Epidemiology of Calf mortality, Reproductive health and Performance traits of Heifers and Cows in Dida Tuyura Ranch, Boranaa Oromia, Ethiopia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20372/star.v8i1.02Keywords:
Boranaa, Calf mortality, Ethiopia, Reproductive performanceAbstract
This study was performed in Dida Tuyara Government Ranch in Boranaa Zone, Oromia Regional State, with the objective of assessing the epidemiology and factors associated with calves’ mortality and reproductive performance of the Borana cattle breed. The study was based on the retrospective epidemiological record of calves, heifers, and cows. The data was taken from 1994–2010 on the calf mortality rate and 1994–2005 on the reproductive performance of the breed on the ranch. The retrospective data collected over the years was used to identify factors associated with calf mortality or death to see if the motto of the farm was attained in rearing a sufficient number of calves, improving replacement heifers and bulls for the ranch, and redistributing pure line breeding for the community. The retrospective data collected was analysed with Microsoft Excel version 20 and generated descriptive statistics of the parametric variables. A chi square test of significance was used for the non-parametric variables for associated risk factors for calves’ mortality and reproductive performance. The mortality rate of calves before and after weaning was 13.3% and 11.2%, respectively. Age, sex, and birth weight of the calf had a significant effect on the mortality rate. The overall mean values of age at first service, age at first calving, calving interval, days open, and gestation length were 42.52, 51.67, 20.67, 11.30, and 9.30 months, respectively. Parity had a significant effect on both the calving interval and days open. Gestation length was not significantly affected by parity, sex, or the birth weight of the calf. In conclusion, from the present study, it can be concluded that the excess calf mortality rate and inefficient reproductive performance factors were found to be major problems for the ranch not to achieve its pre-established objective of producing sufficient replacement calves and bulls for the pastoralists and need to be corrected if selection-based breeding of the Boranaa breed is to be successful.
Downloads
Metrics
References
Ababu D. (2002). Evaluation of performance of Borana cows in the production of crossbreed dairy heifers at Abornsa Ranch Ethiopia (MSc Thesis), Haromaya University, Ethiopia.
Abrha S. (2006). Reproductive performance of indigenous and crossbreed dairy cattle under traditional system Northeastern Amhara Region, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia (MSc Thesis), Addis Ababa University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia.
Addisu B. (1999). Evaluation of reproductive and growth performance of Fogera cattle and their F1- Friesian cross at Metekel Ranch, Ethiopia (MSc Thesis), Haromaya University, Ethiopia.
Agyemang, K., & Nkhojera, L.P. (1990). Productivity of crossbred cattle on smallholder farms in southern Malawi. Tropical Animal Health Production, 22(1), 9-15. 52.
Albero M, & Haile-Mariam S.(1982). The indigenous cattle of Ethiopia. World Animal Review, 41, 27-24.
Alberro M. (1983). Comparative performance
of F1- Friesian Zebu heifers in Ethiopia. Animal Production, 37, 247-252. Doi: 10.1017/ S0003356100001793
Alemu GW & Teshome Y. (1987). Note on calf mortality rate at two IAR livestock stations: Holeta and Adamitulu. In: Proceedings of first National Livestock Improvement Conference. Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Ethiopia, 76-80.
Ali MH, Islam MN, & Khan MAS. (2006). Reproductive performance of different
crossbreed and indigenous dairy cows at Takerhat milk shed area, under the Bangladesh Milk Producers’ cooperative union limited (milk vita). J Bang Soc Agric Sci. Tech. 3, 91-94.
Amuamuta, A., Asseged B., & Goshu G. (2006). Mortality analysis of Fogera calves and their Friesian crosses in Andassa cattle breeding and improvement ranch, Northwestern Ethiopia. Revue of Medical Veterinary, 157, 525-529.
Asseged B & Birhanu M. (2004). Mortality analysis of calves and reproductive performance of cows in commercial dairy farms in and around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health Production, 36(7), 663-672.
Azage T & Alemu G. (1997). Prospects for peri-urban dairy development in Ethiopia. In: Proceedings of the fifth national conference of the Ethiopian Society of Animal Production (Pp. 28-39: 15-17). Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Blood, D.C., Radostits, O.M., Gay, C.C., Arundel, J.H., Ikede, B.O., & Mekenzie, RABC (1994). Veterinary Medicine (eighth edition). London, UK: ELBS, 210-212.
Central Statistical Authority (CSA). (2010.). Ethiopian Statistical Abstract. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Coppock, D.L.(1994). The Boranaa plateau of Southern Ethiopia Synthesis of pastoral research, development and change. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. International Livestock Center for Africa (ILCA).
Debnath, N.C., Sil, B.K., Selim, S.A., Prodhan, M.A., & Howlader ,M.M. (1990). Retrospective study of calf mortality and morbidity on smallholder traditional farms
in Bangladesh. Prev. Vet Med. 9(1), 1-7. Doi: 10.1016/0167-5877(90)90037-I
Demissu H., Fekadu B., & Gemeda, D. ( 2013). Early growth and reproductive performance of Horro cattle and their F1- Jersey crosses in and around Horro- Guduru livestock production and research center, Ethiopia. Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal, 2, 134-141.
Dinka H. (2012). Reproductive performance of cross breed dairy cows under smaller condition in Ethiopia. International Journal of Livestock Production, 3, 25-28. Doi: 10.5897/IJLP11.055
Fikadu S. & Tefera G.M. (1993). Causes of calf mortality in Adamitulu- Abernossa cattle ranch. In: Proceedings of the 7th conference of EVA. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2005. Data. Rome, Italy
Garoma, S. (2014). Reproductive and productive performance of Kereyu Sanga cattle Fentalle district of Oromia region, Ethiopia. Journal of Cell Animal Biology, 8, 28-33. Doi: 10.5897/JCAB2014.0404
Getinet M, Workneh A. & Hegde B.P. (2009). Growth and reproductive performance of Ogaden cattle at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production, 9, 13-38.
Giday Y.E. (2001). Assessment of calf crop productivity and total herd life of Fogera cows at Andassa ranch in Northwestern Ethiopia (MSc Thesis), Haromaya University, Ethiopia.
Gifawosen T, Geberewold A, Tegegne A., & Diediou, M.L., Hegde, B. (2003). Study on reproductive efficiency of Borana and its crosses at Holeta research farm: Effect of genotype, management and environment.
Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production,
, 89-108.
Goshu G, Belihu K. & Beruhun A. (2007). Effect of parity, season and year on reproductive performance and herd life of Friesian cows at Stella private dairy farm, Ethiopia. Livestock Resources Rural Development, 19, p7.
Habib M.A., Bhuiyan, A.K., & Amin, M.R. (2010). Reproductive performance of red Chittagong cattle in a nucleus herd. Bang J Anim Sci., 39, 9-19. Doi: 10.3329/bjas.v39i1-2.9673
Habtamu L, Kelay B & Dessie S. (2010). Study on the reproductive performance of jersey cows at Wolaita Sodo dairy farm, Southern Ethiopia. Ethiopian Veterinary Journal, 14, 53-70.
Hafez, E.S.(1993). Reproduction in Farm Animals, Philadelphia. USA: Lea & Febiger Publishing.
Haile A., Joshi, B.K, Workneh A. Azage T., & Singh, A. (2009). Genetic evaluation of Borana cattle and their crosses with Holstein Friesian in central Ethiopia: Reproduction traits. Journal of Agricultural Science, 147, 81-89.
Haile-Mariam M., & Mekonnen G. (1996). Reproductive performance of Zebu, Friesian and Friesian-Zebu crosses. Tropical Agriculture, 72, 142–147.
Haile-Mariam M., & Mekonnen G. (1987). Reproductive performance of Fogera cattle and their Friesian crosses. Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Science, 9, 95-
Hannotte, O., Tawah C., Bradley, D. Y. (2000). Geographic distribution and frequency of a taurine Bos taurus and an indicine Bos indicus specific allele
amongst sub-Saharan African cattle breeds. Mol Ecol, 9(4), 387-396.
Hanotte, O., Bradley, D.G., Ochieng, J.W., Verjee, Y., Hill, E.W., & Rege, J.E. (2002). African pastoralism: Genetic imprints of origins and migrations. Science, 296(5566): 336-339. Doi:
1126/science. 1069878
Ibramhim, N.A., Abraha A.. & Mulugeta S. (2011). Assessment of reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cattle (Holstein Friesian ×Zebu) in Gondar town. Global veterinary, 6, 561-566.
International Livestock Center for Africa (ILCA (1985). Productivity of Borana cattle maintained by chemoprophylaxis under trypanosomiasis risk. Research report 9. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Kifaro, G.C., & Tembra, E.A. (1990). Calf mortality and culling rates in two dairy farms in Ivinga region, Tanzania. In: Proceedings of Tanzanian society of animal production (TSAP), Tanzania, 138-146.
Kivaria, F.M., Noordhuizen, J.P., & Kapaga,
A.M. (2006). Prospects and constraints of small holder dairy husbandry in Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania. Outlook on agriculture, 35(3), 209-215. Doi: 10.5367/ F000000006778536819
Kiwuwa, H.G., Trail, C.M., Kurtu, Y.M., Getachew W, Anderson, M.F., & Durkin,
J. (1983). Crossbred dairy cattle productivity in Arsi region, Ethiopia. ILCA research paper
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia..
Lobago, F., Bekana, M., Gustafsson, H., & Kindahl, H. (2006). Reproductive performances of dairy cows in smallholder production system in Selalle, Central Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health
Production, 38, 333-342. Doi: 10.1007/s11250-006-4328-1
Loftus, R., & Cunningham, P. (2000). Molecular genetic analysis of African zeboid populations.
Lopez D. (1985). Reproductive characteristics of cattle in the tropics: Growth traits. Cub J Agric Sci., 19, 125-135.
Masama, E., Kusina, K.T., Sibanda, S., &
Majoni, C. (2003). Reproduction and lactation performance of cattle in a smallholder dairy system in Zimbabwe. Tropical Animal Health Production, 35, 117-129. Doi: 10.1023/A:1022821418031
Mekonnen H.M., Banjaw K., Gebremeskel T., & Ketema H. (1993). Productivity of Borana cattle and their Friesian crosses at Abernossa ranch, rift valley of Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health Production, 25(4), 239-248.
Mekonnen H.M. (1998). Factor influencing pre- weaning calf mortality rate and cow productivity index in Ethiopian Borana cattle. In: Proceeding of the 6th World Congress on Genetic Applied to Livestock Production. Armidale NSW 2351, Australia: University of New England, 230-236.
Mekuriaw G., Ayalew W., & Hegde, P.B. (2009). Growth and reproductive performance of Ogaden cattle at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production, 9, 13-38.
Melaku M, Zeleke M., Getinet M., & Mengistie
T. (2011). Reproductive performances of Fogera cattle at Metekel cattle breeding and multiplication ranch, Northwest Ethiopia. Journal of Animal Feed Resources, 1(3), 99-106.
Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). (2010.).
Second Five year national livestock
development plan of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Mortan, J.B. (2011). Factor affecting high mortality rates of dairy replacement calves and heifers in tropics and strategies for reduction. Journal of Animal Sciences, 24(9), 1318-1328. Doi: 10.5713/ ajas. 2011.
Mukasa-Mugerwa (1989). Reproductive performance of female bos indicus (Zebu) cattle. A review 6, 45-104.
Mukasa-Mugerwa, E., Tegegne, A., Mesfin T., & Teklu Y.(1991). Reproductive efficiency of Bos indicus (zebu) cows under artificial insemination management in Ethiopia. Animal Reproduction Sciences, 24(1-2), 63-72. Doi: 10.1016/0378-4320(91)90082- B
Munim, T., Hussain, S.S., Hoque, M.A., & Khandoker, MAMY. (2006). Genetic and non-genetic effects on productive and reproductive traits of different genetic groups of cows. Bang J Animal Science, 35, 1-12.
Mureda E., Mukuriaw Z. (2007).Reproductive performance of cross bred dairy cows in Eastern Lowlands of Ethiopia. Livestock Resources and Rural Development, 19, 161.
Negussie E., Brannang E., Banjaw K. & Rottmann, O.U. (1998). Reproductive performance of dairy cattle at Asella livestock farm Arsi, Ethiopia: indigenous cows versus their F1- crosses. Journal of Animal Breed Genetics, 115(4), 267-280. Doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.1998. tb00348.x
Nuraddis, I., Shebir, A., & Shiferaw, M. (2011). Assessment of reproductive performance of crossbred cattle (Holstein Friesian X
Zebu) in Gondar Town. Global Veterinary, 6, 561-566.
Ojango, J.M., Malmfors, B., & Okeyo, A.M. (2006). Animal Genetics Training Resource, version II (AGTR). International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya, and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
Ouda, J.O., Kitilit, J.K., Indetie, D., & Irungu, K.R.(2001). The effects of milking on lactation and growth of pre-weaning calves of grazing Borana cattle. East African Agriculture and Forestry Journal, 67, 73-
Doi: 10.1080/00128325.2001.11663338
Radostits, O.M., Gay, C., Blood, D.C., & Hincheliff, K.W. (1994). A Text Book of Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Goats and Horses (8th edition). London, UK: Bailliere Tindall.
Rege, J.E., Ayalew W., Getahun E., Hanotte, O., Dessie & T. (2006). Domestic Animal Genetic Resources Information System(DAGRIS) . International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Shiferaw Y., Tenhagn B.A., Bekana M., & Kassa
T. (2003). Reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows in different production systems in the central Highlands of Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health Production. 35(6), 551-561.
Swensson, C., Scharr, J., Brannang, E., & Meskel, L.B. (1981). Breeding activities of
the Ethio-Swedish integrated rural development project III. Reproductive performance of zebu and cross bred cattle. World Animal Review, 38, 31-36
Tegegne A., Galal E.S., Beyene & K. (1981). A study on the production of local zebu and F1- cross bred (European ×Zebu) cows: number of service per conception, gestation length and day open till conception. Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Science, 3, 1-14.
Yifat, D., Bahilibi, W., & Desie S. (2012). Reproductive performance of Borana cows of Tatesa cattle breeding center. Advanced Biology Research, 6(3), 101-
Doi: 10.5829/idosi.abr.2012.6.3.63145
Yifat, D., Kelay, B., Bekana M., Lobago, F., Gustafsson, H., & Kindahl, H. (2009). Study on reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cattle under smallholder conditions in and around Zeway, Ethiopia. Livestock Research Rural Development, 21, 1-6
Yohannes A., Tegegne A., & Kassa T. (2001). Reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows at Asella Livestock Research Station, Arsi, Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production, 1, 1-12.
Zafar, A.H., Ahmad, M., & Rehman, S.U.(2008). Study of some performance traits in Sahiwal cows during different periods. Pakistani Veterinary Journal, 28, 84-88.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
License
Copyright (c) 2019 Journal of Science, Technology and Arts Research
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
STAR © 2023 Copyright; All rights reserved
