas-0023-0012Comparative analysis of cattle production systems in Nigeria grassland agroecologyAkeem B. Sikiru0Bisong O. Otu1Olayinka J. Makinde2Saoban Saheed3Stephen S. A. Egena4Ibrahim R. Muhammad5Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, Zuru 872252, Kebbi State, NigeriaDepartment of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna, 920101, Niger State, NigeriaDepartment of Animal Science, Federal University Gashua, 671105, Yobe State, NigeriaDepartment of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna, 920101, Niger State, NigeriaDepartment of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna, 920101, Niger State, NigeriaDepartment of Animal Science, Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, Zuru 872252, Kebbi State, NigeriaThis study explores herd production characteristics and phenotypic traits of indigenous dairy cattle in the grassland agroecology of Nigeria. The study highlighted the crucial role of agroecology as a modifier of cattle production operations and emphasized the need for further research to understand the genetic basis of variations in the production. Herd production data were collected through focus group meetings using FEAST software, while body measurements and phenotypic traits of lactating and breeding cattle were recorded in the agroecological zone within the grassland. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics, and Moses Test of Extreme Reaction using SPSS v.20.0.0. The results indicate that the agroecology type significantly influenced various herd production characteristics (p < 0.05). Additionally, agroecology had a significant effect on body measurements and phenotypic trait expressions in the cattle, including live weight, body condition score, testis circumference, age at puberty, and age at first calving (p < 0.05). Furthermore, age differences were observed among cows based on the agroecological zones (p = 0.008), while no significant variation was found in the age of breeding bulls across both agroecology. This study concludes that within the Nigeria's grassland, agroecology plays a crucial role as a modifier of herd production characteristics and phenotypic trait expressions in smallholder dairy cattle operations. These cannot be unconnected with genetics, hence, there is a need for understanding the genetic basis of the variations.https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/cas-0023-0012agroecologydairy productioncattle productionherd production characteristicsclimate change
spellingShingle Akeem B. Sikiru
Bisong O. Otu
Olayinka J. Makinde
Saoban Saheed
Stephen S. A. Egena
Ibrahim R. Muhammad
Comparative analysis of cattle production systems in Nigeria grassland agroecology
Circular Agricultural Systems
agroecology
dairy production
cattle production
herd production characteristics
climate change
title Comparative analysis of cattle production systems in Nigeria grassland agroecology
title_full Comparative analysis of cattle production systems in Nigeria grassland agroecology
title_fullStr Comparative analysis of cattle production systems in Nigeria grassland agroecology
title_full_unstemmed Comparative analysis of cattle production systems in Nigeria grassland agroecology
title_short Comparative analysis of cattle production systems in Nigeria grassland agroecology
title_sort comparative analysis of cattle production systems in nigeria grassland agroecology
topic agroecology
dairy production
cattle production
herd production characteristics
climate change
url https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/cas-0023-0012
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