Relationships between N'Dama cow body condition score and production performance under an extensive range management system in Southern Senegal: calf weight gain, milk production, probability of pregnancy, and juvenile mortality

Summary

This observational study followed N'Dama cattle across 10 herds in Southern Senegal from 1993–1998 to quantify how cow body condition at calving influences productive and reproductive outcomes under extensive range management. Using mixed-effects and survival models, the authors found that BCS ≥2.5 points substantially improved calf growth, milk yield (particularly in small herds and cool seasons), pregnancy probability, and calf survival in small herds, with a 23% relative increase in milk production between thin and fat cows. The findings suggest that maintaining a minimum BCS threshold is economically and biologically significant for pastoral N'Dama production systems in semi-arid West Africa.

Regional applicability

This research is not directly from the United Kingdom but addresses pastoral livestock management in a semi-arid climate markedly different from UK conditions. The findings may offer comparative insights into indigenous breed resilience and threshold management principles, though UK farmers typically operate more intensive systems with different breed types and feed availability.

Key measures

Body condition score (5-point scale); calf daily weight gain (kg/day); milk production collected (litres); probability of pregnancy (monthly); juvenile mortality at 1 year; calving season; parity; herd size

Outcomes reported

The study measured relationships between cow body condition score (BCS) at calving and subsequent calf weight gain, milk production, probability of pregnancy, and juvenile mortality in N'Dama cattle managed under extensive range conditions. A BCS threshold of 2.5 points on a five-point scale was identified as pertinent for distinguishing production performance outcomes.

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