COMPARISON OF LANDIM AND AFRICANDER CATTLE IN SOUTHERN MOZAMBIQUE .1.BODY WEIGHTS AND GROWTH

The growth performance of Landim and Africander breeds was compared us ing data collected from 1968 to 1981 at the Chobela Research Station i n Mozambique. Animals from both breeds were managed together in groups by age and sex, except when separated for breeding. Growth traits wer e body weights at birth, weaning at 7 mo, 18 mo, and first calving, an d pre- and postweaning daily growth rates. These traits were analyzed using a mixed-effects least squares model containing breed, year-seaso n of birth, sex, the nested effect of parity within breed, a linear re gression on dam's age, and the random effect of sire within breed. Afr icander calves were 16, 9, and 7% heavier (P < .01) than Landim calves at birth, weaning, and 18 mo (18 +/- 6 kg heavier than the 237-kg Lan dim average). However, there was no detectable difference for age-adju sted weight at first calving and postweaning daily growth rate. Dimini shing weight and growth differences with advancing age may indicate ad aptation by the Landim to the prevailing environmental limitations in southern Mozambique, especially through younger ages at puberty and at first calving.