Analysis of Economic Values for Beef Traits of Ankole Cattle under Semi-arid Area of Mwanza Region, Tanzania

The study utilized economic and animal performance data of Ankole herd at Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI)-Mabuki to analyze economic values of beef traits. Sequential bio-economic modeling methodology involving formulation of profit function was used to estimate economic values of traits influencing investment and revenues of beef production. Fecundity trait studied was calving interval which generated economic value of 833.15. Developmental traits analyzed were age at maturity and age at first calving, which generated economic values of 83.86 and 19, respectively. Weaning weight generated very high positive economic value of 1496.18 contrarily to other studied growth traits (body weight and post-weaning daily gain which generated economic values of -6.09 and -53.69, respectively). Longevity displayed a negative economic value of lowest magnitude (-4.03). Therefore, under the prevailing conditions, selection for growth traits, which is normally prioritized in breeding for beef, showed low potential of impacting profitability improvement. Lowering of the herd mean for calving interval owes to be among the key productivity enhancement strategies for the farm. It was concluded that, in order to realize the benefits of selection, there is the need to parallel the genetic improvement initiative with strategies for lowering production costs, particularly feeds costs.