Genotype variation, age and body condition score on some paired testes measurements among common indigenous bull cattle breeds in Mubi Adamawa State, Nigeria

The four common breeds of cattle in Nigeria: Rahaji (RJ), Bunaji (BJ),adamawa Gudali (AG) and Sokoto Gudali (SG) were assessed for variation in testicular measurements the variation due to breed, year, age and body condition score (BCS). Significant (P<0.001) genotype variability were observed on all the paired testes parameters indicating RJ bulls having the highest followed by BJ, SG and AG. Paired intact testes weight (P1TW) values were: 486.46± 10.29g, 464.94±9.51g, 358.86± 9.2g and 296.88± 9.78g respectively. The corresponding paired intact testes volume (P1TV) values were 491.45± 10.30cm3, 457.23±9.52cm3, 359.48±9.93cm3 and 295.12±9.78cm3, paired testes weight (PTW) values were 464.99±8.81g, 431.14±8.15g, 325.08±8.50g and 270.40±8.38g. Respective paired testes volume (PTV) values were 456.67±9.28cm3, 322.77±8.94cm3 and 268.23±8.82cm3; for net paired testes weight (NPTW) were 433.22±8.52g, 399.58±7.88g, 294.10±8.22g and 241.73±8.10g. Corresponding net paired testes volume (NPTV) values were 431.20±8.63cm3, 398.42±7.98cm3, 295.12±8.32cm3 and 240.41±8.20cm3 while the scrotal circumference (SC) values were 31.44±0.15cm, 30.22±0.14cm, 29.96±0.15cm and 29.59±0.14cm. Generally however, RJ bulls were found to have highest paired testes measurement followed by BJ and SG while AG had the least. Age group ≥ 4years recorded the highest values while age group 21/2 – 3 years had the least. Body condition score of 5 had the highest values followed by 4, 3 and 2.