Calving Period Affects Cow And Calf Performance In Semi-Arid Areas In Zimbabwe

Abstract

; One hundred and twenty cow records of communal reared beef cattle were used to evaluate cow and calf performance. The animals were group according to calving period and there were three calving periods namely January to April, M ay to August and the September to December period. The result showed that there was significant difference (P<0.05) on performance for calving down on different months. High postpartum weight loses were observed on dry season calvers and mid rain season calvers as well. The time taken to recover and recommencement of oestrus was significantly different as shown by the conception rate values. High calf and cow mortality was observed in May to August calving and January to April calving. Results demonstrate that poor resource farmers in region that experience April to November dry season should embrace the September to December calving period in order to succeed. If all other seasons are to be used more investment in feed supplement and drugs is needed.