Performance of Perennial Peanut (Arachis Glabrata Benth) in Cameroon

The objective of this study was to assess the yield and chemical composition of perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) at growth intervals of 30, 45, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days so as to recommend the best interval of cutting. The yield of dry matter increased from 3133 to 3804 kg ha-1 at cutting intervals of 30 and 60 days, respectively, after which it declined to 3445 kg ha-1 at 90 days . The dry matter content increased with cutting interval from 25.6 % at 30 days to 31.6 % at 90 days. After 45 days of regrowth the crude protein content of forage declined with maturity from 19.4 % to 17.1 %, whereas crude protein yield per hectare attained an optimal peak of 730 kg ha-1 at 60 days cutting interval. The highest leaf:stem ratio was attained at 75 days regrowth. From the study the recommended interval of grazing perennial peanut at Dschang during the wet season is 60 days

Effect of the Calving Season and Zootechnical Parameters on Milk Yield in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Data on 275 lactations were collected and analyzed between 1981 and 1991 in Holstein and Jersey breeds and their crosses with Gudali and White Fulani zebus in the western highlands of Cameroon. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the calving season, calving intervals and other zootechnical parameters on milk yield. The following results were obtained: - Milk yield of the Holstein (n = 73) and Jersey (n = 32), although lower than that obtained in their country of origin, was significantly higher than that of the genetic types studied, with the Holstein producing more milk than the Jersey (2508 ± 105 l in 291 ± 10 days vs 1818 ± 137 l in 251 ± 13 days, respectively); - In first generation crosses with the local zebu, the Holstein (n = 52) produced significantly more milk than the Jersey (n = 57). The Holstein x zebu Gudali produced more milk than the Jersey x White Fulani (1940 ±109 l in 270 ± 10 days vs 1550 ± 106 l in 257 ± 10 days, respectively). Milk yield of 3/4 Jersey crossbreds (n = 61) was higher (1774 ± 117 l in 250 ± 11 days); - While the calving year and lactation number significantly affected milk yield, the calving season did not. Investigations on financial profitability and milk composition should be carried out for concrete recommendations