Mahabile et al., 2000. In: Trypanotolerant livestock in West and Central Africa - Vol. 2. Country studies, FAO

Results are reported of a feeding trial in 1986/87 in which a total of 62 half-bred Simmental (SX), three-quarter Simmental (SSX) and half bred Friesian (FX) milking cows were fed sorghum stover supplemented with sorghum bran, groundnut haulms or Lablab purpureus hay. During the wet season animals were grazed under conditions similar to communal areas situation. Average milk yields per lactation (kg) for SX, SSX and FX were 702.5, 739.0 and 825.5, respectively, and did not differ significantly (P<0.05): neither were there significant differences in duration of lactation between or within breeds fed the different diets. Average dam liveweight at parturition and at 7 and 10 months post-partum were 480, 470, 483 kg for SX; 483, 456 and 466 kg for SSX; and 465, 459 and 452 kg for FX respectively. Differences were not significant (P<0.05). Average birth weights and adjusted 7 and 10-month liveweights of SX calves were 38 kg, 178 kg, 216 kg, of SSX calves 36, 154 and 200 kg and of FX calves 36, 148 and 206 kg. Diet supplementation with sorghum bran did not result in differences in calf liveweight gains within or between breeds.During the lactation period 7 of the cows and 5 calves died. 40% of calves born suffered from Kerato conjuctivitis, but later recovered after treatment.