Abstract

The present research was conducted to study phenotypic description and body measurements of Sudanese Red Fulani cattle kept by Fulani people in South Darfur state, Sudan. This breed is called Fulani or Kuri. A total of 303 animals of the above-mentioned breed were examined. Data relating to phenotypic description were obtained from local livestock markets in the vicinity of Nyala town. Where Sudanese Fulani people herd their cattle during the rainy season in this state. Phenotypic characters that include (animal coat: hair, hump, profile descriptions, horn, ear and body colours) were assessed by designing a questionnaire and a distinguishing color chart. Results elucidated that the majority (97.3%) of coat pattern in examined herds was uniform (one color) with almost (100%) short and straight hair. The dominant color of head, ear, tail switch, hoof and muzzle for Sudanese Fulani red cattle was dark red (52.7%, 53.3%, 52% and 84%) respectively. Both dewlap and hump of the Sudanese Red Fulani bulls were of medium size (65.7%) and (65.7%) respectively. Whereas, the majority; were found to possess Cervico-thoracic humps (80.2%) and flat faces (88.1%). Both sexes of the studied breed were found to be Horned; (46.5%) with Lyre-shaped horns of upward orientation (81.2%) and wide spaces (95%). Live body weight of cows of 1 - 2 years of age within the studied breed was 210 kg, (244.3 kg) of average, the maximum live body weight of mature Sudanese Red Fulani cattle over 6 years old reaching up to 500 kg, with an average of (384.72 kg). The results of physical body measurements of Sudanese Red Fulani cattle bulls at different ages revealed that aged cattle had significantly (p < .05) higher mean values for all the body measurements investigated. It was found that Sudanese Fulani red are shorter than Senegalese and White Fulani. These findings suggest that phenotypic description could be considered in genetic improvement and breeding plans.

Keywords: Physical; Description; Body Measurement; Sudanese Fulani; Cattle

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