Production characteristics of Angoni cattle in Mozambique: 2. Non-genetic influences on fertility, survivability and productivity

Tomo, P.S.M, Tawah, C.L., Swanepoel, F.J.C. and Hoogenboezem, J.M. 2000. Production characteristics of Angoni cattle in Mozambique: 2. Non-genetic influences on fertility, survivability and productivity. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa 40(1): 3-10.

The season of calving affected calving interval, weaner weight per cow per year, dam weights at mating, parturition and weaning, and dam weight changes during gestation and lactation. The year of calving influenced calving interval, calf survival, weaner weight per 100 kg of cow weight per year, dam weight at parturition and dam weight changes during pregnancy. Dam fertility affected dam weight at mating and dam weight changes during pregnancy. Cow reproductive status significantly influenced calving interval, cow productivity indices, dam weights and dam weight changes. Calf survival was also affected by birth weight, lighter calves being less likely to survive from birth to weaning. Calving in the winter led to much shorter intercalving periods than calving in the summer. Cows that calved in one year tended to skip calving the next year more often than those that failed to calve. Winter-calving cows were more efficient producers than summer-calving cows. Improved feeding and management could enhance fertility and productivity in the Angonia herd.