Morphometric prediction of live weight in neonates and weaned Ankole long horned cattle calves

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to establish the morphometrics and estimation equations for live weight of neonates and weaned long horned Ankole calves. Accurate estimation of live weight in calves is essential for effective management, feeding, and marketing decisions. The accurate estimation of live weight in calves is crucial for effective management and decision-making in the livestock industry. This research aims to determine the morphometric measurements of Ankole long horned cattle neonate and weaned calves and establish a linear model for live weight estimation using body measurements. Data from 167 calves, included 70 males and 97 females, body length, heart girth, height at withers and live weights were analyzed as follows; transferred to a Microsoft excel version 2021 (USA-California) and analyzed using STATA version 14.3 (UBM STATA CORP-Silicon Valley, USA). Statistical analysis was done using independent sample T-test to determine significant differences in male and female body measurements and live weight. Analysis of variance was also used to analyze the significant differences among the neonates and weaned body measurements and live weight. Multi-linear regression was used to determine the strength of association between body measurements and live weight. The findings indicate that there are no significant differences in morphometric parameters between male and female neonate Ankole calves. However, when comparing the morphometric measurements and live weight by stages, the neonates were significantly lower than those of the weaned Ankole long horned calves. The linear model developed for live weight estimation revealed a 94.4% accuracy in live weight based on body length, heart girth, and height at withers.