Conformation des bovins de race Nélore (Bos indicus) au ranch Kila-département de la Cuvette en République du Congo

The objective of the study was to highlight the morphometric characteristics and conformation of the Nélore bovine breed in order to control their breeding. The animals were all about three (3) years old. The measurements and conformation involved 89 heifers and 28 breeding bulls from a herd of 2,587 heads. The body measurements concerned were evaluated by the traditional method of the measuring board and measuring tape. The average live weight of males was 418.97 kg ± 25.84 kg and that of females 333.67 ± 33.12 kg. The Common coat colour is uniform white, with dark extremities in the males. The conformation indicates good beefing abilities and the males are large. The height at the withers was 1.54 ± 0.01 m and 1.48 ± 0.03 m for males and females respectively. The scapuloischial length of 1.89 ± 0.03 m and 1.81 ± 0.02 for males and females respectively and thoracic perimeter of 1.82 ± 0.03 m and 1.72 ± 0.03 m respectively for males and females. The correlation of body weight was more marked with the height at the withers (r = 0.926) than with the thoracic perimeter (r = 0.81) and the scapuloischial length (r = 0.730). It is therefore important that the breeders study the measurements and conformation in order to appreciate the future breeding abilities of the animals on a farm. Dimi et al., 2020 Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences (J.Anim.Plant Sci. ISSN 2071-7024) Vol.43 (1): 7340-7349. https://doi.org/10.35759/JAnmPlSci.v43-1.1