HOOF PRINTS OF HERITAGE: PHENOTYPIC EXAMINATION OF INDIGENOUS NGUNI CATTLE GROWTH ZIMBABWE

Abstract

The coefficient of variation (CV) and coefficient of correlation (r) are integral tools in quantifying and understanding the variation and interdependence of economic traits within populations. This study elucidates the significance of these measures in evaluating the variation in daily gain among livestock species, exemplifying the application of CV in discerning differences in growth patterns. The coefficient of correlation (r) is introduced as a valuable metric gauging the degree of association between two variables, providing insights into the tandem movement of traits. The importance of discerning relationships between growth traits in cattle breeds is underscored, emphasizing the need for breeders to formulate effective breeding plans. A comprehensive review of the literature reveals diverse phenotypic correlations for weight traits in various animal species, as evidenced by studies conducted by Khan et al. (1995), Mourad et al. (1998), and Fadili et al. (2000). These studies present a wealth of phenotypic correlations, showcasing the variability in relationships between different weight traits. The coefficient of variation emerges as a powerful tool for breeders, enabling them to quantify and compare the level of variation in economic traits. By assessing the CV for daily gain in beef and pigs, breeders can discern the magnitude of variation in growth patterns within these species. For instance, a CV of 25% for daily gain in beef and 15% in pigs suggests a greater variation in daily gain among cattle compared to pigs. Furthermore, the coefficient of correlation (r) assumes a critical role in elucidating the associations between growth traits. The significance of a coefficient of correlation is contingent on its size and the number of individual items used in its calculation. This study sheds light on the diverse nature of phenotypic correlations reported in existing literature, highlighting the variability in associations between weight traits across different animal species. In conclusion, the integration of coefficient of variation and coefficient of correlation provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and quantifying the variation and interdependence of growth traits within livestock populations. This knowledge is imperative for breeders in formulating effective breeding strategies tailored to the unique characteristics of each species.