ASSESSMENT OF THE PRODUCTIVITY OF LIVESTOCK IN AND OUTSIDE THE WASE GRAZING RESERVE

Abstract

The performance of livestock in Wase was assessed using flocks and herds in and outside the Grazing Reserve. Age at first calving of cattle in and outsides the grazing reserve was 5 years. The corresponding calving of 92 for cattle in the grazing reserve was higher (P < 0.05) than that of 54 for cattle outside the grazing reserve. Ages at first lambing of sheep in and outsider were 12.5 and 13 months respectively. Lambing interval however was 8.6 months5 and 71 while corresponding lambing percentage were 71. Average age at first kidding in goats in the grazing reserve was 12 months while outside was 12.5 month. The kidding interval was 8 months while kidding percentage on the other hand was 56 in the reserve and 46 outside the reserve. The average lactation yield of cows (P > 0.05) in the grazing reserve was 401.5 litre while outside was 486.0 litres. The mean growth rates of calves between 6 and 12 months in and outside the grazing reserve were 9.8 and 5.6 kg/month respectively. The mean growth rates of lambs in and outside the grazing reserve were on the other hand 1.9 and 1.7 kg/month respectively, while the corresponding kids growth rates were 1.6 and 1.3 kg/month. Mortality rates recorded in adult cattle, lamb and kids in the grazing reserve were 4.8%, 7 and 7% while the rates outside the reserve were respectively 2, 4, 5 and 18%.