Study of Growth and Development of some Major Muscles in Baggara Cattle subtype Mesari and Nyalwi

Abstract

Twenty four mature Baggara bulls with an average body weight of 200 Kg were used in this study. The bulls were divided according to their subtypes into two groups Nyalawi and Mesari. Twelve bulls from each subtype were slaughtered at target weight of 250 Kg. Eighteen muscles from both fore quarter (eight muscles) and hind quarter (ten muscles) were dissected, weighed using digital weighing balance. The length and width of the selected muscles was recorded using metal ruler. The weight results revealed that fore quarter muscles M. Biceps brachii, M. Infraspinatus, M. Latissimus dorsi showed significant difference (P<0.01) between the two Baggara cattle subtypes and all hind quarter muscles weight showed no significant difference between the two subtypes. The length and width of fore quarter showed no significant difference, where as the length of M. Gluteus medius and M. Semimembranosus showed significant difference (P<0.05). Also the width results revealed that hind muscles M. Gastrocnemius, M. Semimembranosus showed significant difference (P<0.05) between the two Baggara cattle subtypes