Phenotypic Characterization of Sudan Zebu Cattle (Baggara Type)

The phenotypic characteristics of the two numerically important Baggara zebu cattle of Sudan namely Nyalawi and Mesairi sub-types were investigated. The Nyalawi sub-type was found to have a significantly (p<0.01) heavier weight and large frame size at all age points studied. The hump size was found to increase significantly (p<0.05) with age in Nyalawi than in Mesairi cattle sub-type. These phenotypic features suggested that Nyalawi cattle sub-type was later maturing than Mesairi cattle sub-type. The superior phenotypic characteristics of Nyalawi cattle sub-type over Mesairi cattle furnish a strong base for genetic improvement of the beef production potential of this zebu cattle type. The heart girth around hump gave significantly (p< 0.01; r2 = 0.9) high correlation coefficient with the live weight and a linear regression line having an R2 of 0.82 which gave more confidence in using the developed equation (Y = 3.54X - 322.63) for prediction of live weight of this zebu cattle type.