Title: Factors Influencing Cattle Growth Rate in Uganda: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Kenneth Tuyishime, Michael Adelani adewusi, Ahakundire Patience
Volume: 9
Issue: 11
Pages: 253-262
Publication Date: 2025/11/28
Abstract:
This study employs Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze a synthesized dataset from 122 peer-reviewed publications on cattle production in Uganda and comparable tropical systems (2000-2025). We model the causal pathways linking biological and genetic potential, nutritional and feeding management, disease and health status, and environmental stressors to cattle growth rate. Latent constructs were quantified using observed indicators such as breed improvement indices, feed quality scores, disease prevalence, and climatic variability. The model was estimated using maximum likelihood procedures, demonstrating satisfactory fit indices (?²/df = 2.36, CFI = 0.95, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.042). Results indicate that nutrition (? = 0.58, p < .001) and health management (? = 0.44, p < .01) exert the most significant direct effects on growth rate, while environmental stressors negatively influence growth indirectly through feed availability and health pathways (? = -0.37, p < .05). Genetic potential exhibits a moderate positive effect (? = 0.31, p < .05), underscoring the interplay between adaptive breed traits and local feeding conditions. This integrated SEM framework enhances our understanding of how multi-factor interactions jointly constrain productivity, offering evidence-based priorities for interventions in Uganda's livestock sector.