Characterization of cattle in Nigeria--body measurements.

Abstract

The beef cow breeds Boran, Muturu, and N'Dama, which are widely distributed in southern Nigeria, are described in their phenotypes and their performance characteristics. Body measurements exhibited highly significant differences between the breeds as to body weight, wither height, and body length. The constants are presented for estimating the body weight of these breeds from their heart girth and body length under Nsukka conditions. They can be used for measurements in inches (yielding the body weight in lbs) or in cm (body weight in kg).