Effects of postpartum body weight changes on subsequent reproductive performance in N'Dama cattle maintained under traditional husbandry systems

Quantifies the effects of postpartum body weight changes on subsequent reproductive performance of N'Dama cattle managed under traditional husbandry systems in Gambia. Analysis of body weights from 4 months before conception to the month of conception showed that 71 percent of cows were gaining weight at a mean rate of 1.74 kg per month before conception. The results indicate that strategic supplementation of cows during the first 3 months after parturition either to maintain or to gain weight could lead to improved reproductive performance in village - managed animals.