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Small Holder Dairy Production System and Assessment of Reproductive Problems of Dairy Cattle at Nunu Kumba District, East Wallagga, Oromia, Ethiopia

Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Dr. Misgana Duguma (DVM, MVSC, Associate Professor) A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire survey was conducted from November 2023 to June 2024 in order to identify major reproductive health disorders in dairy cattle and associated risk factors in a subset of smallholder farms, as well as to characterize smallholder dairy cattle production systems in the study area. The study's sample units were dairy cows reared on extensive and semi-intensive dairy farms in study areas set aside for dairy purposes. Interviews were done with 300 owners who were chosen at random from a selection of farms. A targeted sample procedure was used to choose the district kebele, and simple random sampling techniques were used to select dairy farm owners and workers when the questionnaire was being interviewed. In order to assess reproductive concerns, a questionnaire survey, focus groups, and a retrospective analysis of the veterinary clinic's one year case book in the research area were conducted during the study periods. Participating in this study were about 170 male and 130 female respondents from the district's three kebele (Adere, Birinqas, and Dalati). 63 (21%) of the respondents in the research area possessed record data regarding their dairy cattle. Of those surveyed, over half (59%) retained dairy cattle of the local breed. The majority of smallholders sampled (79%) feed concentrates and straw to their cows. Roughly 61% of those surveyed stated that although their animals came into heat, they have never successfully mated or been inseminated. The major reproductive disorders recorded with high prevalence in the present study included fetal membrane retention (41.67%), dystocia (23.3%), Abortion at various stages of pregnancy (13.33%), vaginal prolapse (6.67%), and uterine prolapse (5%). while reproductive problems with lower incidence rates included, hypocalcaemia, metritis and pyometra at 5%, 1.67%, and 3.33%, respectively. In general, retained fetal membranes, dystocia, uterine prolapse, and abortion were found to be the major reproductive health problems in the study area. It is recommended to improve the management system, select the best bulls and insemination time in the breeding system, regularly check cows, feed them a balanced diet, and practice good cleanliness in order to lower the prevalence of reproductive health disorders. Key words: Dairy cows, Nunu Kumba, Reproductive problem
DOI: 10.20372/nadre:15358
Author: Gemechu Mijena Iticha
Language: English
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6944969053
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