Comparison of Landim and Africander cattle in southern Mozambique: I. Body weights and growth.

The growth performance of Landim and Africander breeds was compared using data collected from 1968 to 1981 at the Chobela Research Station in Mozambique. Animals from both breeds were managed together in groups by age and sex, except when separated for breeding. Growth traits were body weights at birth, weaning at 7 mo, 18 mo, and first calving, and pre- and postweaning daily growth rates. These traits were analyzed using a mixed-effects least squares model containing breed, year-season of birth, sex, the nested effect of parity within breed, a linear regression on dam's age, and the random effect of sire within breed. Africander calves were 16, 9, and 7% heavier (P < .01) than Landim calves at birth, weaning, and 18 mo (18 +/- 6 kg heavier than the 237-kg Landim average). However, there was no detectable difference for age-adjusted weight at first calving and postweaning daily growth rate. Diminishing weight and growth differences with advancing age may indicate adaptation by the Landim to the prevailing environmental limitations in southern Mozambique, especially through younger ages at puberty and at first calving.