Long‐Term Body Weight Trends in Gobra Zebu Cattle Reared at the ‘Centre de Recherches Zootechniques’ of Dahra (Senegal): A Historical Perspective (1952–2018)

ABSTRACT

The socio‐economic impact of rearing Gobra zebu cattle in rural areas has yet to be demonstrated in Senegal. This impact was evident in the 1950s when a genetic breeding programme for this breed was initiated by the ‘Centre de Recherches Zootechniques’ of Dahra. The management of animals in this programme has evolved considerably, particularly due to the constraints encountered and the progressive acquisition of knowledge about the animals. This study aims to describe the evolution over time of the weight performance of Gobra zebu cattle reared at the Dahra station. The study utilizes all body weight monitoring data of the animals maintained at the centre from 1952 to 2018. The data were analysed based on age, sex, year of birth and the selection scheme in force at the time of the animal's birth. The average body weights observed in this study are as follows: 23.3 kg at birth, 69.3 kg at 3 months, 106.08 kg at 6 months, 145.9 kg at 1 year, 225.1 kg at 2 years, 294.9 kg at 3 years, 327.06 kg at 4 years and about 350 kg at ages over 4 years. Significant differences in average body weights were noted depending on sex and the selection scheme in place. These results are supported by various research studies conducted at the Dahra station.

This study tracks long‐term body weight trends in Gobra zebu cattle reared at the CRZ of Dahra (1952–2018). Results reveal significant growth patterns under optimal management, emphasizing the importance of reinstating breeding programmes and developing predictive models for early animal selection and performance evaluation.

1. Introduction

Genetic breeding programmes play a pivotal role in the development of livestock production worldwide, particularly in West Africa (Santoze and Gicheha 2019). In this region, livestock farming is an important component of agricultural economies, contributing significantly to food security, livelihoods and economic growth. With a growing population correlated to increasing demand for animal protein, there is an urgent need to enhance the productivity and efficiency of livestock systems (Santoze and Gicheha 2019; Sambe et al. 2023). Genetic breeding programmes offer a sustainable solution by harnessing the genetic potential of livestock to meet these evolving challenges.

In recent decades, advancements in genomics, reproductive technologies and breeding methodologies have revolutionized the field of animal breeding, enabling breeders to make significant genetic progress in various livestock species (Marshall et al. 2019; Mwacharo et al. 2017; Whannou et al. 2023; Sambe et al. 2022). These programmes aim to selectively breed animals with desirable traits such as high productivity, disease resistance, adaptability to harsh environments and superior meat or milk quality (Marshall et al. 2019; Mwacharo et al. 2017). By systematically selecting and mating individuals with superior genetic merit, genetic breeding programmes accelerate the rate of genetic gain within populations, leading to improved performance and profitability for livestock producers (Santoze and Gicheha 2019; Marshall et al. 2019; Whannou et al. 2023; Asfaw, Begna, and Masho 2023; Kalwani 2023).

The option of genetic breeding programmes to enhance the resilience and productivity of indigenous livestock breeds is adopted in many West African countries, where livestock production is a vital source of income and nutrition for millions of people (Sambe et al. 2023; Whannou et al. 2023; Asfaw, Begna, and Masho 2023). Indigenous breeds are well‐adapted to local environmental conditions but often exhibit lower productivity compared to exotic breeds. Through strategic breeding interventions, indigenous breeds can be enhanced to meet smallholder farmers' needs better and contribute to sustainable agricultural development (Sambe et al. 2023; Marshall et al. 2019; Mwacharo et al. 2017; Whannou et al. 2023; Sambe et al. 2022; Asfaw, Begna, and Masho 2023).

In Senegal, two genetic breeding programmes were initiated for the two indigenous breeds, Fulani zebu cattle named Gobra (Bos taurus indicus) and Ndama cattle (Bos taurus), respectively, in northern and southern parts of the country. The Gobra zebu, the predominant cattle, is raised in the northern and central parts of Senegal, particularly in its original habitat, the sylvo‐pastoral area (Ba 2013; Magrin, Ninot, and Cesaro 2011). The Gobra zebu is highly valued by farmers in this region for its resilience and meat production (Sow et al. 1988; Thiongane and Denis 1974). Consequently, more than 78% of the cattle in herds within the sylvo‐pastoral area are Gobra zebu cattle (Diack, Diop, and Sané 2016). This geospatial distribution justifies 1952 the establishment of a genetic breeding programme for Gobra zebu cattle at the ‘Centre de Recherches Zootechniques’ (CRZ) in Dahra. The objective of this intraracial selection programme is to provide rural herders with better‐adapted and more productive animals (Sow et al. 1988).

Throughout its implementation, the programme has undergone several changes in animal management. These changes frequently occurred due to limitations in the environment or infrastructure at the Dahra station or as a result of improved knowledge about the animals (Sow et al. 1988; Thiongane and Denis 1974; Diack, Diop, and Sané 2016; Denis, Thiongane, and Valenza 1973; Sambe et al. 2019; Valenza et al. 1971a, 1971b, 1971c). For example, (i) challenges in handling animals led to fewer measured traits and less frequent measurements in the late 1960s and (ii) financial difficulties in the programme caused a slowdown in the genetic breeding programme's progress since 1990 (Sambe et al. 2023; Sambe et al. 2022; Sambe 2021). The objective of this study is to evaluate from 1952 to 2018 the weight performances of Gobra zebu cattle reared at CRZ Dahra.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area: CRZ of Dahra

The CRZ of Dahra is situated in the administrative region of Louga, specifically in the department of Linguère (Figure 1). The CRZ of Dahra is a research station covering an area of 68 km², located at coordinates 15°20′53″ N and 15°26′41″ W. It is divided into two‐part functional parts named ‘concessions’. The small concession spans an area of 9 km², housing all technical and administrative infrastructures. The large concession covering 59 km² constitutes the pasture area.

FIGURE 1.

Location of the CRZ of Dahra.

The CRZ of Dahra is under a tropical climate, characterized by a rainy season from June to October and a dry season from November to May. Ndiaye, Diop, Diène, et al. (2015) estimated the average annual rainfall in the CRZ of Dahra at about 371.67 mm, with significant irregularities in its spatial and temporal distribution. The average temperature is 30°C, with minimum temperatures (around 18°C) observed from December to February and maximum temperatures (around 40°C) noted from April to June (Ndiaye, Diop, Diène, et al. 2015). The vegetation in this station is predominantly herbaceous, with Cenchrus bifrorus, Zornia glochidiata, Schoenefeldia gracilis, Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Aristida mutabilis. In addition trees and shrubs such as Balanites aegyptiaca, Boscia senegalensis, Acacia senegal, Acacia seyal, Acacia radiana, Pterocarpus lucens, Combretum glutinosum and Combretum aculeatum (Ndiaye, Diop, Diène, et al. 2015; Ndiaye 2015; Ndiaye, Diop, Akpo, et al. 2015) were noted.

2.2. Herd Management

The herd management of the animals at the Dahra station has evolved based on the objectives, opportunities and constraints of the genetic breeding programme (Sambe 2021). However, the Gobra cattle are constantly managed extensively in natural pasture‐like conditions in rural herds. Although, during the dry season when pasture is poor, concentrates (mainly composed of cereals) are distributed to young animals, sick animals and pregnant and lactating females. When financial resources are available, all animals receive this additional supplement. Watering is provided ad libitum. The animals undergo regular health monitoring, including frequent deworming and vaccination against common diseases of the area, as well as treatment for sick animals.

Each animal is identified with an ear tag and a unique hot iron brand on the hip. They are weighed regularly from birth to death, sale or retirement. Before 1987, each animal was weighed at least at birth, every month up to 6 months, every 2 months up to 1 year, every 3 months up to 3 years and every 6 months from 3 years onwards. From 1987 to 2018, each animal is weighed at birth and then one time every month until death or retirement.

If there are any missing data to measure time points, body weight, depending on age, is estimated from animal monitoring data using a generalized linear model. These data, along with pedigree and birth data, are recorded in the station's database at Dahra.

2.3. Data Collection

The data used in this study are collected from the genetic breeding programme database from 1952 to 2018. This study includes 4060 cattle (2093 males and 1967 females) raised at the CRZ of Dahra between 1952 and 2018. The number of animals in each age group varies according to lifespan, as shown in Table 1: 4060 animals at birth, 3302 at 3 months, 3022 at 6 months, 2271 at 12 months, 1764 at 18 months, 1403 at 24 months, 680 at 36 months, 406 at 48 months, 156 at 72 months and 90 at 96 months. However, it should be noted that body weight monitoring data for animals born between 1989 and 2009 are not available.

TABLE 1.

The average body weight (kg) of Gobra zebu cattle reared to CRZ of Dahra depending on age and sex.

Ages	Males					Females					p value
	n	Mean	SE	SD	Min–max	n	Mean	SE	SD	Min–max
Birth	2093	23.4	0.1	5.08	10–45	1967	23.04	0.1	4.9	10–45	≥ 0.05
3 months	1629	69.3	0.4	16.4	27–145	1673	69.4	0.4	15.8	25–124	≥ 0.05
6 months	1479	104.9	0.7	25.7	30–172	1543	107.1	0.7	26.1	32–170	0.01–0.05
12 months	1194	146.3	1.1	38.7	48–274	1077	145.4	1.2	38.2	51–273	≥ 0.05
18 months	889	192.5	1.6	48.7	42–350	875	192.3	1.5	45.2	35–332	≥ 0.05
24 months	706	229.6	2.2	59.8	89–434	697	220.9	2.04	53.9	90–424	0.01–0.05
36 months	211	325.2	4.2	61.6	123–460	469	281.3	2.1	44.5	136–455	≤ 0.001
48 months	108	373.5	7.02	72.9	168–511	298	310.2	3.1	52.8	160–509	≤ 0.001
72 months	9	416.4	47.3	142.01	259–595	147	341.6	5.7	68.8	216–598	≤ 0.001
96 months	1	363 a	NA	NA	NA	89	345.6	8.4	79.3	206–571	NA

Abbreviations: Max, maximum; Min, minimum; n, number of animals; NA, insufficient data to calculate this parameter; SD, standard deviation; SE, standard error.

^a Body weight of the only animal measured.

2.4. Statistical Analysis

First, the descriptive analysis of body weights at different ages was performed by calculating the means, standard deviations, minimums and maximums. Second, the descriptive analysis involved plotting the curves depicting the evolution of mean body weights of the animals based on age and year of birth.

Three periods, each corresponding to a phase of the genetic breeding programme, were considered: the foundation herd‐building phase (before 1966), the active phase of the genetic breeding programme (between 1966 and 1989), and finally, the lethargy phase of the genetic breeding programme (from 1990 onwards). Mean comparison tests were conducted based on sex and phases of the Gobra genetic breeding programme (selection schemes). The management of animals in these different selection schemes is described by Sambe (2021). The choice of the mean comparison test (Student's t‐test or Wilcoxon test; ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test) was made based on the significance of Shapiro's normality test (Cornillon et al. 2010). The significance level was set at 5%.

3. Results

3.1. Evolution of Body Weights Depending on Age

The body weights at pre‐weaning ages are as follows: 23.3 ± 0.08 kg at birth, 69.3 ± 0.3 kg at 3 months and 106.08 ± 0.5 kg at 6 months (Figure 2). The average body weights of the young animals post‐weaning at 1, 2 and 3 years old are as follows: 145.9 ± 0.8 kg, 225.1 ± 1.5 kg and 294.9 ± 2.1 kg, respectively. The average body weights at adult age (animals at least 4 years old) are as follows: 327.06 ± 3.2 kg at 4 years of age, 346 ± 6.1 kg at 6 years of age and 345.8 ± 8.3 kg at 8 years of age.

FIGURE 2.

Average growth curve of Gobra zebu cattle reared to CRZ of Dahra from 1952 to 2018.

3.2. Weight Performances Depending on Sex

The comparison of average body weights of Gobra cattle depending on sex shows few differences (significant only for the age of 6 months) from birth to 18 months (Table 1). The only significant difference noted is at 6 months with a superiority of females. However, starting from the age of 2 years, sexual dimorphism in favour of males is observed. Thus, the average body weight differences noted between 2 and 8 years are approximately as follows: 8 kg at 2 years, 44 kg at 3 years, 63 kg at 4 years and 75 kg at 6 years. All these differences are statistically significant.

3.3. Weight Performances Depending on Phases of the Genetic Breeding Programme

The analysis of body weight performance in males (Table 2) and females (Table 3) across different phases of the breeding programme shows a significant improvement in performance during the active phase compared to the other phases. From birth to 18 months, the performances described for animals born during the active phase are almost all significantly higher than those described for the other two periods. The average birth weight is approximately 20 kg for the foundation phase, 25 kg for the active phase and 21 kg for the lethargy phase. At weaning (6 months), the average body weights observed are approximately 64 kg for the foundation phase, 72 kg for the active phase and 58 kg for the lethargy phase. At 12 and 18 months, the average body weights observed, respectively, for these ages are approximately 140 and 180 kg for the foundation phase, 149 and 198 kg for the active phase and finally, 124 and 164 kg for the lethargy phase of the programme.

TABLE 2.

Males' average body weight (kg) depending on age and phases of the Gobra zebu cattle breeding programme.

Age types	Foundation phase					Active phase					Lethargy phase
	n	Mean	SE	SD	Min–max	N	Mean	SE	SD	Min–max	n	Mean	SE	SD	Min–max
Birth	778	20.3a	0.1	3.2	10–34	1218	25.6b	0.1	5	10–45	97	21.6c	0.6	5.1	11–38
3 months	283	63.2a	0.8	13.06	28–95	1248	71.5b	0.5	16.6	27–145	98	58.3c	1.3	12.6	31–87
6 months	343	103.2a	1.3	24.6	32–171	1046	106.9b	0.8	26.03	30–172	90	88.2c	2	18.7	49–137
12 months	202	139.3a	3.1	43.8	48–274	902	149.7b	1.2	37.06	58–274	90	127.9a	3.8	36.03	74–248
18 months	70	185a	4.7	39.1	107–298	728	196.7a	1.8	48.4	42–350	91	164.04b	5.1	45.5	83–327
24 months	34	260.8a	8	46.4	164–356	580	232.2b	2.4	58.06	101–429	92	201.3c	6.8	65	89–434
36 months	4	368.5a	28.3	56.6	300–432	174	336.4a	4.2	56.04	169–460	33	261b	8.7	49.8	123–369
48 months	3	486.3a	15.6	27.06	456–508	73	389.4b	8.1	69	168–511	32	326.7c	10	56.3	218–457
72 months	1	595 *	NA	NA	NA	4	507.3a	37.7	75.4	407–585	4	280.8b	22.1	44.2	259–347
96 months	0	NA	NA	NA	NA	0	NA	NA	NA	NA	1	363	NA	NA	363–363

Note: ^a,b,c denote averages with one letter in common do not have significant differences.

Abbreviations: Max, maximum; Min, minimum; n, number of animals; NA, insufficient data to calculate this parameter; SD, standard deviation; SE, standard error.

^*Body weight of the only animal measured.

TABLE 3.

Females' average body weight (kg) depending on age and phases of the Gobra zebu cattle breeding programme.

Ages	Foundation phase					Active phase					Lethargy phase
	n	Mean	SE	SD	Min–max	n	Mean	SE	SD	Min–max	n	Mean	SE	SD	Min–max
Birth	778	20.4a	0.1	3.2	10–35	1072	25.3b	0.1	4.9	10–45	97	20.7a	0.5	4.5	10–32
3 months	500	64.8a	0.6	13.09	25–106	1077	72.6b	0.5	16.2	25–124	96	57c	1.3	13	34–97
6 months	526	110.3a	1.1	25.4	42–170	924	107.7a	0.9	26	32–170	93	83.6b	2	18.9	45–121
12 months	179	141.2a	3.5	46.2	65–272	805	149.07b	1.2	35.5	51–273	93	121.9c	3.6	34.6	56–248
18 months	74	176.1a	4.5	38.3	100–263	691	198.5b	1.7	44.8	35–332	110	164.3a	3.7	38.5	87–320
24 months	27	237.3a	8.7	45.35	110–303	554	225.7a	2.3	54.2	90–424	116	194.6b	4.3	46.03	95–422
36 months	18	244.4a	11.8	50.1	182–350	392	289.7b	2.02	40.06	136–455	59	236.7a	5.1	39	137–336
48 months	11	292.3a.c	18.05	59.9	160–360	229	315.5b	3.3	50.08	173–503	58	292.9b.c	7.6	58.2	175–509
72 months	9	331.4a.c	12.2	36.6	251–367	113	347.9b	5.4	57.3	216–540	25	317.08b.c	22.1	110.4	228–598
96 months	7	364.6a.c	19.1	50.6	317–460	27	381.2b	12.01	62.4	270–538	55	325.8b.c	11.3	83.8	206–571

Note: ^a,b,c denote averages with one letter in common do have not significant differences.

Abbreviations: Max, maximum; Min, minimum; n, number of animals; SD, standard deviation; SE, standard error.

Beyond 2 years of age, the number of animals observed during the foundation period is low (61 animals at 2 years, 22 animals at 3 years, 14 animals at 4 years, 10 animals at 6 years and 7 animals at 8 years). The same remark can be made for the number of males born during the active and lethargic phases of the programme. Indeed, only nine males are described for these ages during these periods. However, it is noted that except for the average body weight at 2 years (where there are no significant differences between the foundation and lethargy phases), the performance described for females in the active phase is superior to the observed performance for the other two periods. The mean body weight of females at 3 years is 244.4 ± 11.8 kg during the foundation phase, 289.7 ± 2.02 kg during the active phase and 236.7 ± 5.1 kg during the lethargy phase. At 4 years, the average body weights observed for these periods are 292.3 ± 18.05, 315.5 ± 3.3 and 292.9 ± 7.6 kg. At 6 and 8 years old, females born during the foundation phase had average body weights of 331.4 ± 12.2 and 364.6 ± 19.1 kg, respectively. In contrast, females born during the active and lethargic phases had average body weights of 347.9 ± 5.4 and 381.22 ± 12.01 kg and 317.08 ± 22.1 and 325.8 ± 11.3 kg, respectively. These differences between the average body weights described depending on the different phases of the Gobra selection programme are mostly statistically significant.

3.4. Weight Performances Depending on Birth Years

The curve depicting the evolution of mean birth weight depending on birth years shows few interannual variabilities (Figure 3). During the period when the foundation herd is being established, the average birth weight of the animals is usually estimated at around 20 kg. Nevertheless, a gradual increase in average birth weight is noted from 1963 to 1967, when the average weight was about 25 kg. During almost the entire active phase of the selection programme, the average birth weight is equal to or greater than 25 kg. Moreover, a mean birth weight of approximately 30 kg is recorded for animals born in 1984. It should be noted, however, that at the end of the 1980s, the average birth weight declined progressively. As a result, during the lethargy phase, the average birth weights recorded are similar to those observed during the establishment of the foundation herd. However, from 2015 onwards, a slight improvement was noted in the average body weight between 2015 and 2018, which is 22–23 kg.

FIGURE 3.

Evolution of the birth weight of the Gobra zebu cattle reared to CRZ of Dahra (Foundation: foundation phase; Active: active phase; Lethargy: lethargy phase; grey areas: periods with no data available).

The evolution of the average body weight at 6 months, depending on the year of birth, is shown in Figure 4. This figure illustrates that the average body weights of the animals during the first part of the foundation herd establishment period (before 1958) were around 120 kg, while those recorded during the second part (between 1960 and 1966) varied between 80 and 100 kg. Significant interannual variations are noted from 1966 onwards. For the years 1967–1974, 1977–1984 and 1987–1988, the mean body weight at 6 months is approximately between 90 and 120 kg. The years 1966, 1975, 1976 and the period of lethargy (2009–2015) are characterized by lower average body weights at 6 months (around 80–100 kg). Nevertheless, as for the evolution of the average birth weight, during the lethargy phase, the performances noted from 2015 onwards are usually better than those noted before. It should be noted that the curve of the evolution of the average body weight at 3 months (Figure S1) shows fewer interannual variations but has a profile similar to that of the curve of evolution at 6 months.

FIGURE 4.

Evolution of the 6 months body weight of the Gobra zebu cattle reared to CRZ of Dahra (Foundation: foundation phase; Active: active phase; Lethargy: lethargy phase; grey areas: periods with no data available).

Figure 5 illustrates average body weights at 2 years of age, with values of less than 200 kg for animals born in 1951 and 1952 and mean body weights ranging from about 250 to 300 kg for animals born in 1954 and 1965. From 1966 to 1973, there were few variabilities in the mean body weight at 2 years, which usually ranged between 220 and 260 kg. An exception is noted for animals born in 1968, which, on average, had a body weight at 2 years of about 300 kg. From 1974 onwards, a gradual increase in the average weight at 2 years is observed. During 1974–1980 and 1982–1984, the average body weight at 2 years is approximately around 200 and 250 kg, respectively. The increase in average body weight observed during the period 1982–1984 seems to continue until the end of the 1990s, as the average body weights observed in 1987 and 1988 were greater than 300 kg. However, it should be noted that during the active phase of the programme, the average body weight of animals born in 1981 is the lowest. Regarding the lethargy phase, the available data show significant variations in average body weight. The years 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014 show average body weights at 2 years below 200 kg, while in 2012 and from 2015 onwards, the recorded performances were above 200 kg. The same profile is obtained for the weight evolution curves at typical ages of 12 (Figure S2) and 18 months (Figure S3).

FIGURE 5.

Evolution of the 24 months body weight of the Gobra zebu cattle reared to CRZ of Dahra (Foundation: foundation phase; Active: active phase; Lethargy: lethargy phase; grey areas: periods with no data available).

From the age of 4 years, there is a lack of body weight monitoring data for approximately 50 years. Specifically, information on the body weights at 4 years of age for animals born before 1964, between 1977 and 2009 and finally between 2011 and 2012 is missing. However, a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of body weight at 4 years with the available data (Figure 6) reveals that the best performances are noted in animals born between 1967 and 1969, with an average body weight at 4 years ranging from 400 to 500 kg. Low interannual variability is observed for animals born between 1971 and 1976 (mean body weight at 4 years is usually between 300 and 400 kg). Finally, there is a progressive decrease in the mean body weight at 4 years depending on the years for animals born during the lethargy phase.

FIGURE 6.

Evolution of the 48 months body weight of the Gobra zebu cattle reared to CRZ of Dahra (Foundation: foundation phase; Active: active phase; Lethargy: lethargy phase; grey areas: periods with no data available).

The same profiles are obtained for the curves depicting the evolution of average body weights at 3 years (Figure S4). However, for the average body weights at 6 and 8 years (Figure S5), the available data are too limited to be analysed over time. For example, only data from one male are available at 8 years.

4. Discussion

For pre‐weaning animals, the average body weights obtained in our study vary from 20 to 25 kg at birth and from 80 to 110 kg at 6 months. Sexual dimorphism at these ages is not pronounced, as the differences in average body weight observed are mainly not statistically significant. However, for post‐weaning animals, sexual dimorphism is evident, with males showing considerable superiority over females from the age of 2 years. These results are consistent with various studies conducted at the Dahra station. Denis, Thiongane, and Valenza (1973) and Denis and Valenza (1971) reported mean birth weights of 25 and 23.5 kg, respectively, for males and females. They also recorded, respectively, for males and females an average body weight at 6 months of 96.2 and 88.1 kg, an average body weight at 2 years of 259.6 and 220.4 kg and an average weight at 3 years of 364.3 and 309.5 kg. Sow et al. (1988) described an average birth weight of 25.5 kg and an average weight at 6 months of 104.3 kg. After weaning, they reported an average body weight of 152.5 kg for males and 140.9 kg for females at 1 year; 257.5 and 215.4 kg, respectively, for males and females at 2 years and at 3 years, an average body weight of 361.4 kg for males and 295.5 kg for females. Recently, Sambe et al. (2019) evaluated the mean body weights of animals born between 2010 and 2016 at the Dahra station at birth and 6 months, respectively, to be 21 and 80 kg. These authors also described lower mean post‐weaning body weights than those observed in our study. These differences could be explained by the low performance of the animals born during one difficult period of the genetic breeding programme or the small sample size of animals enrolled for the post‐weaning ages (Sambe et al. 2019).

The interannual variations in average body weight described in our study are generally low at pre‐weaning ages and high at post‐weaning ages. In addition, an overall improvement in weight performance was noted when the programme was active (1966–1989). The average performances observed during the lethargy phase were low and almost equivalent to those recorded when the foundation herd was established. It should be noted that these differences in terms of animal management conditions are significant. This could be explained, on the one hand, by the production environment and, on the other hand, by the phenotypic selection of the animals from 1966 to 1989. Regarding environmental effects, various authors have described their impact on the growth of these animals (Sow et al. 1988; Diack, Diop, and Sané 2016; Denis, Thiongane, and Valenza 1973; Valenza et al. 1971a; Denis and Valenza 1970). It appears that when feeding is not limiting and the animals are healthy, their performances are good. However, when the environmental or management conditions of the animals deteriorate, their performances decline considerably (Sow et al. 1988; Diack, Diop, and Sané 2016; Denis, Thiongane, and Valenza 1973; Valenza et al. 1971a; Denis and Valenza 1970). For example, animals born in 1975 and 1976 exhibited very low body weight performances at all ages due to the deterioration of their production environment. During those years, food resources from the pasture of the Dahra station were insufficient due to the repercussions of the drought recorded in the early 1970s (Sow et al. 1988; Ndiaye 2015; Sarr 2009). As for phenotypic selection, it could partly explain the increase in weight performances recorded during the 1970s–1980s despite the deterioration of environmental conditions during this period (Sarr 2009). Indeed, as described by Sow et al. (1988), unlike post‐weaning weight performances, the heritability of the pre‐weaning body weight of Gobra is quite high. Furthermore, various authors have demonstrated that environmental conditions only slightly impacted the pre‐weaning body weight development of Gobra (Sow et al. 1988; Diack, Diop, and Sané 2016; Denis, Thiongane, and Valenza 1973; Valenza et al. 1971a, 1971b, 1971c; Denis and Valenza 1970).

5. Conclusions

The importance of genetic improvement in West Africa is widely recognized, yet several challenges impede its widespread adoption and impact in the region. These challenges include limited access to improved breeding stock, inadequate infrastructure for data collection and recording, insufficient technical expertise and financial constraints. Addressing these hurdles necessitates collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including governments, research institutions, non‐governmental organizations and private sector entities, to develop and implement effective genetic improvement programmes tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of West African livestock producers.

This study focuses on the weight performance evolution of Gobra zebu cattle at the Dahra station since the inception of the Gobra zebu breeding programme. It tracks the progression of body weight and performance of the animals over time, revealing exceptional weight performance under optimal management conditions. Consequently, the study emphasizes the importance of reinstating and supporting the Gobra breeding programme to produce high‐performing animals capable of competing in rural herds. Furthermore, the study advocates for the adoption of a predictive weight model to facilitate early animal selection and streamline data management for animal evaluation is essential for effective selection based on performance criteria.

Author Contributions

Babacar Souleymane Sambe: conceptualization, investigation, writing–original draft, methodology, formal analysis, writing–review and editing. Mame Nahé Diouf: conceptualization, investigation, funding acquisition, writing–original draft, writing–review and editing, formal analysis, supervision, methodology, validation. Mamadou Ciss: methodology, formal analysis, supervision, data curation, writing–original draft. Mamadou Diop: conceptualization, methodology, formal analysis, data curation, supervision, validation, writing–original draft. Mbacké Sembene: methodology, validation, writing–original draft, supervision, formal analysis.

Ethics Statement

The authors confirm that the ethical policies of the journal, as noted on the journal's author guidelines page, have been adhered to and that no ethical approval was required for this particular case report.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Peer Review

The peer review history for this article is available at https://publons.com/publon/10.1002/vms3.70136.

Supporting information

Supporting Information

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the authors upon reasonable request. Peer Review