Abstract
Aim:This study was conducted to determine the incidence of major reproductive problems of dairy cattle reared under a semi-intensive system by small and marginal farmers in Meghalaya province of North-Eastern India.Materials and Methods:In a 3 years study, a total of 576 crossbred dairy cattle (212 Holstein Friesian cross and 364 Jersey cross) from all districts (n=11) of Meghalaya were assessed with the survey, clinical examination, and personal observations.Results:Out of the total animal assessed, 33.85% (n=195) were found to be affected with one or more of the clinical reproductive problems. Repeat breeding (RB), anestrus, retention of fetal membrane, and abortion were found to be the major clinical reproductive problems. Out of the total animal affected with reproductive disorders, the incidence of anestrus, RB, retention of fetal membrane, and abortion was found to be 31.79% (n=62), 24.61% (n=48), 14.35% (n=28), and 11.25% (n=22), respectively. In addition, dystocia (5.12%), prolapse (1.53%), endometritis (4.61%), and pyometra (6.66%) were minor clinical reproductive problems. There was a significant difference in the incidence of reproductive disorders with respect to breed, age, and parity.Conclusion:It was revealed from this study that RB, anestrus, retention of fetal membrane, and dystocia are the major clinical reproductive problems in Meghalaya. Results indicated unsatisfactory feeding, housing, and health management practices are the main cause of low fertility of dairy cows. Lack of scientific knowledge, low access to breeding, and health services further contributed to low productivity and fertility.
Highlights
Meghalaya, the North-Eastern province of India, is located between 20°1′ and 26°5′ North latitudes and 85°49′ and 92°52′ East latitudes
The study was conducted for 3 years from 2010 to 2013 to determine the prevalence of reproductive diseases in randomly selected 576 crossbred dairy cattle covering all districts of Meghalaya, India
Reproductive disorders reported in this study were anestrus (31.79%), Repeat breeding (RB) (24.61%), retention of fetal membrane (14.35%), abortions (11.25%), dystocia (5.12%), prolapse (1.53%), endometritis (4.61%), and pyometra (6.66 %) irrespective of breed, age, and parity of the cow (Table-1)
Summary
The North-Eastern province of India, is located between 20°1′ and 26°5′ North latitudes and 85°49′ and 92°52′ East latitudes. The state has rich natural resources, and the climate ranges from tropical and subtropical to temperate. The state has almost 69.7% forest coverage and receives heavier rainfall (average rainfall 2000 mm) [1]. The annual maximum temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C during winter and 25-35°C during summer season over different places [1]. The animal husbandry is the main component of agriculture development in India and in North-Eastern part of the country owing to the hilly terrain and undulating topography where agriculture is largely rain fed. Dairy production in this part of the country has not been viewed seriously because of less
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
