ABSTRACT

 Body condition score evaluation was carried out at the Cattle Unit of Teaching and Research farm of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State. Twelve cattle, each of White Fulani (WF) and N'dama crossbred (WF x ND) were used in the experiment. Each genotype consisted of three calves, heifers, cows and bulls respectively, making up a total of 24 animals used in the study. Body condition score (BCS) and estimated body weight (BW) data were collected weekly for 4 weeks using a panel of 4 score judges whose weekly independent scores were averaged as each cattle's BCS. Body weight estimates, for all cattle, were obtained through weigh band measurement. Data obtained was initially presented in a ChiSquare experimental layout, and were further subjected to statistical analysis using T-test at 5 percent level of probability. This was used to compare cattle classes of different genotype. Subsequently pooled body condition scores (BCS) were further grouped into two, namely; cattle class by genotype and cattle class irrespective of genotype. Data obtained was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant means were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results showed that BCS was generally similar (P>0.05) for bulls and heifers (6.5) but differed significantly (P0.05) to values obtained for bulls and calves. By genotype, crossbred bulls had the highest BCS (7.4) followed by crossbred heifers (6.6); and these means were significantly (P0.05) BCS means, but were superior (P<0.05) to that of WF calves (3.6). Relative comparison of BCS and estimated weights of genotypes within cattle classes showed that even though BCS did not differ significantly (P>0.05) for WF and crossbred heifers (6.33; 6.59) and cows (5.80; 5.50), WF heifers and cows had significantly higher (P<0.05) body XII weights (218.0; 266.8 kg, respectively) than their crossbred counterparts (194.2; 202.5). Calves BCS also differed significantly (P><0.05) with the values of 3.39 and 5.82 respectively for WF and crossbred genotypes. BCS was significantly (P><0.05) from that of calves (4.7): However, the BCS for cows (5.6) was comparable (P>0.05) to values obtained for bulls and calves. By genotype, crossbred bulls had the highest BCS (7.4) followed by crossbred heifers (6.6); and these means were significantly (P<0.05) BCS means, but were superior (P<0.05) to that of WF calves (3.6). Relative comparison of BCS and estimated weights of genotypes within cattle classes showed that even though BCS did not differ significantly (P>0.05) for WF and crossbred heifers (6.33; 6.59) and cows (5.80; 5.50), WF heifers and cows had significantly higher (P<0.05 ) body XII weights (218.0; 266.8 kg, respectively) than their crossbred counterparts (194.2; 202.5). Calves BCS also differed significantly (P<0.05) with the values of 3.39 and 5.82 respectively for WF and crossbred genotypes. BCS was significantly (P><0.05) with the values of 3.39 and 5.82 respectively for WF and crossbred genotypes. BCS was significantly (P<0.05) higher for crossbred bulls (7.4) relative to WF bulls (5.60), while body weight was higher for WF bulls (331.8 kg) relative to crossbred bulls (261.3 kg).