Livestock production in central Mali: factors influencing growth and liveweight in agro-pastoral cattle.

Data on weight and growth of indigenous African cattle under a traditional management system are reported. In semi-arid central Mali (14 degrees N, 6 degrees W) calf birth weight was 16.6 kg, growth rates to weaning at seven months averaged 185 grams per day. Cows did not reach mature weights (230 kg) until after five years of age and work oxen did not achieve a mature weight of 297 kg until after six years. Effects of season of birth were significant on growth throughout life but effects of year of birth only persisted for nine months. Parity of cow, season and year had significant influences on post-partum weight. Seasonal changes in weight were severe for both work oxen (87 to 107% of mean weight) and for cows (88 to 110%). Over a seven year study period the decline in mature weights of oxen was 4% per year equivalent to about 80 kg over the period. For cows the decline was proportionately less severe (2.7%) these animals averaging 40 kg less in 1984 than they did in 1978. The slow growth rates, low mature weights and reduction in adult size is considered to be due to chronic overstocking on already denuded feed resources and to a decline in rainfall over the period. Current research programmes aimed at finding solutions to these problems are outlined.