Scrotal Circumference as a Parameter of Breeding age for West African Dwarf Bucks.

Authors

  • Lukman Oladimeji Raji Department of Theriogenology and Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin
  • Oluwatoyin Oluwasola Ajala Department of Surgery and Reproduction, University of Ibadan, Ibadan,

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v3i8.668-671.453

Keywords:

Age, Body weight, Breeding, Scrotal circumference, West African Dwarf Bucks

Abstract

This study evaluated the correlation between scrotal circumference (SC), body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) in relation to breeding age in West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks. A total of 320 WAD bucks from birth to 15 months of age from various farms in Ibadan, Nigeria, were studied. They were grouped as A-birth to 3, B-4 to 7, C-8 to 11 and D-12 to 15 months old respectively, comprising of 80 bucks per group. Semen was collected from 10 randomly selected bucks in each group and analysed. Results showed positive correlation between SC and age; SC increased with age; and at about 8 months of age and over, a consistent SC of 17 cm–18 cm was observed. BW also increased with age; BW significantly affected SC. Also, at 8 months of age and over, SC of 17 cm-18 cm was observed from 9 kg BW and above. However, the correlation between SC and BCS was low and not significant. Semen analysis revealed the best semen quality for groups C and D bucks. In conclusion, we suggest that WAD bucks of 8 months and above, with at least SC between 17 cm–18 cm and of over 9 kg BW, could be used to breed does successfully on the farm.

Author Biographies

Lukman Oladimeji Raji, Department of Theriogenology and Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin

Lecturer I Department of Theriogenology and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin

Oluwatoyin Oluwasola Ajala, Department of Surgery and Reproduction, University of Ibadan, Ibadan,

Associate Professor Department of Surgery and Reproduction, University of Ibadan

Downloads

Published

10.08.2015

How to Cite

Raji, L. O., & Ajala, O. O. (2015). Scrotal Circumference as a Parameter of Breeding age for West African Dwarf Bucks. Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 3(8), 668–671. https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v3i8.668-671.453

Issue

Section

Animal Production