Setting up growth curve function for buffaloes under small hold scale in VietNam

Abstract

The objective of this research was to set up growth curve function using Gompertz model for buffaloes. The research was carried out in Thanh Chuong district, Nghe An province. A total of 617 ruminants, out of which 328 calves and growing buffaloes from birth to 36 months old, 265 matured female buffaloes and 24 matured buffalo bulls were conducted for investigation. Birth weight, body weight of the gowing calves and matured buffaloes were estimated by technical measurement from chest girth and body length. Regression coefficients of Gompertz equation were determined by transformation into linear function. Data were analyzed by Regression Procedure in Minitabl 6. The results showed that the average of birth weight was 29.2 kg/calf (28.3 kg for female and 29.7 kg for male). Matured body weight was 415.9 kg for females and 525.0 kg for males. The growth reached up to inflexion point at 304 days and 408 days, respectively for females and males. Body weights at inflexion point were 154 kg and 194 kg, respectively for females and males. Average daily gains were 372.859 g/day and 383.056 g/day at inflexion point, respectively for females and males. Buffaloes reached up to 75% of mature weight at 819 days for females and 1040 days for males when their body weight were 3l2 kg for females and 393.75 for males. It was suggested that the established growth curve function should be taken into account for growth management, taking care and nourishment of buffaloes on small hold scale in Viet Nam.