Liveweight And Its Effects On Work Output In Northern Nigeria White Fulani Draught Oxen

Abstract

The working performance of indigenous draught oxen under small holder management in northern Nigeria was investigated. The oxen, belonging to the White Fulani breed were paired and harnessed into groups I, II and III with liveweights of 300 – 350, 360 – 400 and 410 – 450 kg, respectively. The working performance of each pair of oxen was monitored five times within three months of ploughing. During ploughing, oxen in group I, II and III lost 15, 14 and 13% of their preploughing liveweights, respectively, and gained during three months post ploughing period 4, 6 and 9% of their preploughing liveweights, respectively. The area ploughed per day was largest (0.30 ± 0.01hacter) for oxen in group III. The working speed and work duration of oxen rose as their liveweights increased (r = 0.996, P < 0.001). The highest effective working time (EWT) was recorded in group III oxen and the lowest for those in group II. There was a direct and significant relationship
between liveweights of oxen and their draught forces (r = 0.833, P < 0.001). The highest value of 559.8 ± 1.3N was recorded for oxen in group III, which also had the highest power output of 457.5 ± 11.3W. It is concluded that the best preploughing liveweight for optimum performance by the oxen in the area ranged between 410 – 450 kg.

Keywords: draught, group, liveweight, oxen, ploughing

African Journal of Livestock Extension Vol. 5 2007: pp. 53-60