Preference traits for Bunaji cattle of nomads along Benue trough in Central Nigeria

A cross sectional study was conducted along Benue trough cutting across two states of Benue and Nasarawa in north-central Nigeria, among Fulani pastoralist, agro-pastoralist and transhumant nomads to determine preference traits in their breeding cows and bulls. One hundred and sixty five Bunaji cattle herd farmers were considered in the study which was carried out in two seasons (dry and rainy seasons). The respondents were pastoralist (26.1%), agro-pastoralist (37.4%) and transhumant nomads (36.5%). Seven specific traits were used for ranking breeding cows and five for breeding bulls. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine mean ranks of traits. Preferential traits for breeding bulls were in the order; body conformation 1.46, temperament 2.01, disease resistant 2.46, walkability 2.89 and horn 3.84. While for breeding cows were milk yield 1.62, reproductive efficiency 1.92, body size 2.23, temperament 3.48, fat/butter content 4.28, disease resistant 4.71 and mothering ability 5.63. There were no significant variations on traits preference for breeding cow between the agro pastoralist/transhumant and pastoralist nomads except for fat/butter content which had more value to the pastoralist nomad. Similarly for the breeding bulls which had disease resistance having higher values to the pastoralist nomads. It was concluded that trait preference in breeding bulls and cows was not influenced (p>0.05) by production system. The information generated from this study can help assure that Bunaji breed improvement interventions are consistent with the needs of the intended beneficiaries.