(Growth Performance Characteristics of Egyptian Buffalo Calves As Affected By Non-Genetic Factors)

Solouma, Gamal M.; Abdel-latef, Doaa Ahmed; Darwish, Samy A.; Elnahas, Ahmed

doi:10.21608/jsasj.2025.456485

(Growth Performance Characteristics of Egyptian Buffalo Calves As Affected By Non-Genetic Factors)

Document Type : Research and Review Papers

Authors

¹ Animal Production Department Faculty of Agriculture Sohag University Sohag Egypt

² Animal Production Research Institute (APRI) Agriculture Research Center Ministry of Agriculture Giza Egypt

10.21608/jsasj.2025.456485

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the growth performance characteristics (GPC_S) of the Egyptian buffalo calves and how they are influenced by various environmental factors in Sohag Governorate. There are limited studies on non-genetic factors that can influence the body weight of buffalo calves, especially at advanced ages. The GPC_Sare economically important and are key indicators when evaluating farm animals and their production level. In this context, 95 Egyptian buffalo calves were used in this study to investigate the effects of some non-genetic factors on buffalo calves’ body weight and average daily gain from calving to 24 months old. This study was conducted at the experimental farm of the Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Sohag University. The calving weight of the newborn calves was recorded within two days of calving, then the weights were monitored monthly. The results showed that the overall mean of the body weight (BW) at different ages (calving weight, weaning weight, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months old) were 29.28, 83.54, 118.79, 214.92, 279.30 and 296.88 kg respectively. In addition, the body weight was significantly affected (P<0.05) by the calving year (CY), calving season (CS), and calf sex (CSX). Calves born in the second year had higher body weights compared to those born in other years. All studied factors had a highly significant effect (P<0.05) on the average daily gain. In conclusion, body weight and average daily gain of Egyptian buffalo calves were significantly influenced (P<0.05) by CY, CS and CSX.

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