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.
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