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This study aimed at evaluating the fermention levels of pearl millet [Pennisetum Glaucum (L.) R. Br] stovers silage during storage based on pH evolution. A completely randomized experimental design in a 6×2×2 factorial scheme with three replications for each treatment was used to evaluate three factors (6 cultivars, 2 different cutting stages, and with or without salt addition to the cultivars). The silages were prepared in plastic bags and stored for 60 days at room temperature. The results revealed that the pH values of the treatments were significantly (P < 0.05) higher on the first day than in the other periods and a rapid drop in pH, with significant differences (P < 0.05), to levels below 4 was obtained on the third day of storage for the majority of local Sadoré and Siaka Millet silages (Niger). Four types of pH evolution were recorded and the variation was statistical significant among cultivars. Also, analysis of the relationships between pH, chemical composition parameters and In Vitro Digestibiliy of Organic Matter (IVDOM) showed that increasing pH values were associated with increasing Dry Matter content of stovers before silage (DM_BE), Dry Matter content of silages (DM_S), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL) values and decreasing Crude Protein (CP), Metabolizable Energy (ME), IVOMD, and Ash values. However, the pH values obtained for all silages showed that all the millet stovers used were suitable for silage. At the maturity stage, it is thus possible to use the grain for human consumption and to ensile the stovers for animal feed. This study also shows that monitoring the pH in the silo makes it possible to evaluate the quality of the fermentations to avoid losses on the farms.

Objectif: Cette etude vise a contribuer a la connaissance des caracteristiques phenotypiques du taurin Kouri du Niger. Methodologie et resultats: Les caracteristiques phenotypiques du taurin Kouri du Niger ont fait l’objet d’une etude conduite dans la region de Diffa au niveau des sites situes aux alentours de Kinjandi dans la commune de Gueskerou et au Centre Secondaire de Multiplication du Betail de Sayam. Des mensurations ont ete effectuees directement sur des animaux et ont permis d’enregistrer des parametres quantitatifs. Des parametres qualitatifs ont ete renseignes sur la base de l’observation des animaux. Un total de 475 animaux (423 femelles, 36 mâles entiers et 16 mâles castres) âges d’au moins 4 ans a ete concerne par l’etude. Les moyennes des parametres phenotypiques quantitatifs suivants ont ete notees : Hauteur au garrot (HG) : 125,65±6,08 cm ; Perimetre thoracique (PT) : 157,95±10 cm ; Hauteur au sacrum (HS) : 133,50±6,10 cm ; Largeur aux ischions (LI) : 14,41±2,75. Des differences significatives ont ete observees entre les sexes. Le PT est le parametre le plus correle au poids avec un coefficient de correlation de 0,843. Trois modeles barymetriques sont proposes et ont permis de noter des coefficients d’ajustement de R 1 2 =0,79 ; R 2 2 = 0,74 et R 3 2 = 0,71. Les parametres phenotypiques qualitatifs ont fait ressortir un profil rectiligne dominant (85,86%) ; des oreilles a orientation laterale (99,79 %) ; des cornes presentes (97,89%) et fixees (97,41%), un dos rectiligne chez 86,50% des animaux. Aussi la couleur blanche de la robe domine avec 50,84 %. Conclusion et application des resultats: En somme, le taurin Kouri du Niger peut etre considere comme une race assez heterogene sur le plan phenotypique. Cette variabilite pourrait etre favorable a une selection en vue d’une amelioration genetique de la race. Mots cles: phenotype, formule barymetrique, taurin Kouri, Niger English Title: Correlations between Phenotypic measurements and determination of a Barymetric Formula in Niger Kuri cattle breed English Abstract Objective: The main objective of this study is to contribute to increase knowledge on Niger Kuri phenotypic characteristics. Methodology and Results: Phenotypic characteristics of Niger Kuri cattle breed have been assessed in the region of Diffa, Niger, including sampling sites around Kinjandi in Gueskerou commune, and in the Sayam Cattle Secondary Multiplication Center. Measurements were made directly on animals and allowed to record quantitative parameters. Qualitative parameters were given based on the observation of the animals. A total of 475 individuals (423 females, 36 males and 16 castrated males) with at least 4 years age have been sampled. The means values of phenotypic traits measured were as follow: quantitative phenotypic parameters were measured. Height at withers: 125.65 ± 6.08 cm, Heart girth: 157.95 ± 10 cm, height at hips: 133. 50 ± 6.10 cm, Ischium width: 14.41 ± 2.75. Significant differences were observed between sexes. Heart girth is the most correlated parameter to the weight with a correlation coefficient of 0.843. Three barymetric models were used and showed adjusted coefficients of R 1 2 = 0.79, R 2 2 = 0.74 and R 3 2 = 0.71. The qualitative phenotypic parameters revealed a dominant straight profile (85.86%), lateral oriented ears (99.79%), presence of horns (97.89%) and fixed (97.41%), straight back (86.50%) among the individuals. Besides, the white color pattern is predominant (50.84 %). Conclusion and application of results: Overall, Niger Kuri cattle breed may be considered as heterogeneous breed at phenotypic level. This variability may be favorable for selection strategy for this valuable breed improvement. Keywords: phenotype, barymetric formula, Kuri, Niger