Assessment of Reproductive Performance and Problems in Crossbred (Holstein Friesian X Zebu) Dairy Cattle in and Around Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted in and around Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia from November 2013 to May 2014 with the aims to assess reproductive performance and prevalence of reproductive problems in crossbred (Holstein Friesian x Zebu) dairy cattle. A questionnaire survey methodology was used. The study sampled 177 randomly selected dairy farms comprising 1013 crossbred dairy cattle (736 cows and 277 heifers). The mean age at first service, age at first calving, first postpartum estrus and calving interval were 24.8 months, 35.3 months, 114.5 days and 401.5 days, respectively. Prevalence rates of reproductive problems recorded in the study area were anestrus (37.8%), repeat-breeding (21.0%), dystocia (11.6%), retained fetal membranes (11.5%), endometritis (6.6%), abortion (6.4%), prolapsed uterus/vagina (2.9%), stillbirth (2.0%) and freemartin (0.2%). Incidence of abortion did not vary with parity and stages of gestation. Breeding and the possible causes of missing insemination/mating while animals were in estrus are problematic. In conclusion, this study has revealed that the reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cattle was not optimal, and anestrus, repeat-breeding, dystocia, retained fetal membranes, endometritis and abortion were the major reproductive problems. More effective breeding and reproductive health management should be considered to improve the fertility of this crossbred cattle herd. Awareness and training should be provided to the farming community to improve the productivity in the region.