Survival and Weight Growth of Young Grasscutters until Weaning in Semi-Intensive Farming on the Outskirts of Lomé

The grasscutter, easy to raise, is an alternative to poached meat. The objective of this study is to contribute to improving the survival and growth of grasscutters. The methodology consisted of following 75 young grasscutters in a semi-intensive farm on the outskirts of Lomé in Togo, from birth to weaning, to assess their mortality and growth. The results show an average mortality rate of 29.33%, more than half of which is observed during the first 10 days of life of the grasscutter. The family, sex and docility of the male in the cane ratter had an influence on the mortality of young grasscutters before weaning. The grasscutter born to docile males were heavier at birth (134.88 ± 18.61 g versus 127.17 ± 29.71 g), at weaning (948.38 ± 192 g versus 731.97 ± 213.19 g) and had a higher growth rate. In addition, the family of belonging had a significant effect on the birth weight, weaning, and growth rate of the grasscutter. Finally, the young from the 1st lactation recorded the best growth rates. This growth rate allowed them to catch up on their weight delay observed at birth, especially in the compartment where the males were docile. In conclusion, for a better birth weight, a good survival of the grasscutter, it is necessary to let the female grasscutter reach or even slightly exceed their sexual maturity at 8 months of age before being put into reproduction. Also, it will be necessary to prioritize the mating of males from docile families in order to ensure good growth of young grasscutter.