Long‐Term Body Weight Trends in Gobra Zebu Cattle Reared at the ‘Centre de Recherches Zootechniques’ of Dahra (Senegal): A Historical Perspective (1952–2018)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The socio‐economic impact of rearing Gobra zebu cattle in rural areas has yet to be demonstrated in Senegal. This impact was evident in the 1950s when a genetic breeding programme for this breed was initiated by the ‘Centre de Recherches Zootechniques’ of Dahra. The management of animals in this programme has evolved considerably, particularly due to the constraints encountered and the progressive acquisition of knowledge about the animals. This study aims to describe the evolution over time of the weight performance of Gobra zebu cattle reared at the Dahra station. The study utilizes all body weight monitoring data of the animals maintained at the centre from 1952 to 2018. The data were analysed based on age, sex, year of birth and the selection scheme in force at the time of the animal's birth. The average body weights observed in this study are as follows: 23.3 kg at birth, 69.3 kg at 3 months, 106.08 kg at 6 months, 145.9 kg at 1 year, 225.1 kg at 2 years, 294.9 kg at 3 years, 327.06 kg at 4 years and about 350 kg at ages over 4 years. Significant differences in average body weights were noted depending on sex and the selection scheme in place. These results are supported by various research studies conducted at the Dahra station.