Seasonal variation in morbidity pattern in cattle by log-linear model approach

Abstract

The present study was carried out to understand the seasonal variations in pattern of various diseases in cattle of Pune division of Maharashtra state of India during January 2010 to December 2010. Data of 1538 cattle (both dairy and beef, both male and female), mostly cross-breds, were collected from randomly selected 421 livestock owners by stratified two-stage random sampling design from study area. A log-linear model was used to understand the seasonal variation in incidence of various diseases in cattle. Out of total 1538 cattle, 342 cattle were found affected due to various diseases during study period. The chi-square analysis of data revealed that there was unlike pattern of incidences of various diseases in three seasons. Overall incidence of all diseases was high in winter (41.23%) followed by rainy (39.18%) than that of in summer (19.59%). Overall incidences of reproductive diseases (17.84%) and digestive diseases (11.11%) were major problems in whole study period. A log-linear modelling showed that the odds of incidences of reproductive diseases were significantly higher in summer as well as in rainy season than in winter season. Winter season was dominated by occurrences of digestive diseases as compared to any other diseases. It is suggested that field veterinarians and personnel in animal husbandry sector should give emphasis on providing more information to farmers regarding adoption of standard managemental practices to avoid losses due to reproductive diseases, digestive diseases and other problems in different seasons.