Reproductive Performance of Bunaji Cattle Under Smallholder Management in Katsina State

This study evaluates the reproductive performance indices of Bunaji (White Fulani) cattle managed under smallholder extensive production systems in Katsina State, located in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. The Bunaji is the most numerically dominant indigenous cattle breed in Northern Nigeria and forms the backbone of the smallholder livestock economy in Katsina, yet systematic documentation of its reproductive performance in the state is limited. Using a retrospective cross-sectional design, structured interviews and farm record reviews were conducted on 50 smallholder cattle farms across four local government areas. Data collected included calving interval, age at first calving, services per conception, calving rate, and calf survival rate. Thirty pubertal Bunaji heifers were also monitored prospectively for oestrous cycle characteristics using daily clinical examination and progesterone profiling. Findings revealed a mean calving interval of 18.4 months, a mean age at first calving of 44.6 months, and a calving rate of 62 percent. These parameters compare unfavourably with values reported under improved management, reflecting the impact of nutritional deficiencies and inadequate veterinary support on reproductive efficiency. Anoestrus postpartum lasting more than six months was common among dams nursing calves in the dry season. The study recommends supplemental nutrition during the late dry season, controlled breeding programmes, and regular reproductive health monitoring as strategies to improve reproductive efficiency in Bunaji cattle in Katsina State. Keywords: reproductive performance, Bunaji cattle, smallholder, Katsina State, calving interval.