Major factors influencing the reproductive performance of dairy farms in Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted from November 2011 to April 2012 with the objective of assessing major factors influencing the reproductive performance of dairy cattle in selected farms of Mekelle city. Thirty two dairy farms; 19 from private, 11 from cooperative and 2 from government were randomly selected. Total number of dairy cattle were 798; of which, 380 were from private farm, 373 were from cooperatives and 45 were from governmental. Data were collected by using questionnaire survey and observational study through regular visit during the study periods with the interval of once per week. According to the collected data from the respondents, 203 (25.44%) Repeat breeder, anestrus, retained fetal membrane, abortion and dystocia were the major reproductive disorders with the prevalence rate of 27.2%, 18.2%, 15.8%, 13.3% and 8.7%, respectively; whereas metritis, uterine prolapse and vaginal prolapse prevalence rate were 6.9%, 5.9% and 3.9%, respectively. According to the data collected from respondents and observational study, there were variations in feeding, watering, housing, hygienic and reproductive management practices. Hence, in addition to reproductive disorders, managemental practices had an effect on the reproductive performance of dairy cattle.