Vol. 9, Issue 3, Part E (2024)

Author(s): Ndung’u C, Tura I, Muema L, Kemboi F, Mwangi P, Kamau P, Tarus P, Owiro E and Mghanga S

Abstract: The objective of this study was to establish mortality rates of growing beef cattle under ranching conditions in Beef Research Institute in Nakuru County in Kenya. Mortality rates for pre-weaning (birth-7 months), weaners (8-12 months) and growers (13-24 months) were evaluated in improved Boran cattle and its crosses. Data were retrieved from beef herds database between 2014 and 2021. Descriptive statistics analysis was conducted using Microsoft excel while effect of sex, birth weight and breeds of calves were evaluated by logistic regression using SAS version 20. The pre-weaning, weaners and growers mortality rates were 6.3%, 2.7% and 2.0% respectively. Breed and sex of the calf had a significant effect while birth weight had a non-significant effect (p≤0.05) on calf mortality. It is concluded that management practices for pre-weaned calves such as provision of sufficient colostrum and strategic supplementation of the weak calves during times of feed deficit should be done.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2024.v9.i3e.1434