Evaluation of some reproductive indices of the White Fulani indigenous bulls in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate some reproductive indices of the White Fulani Indigenous cattle bulls in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Forty apparently healthy bulls of age one to five years were used for this study. The parameters studied included scrotal circumference, scrotal length, chest girth and body weight. These parameters were taken using measuring tapes. The result obtained showed that there was significant (p < 0.05) differences in the scrotal circumference and scrotal length between bulls in the age groups 1, 2 and 3 years old while 4 and 5 years old showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in the chest girth and body weight of bulls in all the five age groups (1 – 5 years old). This suggests that the age of puberty in the indigenous white Fulani bulls is three years. Veterinarians and farmers can leverage on these reproductive indices (scrotal circumference, scrotal length, chest girth, and body weight) to select bulls with superior breeding potential, ultimately improving herd health and productivity.