Boran Breed Research Articles

Performance of Boran and Two Strains of Tanzania Short Horn Zebu Cattle Fed on Three Different Diets

A 3x3 factorial experiment was carried out to assess the performance of Boran breed (BRN), Iringa Red (IRR) and Singida White (SWT) strains of cattle fed on three different diets (D1, D2, and D3) under a feedlot condition. The diets contained hominy feed plus molasses (D1 or control), molasses and cassava meal (D2) and rice polishing (D3) as main energy sources. In addition, they contained sunflower seed cake as protein source, minerals and vitamins premix. Fifty-four (54) bulls of equal numbers of each strain, aged between 2 and 2.5 years and average initial weight of 194 ± 12.6 kg were randomly allocated in the three diets and housed in a feedlot structure. They were fed individually with their respective dietary treatments for 80 days, during which data on feed intake and growth performance were recorded. Thereafter 45 bulls with equal number of strains were slaughtered, and carcass characteristics were assessed and gross margins computed. The CP contents (g/kg) in the diets were highest in D2 (155), followed by D1 (141.7) and lowest (130) in D3. There were no significant (P>0.05) interaction effect of diet and breed/strain in all the parameters assessed on performance. Bulls fed on D2 grew faster (0.99 kg/d) and attained greater final weight (269.9 kg) and heavier carcasses (140.8 kg) followed by those fed on D1 with mean values of (0.92 kg/d), (258.1 kg) and (131.5 kg), respectively. The average dressing percentage followed a similar trend, being higher (P<0.05) in bulls fed on D2 (52.4) compared to those on D1 (51.7) and D3 (51.1). The BRN bulls had faster growth rates (1.04 kg/d) followed by the IRR (0.83 g/d), which had similar (P>0.05) average daily gain to that of SWT (0.83 g/d). The final weight of BRN bulls (267.4 kg) was not different (P>0.05) from that of IRR (257.5 kg), which was also found to be similar (P>0.05) to that of SWT (251.2 kg). The hot carcass weights followed similar trend, BRN having carcass weight (138.2 kg) similar (P>0.05) to IRR (130.4 kg), which happened to be not different (P>0.05) from that of SWT (129.3 kg). The mean dressing percentage was higher (P<0.05) for BRN (52.2) than other strains. It is concluded that value of weight gains and slaughter characteristics of Iringa red are comparable to those of Boran, thus for feedlot finishing farmers should be advised to select and use Iringa red bulls to obtain high carcass and large profit.

Semen quality of progeny-tested breeding bulls maintained at the National Artificial Insemination Centre, Arusha, Tanzania

The success or failure of artificial insemination (AI) depends on the quality of semen used. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of breed, age, collection period, and ejaculate number on semen quality collected from 15 breeding bulls available at the centre with different ages (4 Friesian, 4 Ayrshire, 3 Jersey, 2 Simmental and 2 Boran breeds) maintained at National Artificial Insemination Center (NAIC), Arusha, Tanzania. A total of 600 ejaculates were collected for four weeks per month consecutively from January to May 2022, weekly per bull and twice a day; morning (6.00 - 9.00 AM) and evening (3.00 - 6.00 PM) sessions). The ejaculates were first examined visually for volume, color, foreign bodies, and consistency whereas sperm concentration (SPC), progressive motility (PM) and total motility (TM) were assessed using Computer Assisted Semen Analysis System (CASA). Viability/vitality (SPVI) and morphology (SPNR) of sperms were analyzed microscopically after staining with Eosin-Nigrosin. Data were subjected to SAS program and results showed that ejaculate volume, progressive motility, total motility, sperm viability, and morphology were significantly (P<0.05) affected by age and collection period. Simmental, Friesian, and Ayrshire bulls produced more voluminous semen than Jersey and Boran bulls. Jersey bulls had higher (P<0.05) sperm concentrations and live spermatozoa as compared to other bulls. Boran and Jersey's bulls exhibited higher PM and TM than the other bulls. The period of semen collection (morning versus evening) negatively affected semen volume, total motility, and semen viability in which morning harvests performed better than evening collections. Middle aged bulls (3-5 years) produced semen of higher quality compared to other groups (< 3 years and > 5 years old bulls). In conclusion, age, breed, period of semen production and ejaculate number revealed significant effect on bovine semen characteristics.

Effect of the DGAT1 K232A mutation and breed on milk traits in cattle populations of Ethiopia

Non-conservative K232A substitution in the diacylglycerol acyl-CoA acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) gene has been reported to explain variation in milk traits in cattle. The objective of this study was to estimate allele and genotype frequencies and to assess associations between K232A variants and milk yield and composition in cattle populations of Ethiopia. Blood samples for genomic DNA extraction and milk samples for analysis of milk components were collected from 92 randomly selected cattle of five Ethiopian breeds. Gene-specific primers were used to amplify 278 bp of the exon 8 region of DGAT1. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated using Power Marker, and the GLM function of SAS software was used to assess the associations of detected genetic variation with milk traits. Boran * Holstein Friesian (HF) crosses produced a higher daily milk yield than the other breeds (p< 0.05), whereas the Boran and Begait breeds produced milk with higher fat and protein contents (p< 0.05), and Horro produced milk with a higher content of lactose, than the other breeds studied (p< 0.05). Alleles K and A and genotypes AA, KA, and KK were detected. The frequency of K232 ranged from 0.50 in Boran * HF crosses to 0.97 in the Horro population. The frequency of the KK and KA genotypes in the zebu population ranged from 0.50 to 0.94 and from 0.03 to 0.50, respectively. The AA genotype was associated with higher milk yield in Boran * HF crosses, whereas the KA genotype was associated with higher milk yield in the zebu populations (p< 0.05). The fat and lactose contents of milk produced with the KA genotype were lower than those of milk produced with the KK genotype in all genetic groups (p< 0.05). Substitution of one copy of the K allele led to a significant (p< 0.05) increase in fat content, of up to 0.81%, a decrease in daily milk yield of up to 3 L, and a decrease in lactose content of 0.58% in the sampled populations. The association study confirmed that the DGAT1 K232A marker had significant effects on daily milk yield, milk fat and lactose contents in the investigated cattle. These results suggested that the DGAT1 K232A marker may be utilized to accelerate future molecular breeding of dairy cattle, tropical zebu, their crossbreeds, after validation in a larger population.

Genetic survey in smallholder dairy production system of Southern province of Zambia.

Milk production among the smallholder dairy farmers in Zambia is reported to be low despite improvements in milk collection infrastructure and unmet demand by the populace. This study was conducted to characterize cattle breeds and the breeding strategies of the smallholder dairy production system in the Southern province of Zambia. The study was conducted using questionnaires to obtain responses from identified respondents in six districts considered the main dairy cattle producing areas. One hundred and twenty questionnaires were administered and available for descriptive statistical analysis. The cattle genetic groups included local (Tonga and Angoni) breeds and their crosses (40.0%); beef (Boran and Brahman) breeds and their crosses (23.3%); Friesian breed and its crosses (28.8%); Jersey breed and its crosses (4.9%); and Fleckvieh breed (3.0%). Calving rate was found to be to be between 36% and 50% for the dairy herds. Compared to the other genetic groups, it was noted that Friesian and its crosses had higher milk production (3.55 L vs. 1.4L). The low milk yield reported could be attributed to the period of study, which coincided with the long dry season between April and October. The Friesian and its crosses recorded earlier age at first calving (2.65 vs. 2.8 years), shorter longevity (10.5 vs. 12.25 years), and shorter lactation length (7.5 vs. 9.25 months). Jersey and its crosses, on the other hand, had an above average performance for all indices of economic importance such as milk production, lactation length, age at first calving, longevity, and number of calves produced. The results indicated natural mating was practised by 85% of the farmers. Farmer-preferred traits include size and conformation (23%); performance and colour (16% and 15%, respectively) in the choice of a bull. Selection by farmers were thus based on simple observation without pedigree or performance-based genetic evaluation. It was apparent that the smallholder dairy production system is in a shifting trend to transform the mainly local and beef breed animals into dairy herds through crossing with exotic dairy breeds. The production system is, however, faced with the challenges of water and feed supply to meet nutritional requirements, and high disease burden. Jersey breed was found to be a logical choice for the resource poor smallholder dairy farmers. The development and management of the smallholder dairy breeding schemes should be all-inclusive and directed at the prevalent production systems with the aim of also improving the feeding and management practices.

A Seroprevalence Study of Brucellosis in Boran (Zebu) Breeds of Pastoral Area.

PurposeThe economic and health implications of brucellosis are of particular concern in developing countries, primarily in the vulnerable sector of rural herders. A cross-sectional study was done in Boran breeds to estimate the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis, identify risk variables and assess public health implications in Borena zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia in the questionnaire survey.MethodsThe sampling animals were chosen from smallholders using a simple random sampling procedure. The study involved a total of 788 animals. Animals of both sex and different age groups with the age of 6 months or above found during the study interval were included. The Rose Bengal plate test was used to screen sera, and positive samples were subsequently retested using a Direct Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for confirmation.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis was 7.6% (60/788) in the Direct Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay test. Herd size, age, history of abortion, testicular hygroma, and retained fetal membrane were statistical significance for the Brucella seropositivity (P<0.05). Whereas, district, sex, body condition score, and management did not influence the disease occurrence (P>0.05). The majority of the participants, 91.7% (55/60) did not aware of the zoonotic implications of brucellosis. Only 10% (6/60) of interviewed respondents disposed of aborted fetuses and retained fetal membrane properly and the rest 90% (54/60) left in the environment. Ninety percent and 83.3% of the respondents revealed that they consumed raw milk and meat, respectively.ConclusionThe presence of Brucella infection is highly correlated with age, history of abortion, and testicular hygroma. According to the collected data: sex, body condition score, district, and management had no statistically significant effect on Brucella occurrence. The majority of respondents were unaware of the disease’s zoonotic consequences. Finally, creating community awareness about its transmission, zoonotic significance, and hygienic practices were recommended.

English

This work was conducted to study the breeding soundness of semen producing bulls, their semen quality to functional tests and the inter relationship of these functional tests with spermatozoa motility percentage for the semen produced at National Animal Genetic Improvement Institute (NAGII). A total of 14 breeding bulls (Boran = 4, Crosses of 75% Holstein Frisian &times; 25% Boran = 4 and Holstein Frisian = 6) with respective ejaculates of 35, 33 and 57 for semen quality evaluations were considered. After physical examination of bulls for breeding soundness, semen samples were tested for functional and structural (spermatozoa acrosome integrity, viability and hypo osmotic swelling reactivity) tests and spermatozoa motility percentage using subjective and objective (computer assisted semen analysis; CASA) evaluation methods, to see the correlation of functional tests with spermatozoa motility percentage. And in the study, nevertheless, significant differences between Cross and HF breeds were not recorded for the breeding soundness evaluation parameters and for most of the semen quality parametric test values; significantly (P &lt; 0.05) minimal and highest parametric values of the breeding soundness evaluation and semen quality were recorded in Boran and HF breeds, respectively. All the functional semen quality evaluation tests (HOST, acrosome integrity, sperm morphological defect and viability) were related in one or the other to the objective CASA individual spermatozoa motility evaluation; which were not true with subjective individual spermatozoa motility estimation. Therefore, conducting stringent breeding soundness evaluation for these breeds and evaluating their individual spermatozoa motility percentage using CASA system instead of subjective motility estimation can screen good quality semen and subsequently make possible to predict their fertility potential. Key words: Boran, correlation, cross-breed, Holstein-Frisian, semen.

Assessment of Dairy Cattle Breeding Practices and Reproduction Performances in Derashe District, Southern Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Derashe District, Southern Ethiopia with the aim of assessing the breeding practices and the reproductive performance of crossbred and local cows in the district. Field observations, key informant discussion and structured questionnaire were used to generate data. The district was stratified in to three agro-ecologies namely highland (2301-2622 m.a.s.l), mid-altitude (1501-2300 m.a.s.l) and lowland (below1500 m.a.s.l) with a total of 149 respondents. The number of respondents were determined by using probability proportional to size-sampling technique. The overall average cattle herd size in the study areas was 9.5 of local cows and crossbreds. However, the average cattle herd size of crossbred and local cows was 9.5 headsper household. Age at first services, age at first calving, days open, calving intervals and number of services per conception of HF in the mid-altitude were 19.85±1.101months, 28.519±1.354 months, 141.111±6.435 days, 22.815±0.912 months and 1.781±0.102, respectively. Age at first services, age at first calving, days open, calving intervals and number of services per conception of Jersey crosses were 24.09±0.513 months, 33.09±0.5 month, 152.273±3.835 days, 24.455±0.312 months and 1.982±0.018, respectively. Age at first service, age at first calving, days open, calving intervals and number of services per conception rate of local cows were 39.414±0.552 months, 48.483±0.558 months, 170.624±0.882 days, 26.559±0.321 months and 2.009±0.005, respectively. The overall daily milk yield of HF crosses, Jersey crosses and local cows in the study areas was 8.344±0.576, 4.06±0.248, and 1.971±0.052 liters, respectively(P&lt;0.05). The mean lactation length of HF crosses, Jersey crosses and local cows was 8.62±0.233, 7.51±0.552 and 7.40±0.076 months, respectively (P&lt;0.05). Poor extension and shortage of AI services were the major problems in the study area. The opportunities for improving dairying are suitable climatic condition, road access, AI services and increased demand of dairy products by increasing human population. Generally, dairy cattleproduction in the study district was subsistent type of production. Except for mid-altitude dairy producers, the highland and lowland farmers did not focus on dairy production. The local Zebu, Boran and unknown breed types are dominant cattle population in highland and lowland areas of the district which were associated with low productivity. In order to alleviate these problems, farmers should be halped to have awareness to use AI services.

Pathology of Bovine Tuberculosis in Three Breeds of Dairy Cattle and Spoligotyping of the Causative Mycobacteria in Ethiopia.

Different breeds of cattle were observed to have a variable degree of susceptibility to bovine tuberculosis (bTB). The screening of bTB was conducted on 720 dairy cattle consisting of three breeds using the single intradermal cervical comparative tuberculin (SICCT) test. Besides this, 43 SICCT test-positive cattle were used to compare the severity of the pathology of bTB among the three breeds and to identify the causative mycobacteria using spoligotyping. The overall SICCT test positivity was 17.92% (129/720) by pooling all animals in the three farms. There was a significant difference in SICCT test positivity among the three breeds (χ2 = 71.06; p < 0.001); the highest (25.34%) was recorded in the crossbreed followed by the Boran breed (10.08%), while the least (3.14%) was recorded in the Jersey breed. On other hand, the highest median pathology score (10.0, interquartile range, IQR = 6.0–17.0) was recorded in Boran followed by cross (5.0, IQR = 3.5–7.5), while the least (3.0, IQR = 2.25–3.0) was recorded in Jersey. Thus, the difference in the median pathology scores was significant [Kruskal Wallis = 18.78, p < 0.001] among the three breeds. Furthermore, multivariate analysis using ordinal logistic regression by considering age, sex, breed, reproductive status, and location of the farms also showed a significant [ = 11.97, p < 0.01] difference in pathology scores among the three breeds of cattle. Even at a single-herd level at Holeta, the difference in severity of pathology between the Boran and crossbreeds was significant (U = 33.5; p < 0.01). Culture positivity was 39% in 108 suspicious tissues. Fourteen Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) and two Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) were isolated from the lesions. All the 14 M. bovis isolates belonged to SB0912, while the two M. tuberculosis belonged to SIT54. In conclusion, although the frequency of the SICCT test positivity was high in the crossbreed, a more severe pathology was observed on the Boran (zebu) breed. In addition M. tuberculosis was isolated from TB lesions of dairy cattle, demonstrating the role of M. tuberculosis in causing TB in cattle.

Morphometrical study of the reproductive tract in Boran (Bos indicus) heifers in Ethiopia

Boran breed is the most suitable type of cattle breed for arid and semi-arid regions of Ethiopia due to their adaptive characteristics. Understanding their reproductive anatomy is important for successful reproductive management and has many implications for the application of assisted reproductive technology, and interpretation of physiological changes at different stages of their reproductive cycle. In this study, data of the anatomical structures of the reproductive organs of 20 Boran heifers were measured and characterized at different stages of reproduction. The mean (±SE) length (L) of the vagina, cervix, and body of uterus were 13.17±2.98 cm, 7.19±1.28 cm, and 6.70±1.08cm, respectively. The mean (±SE) length of the right uterine horn and oviduct was 18.47 ±2.54 and 18.17 ±1.27cm, respectively and that of the left were 18.05±2.73 and 17.45±1.80 cm, respectively. The mean ±SE weight (W) of right and left ovaries were 2.44±1.51 gm and 2.44±1.51 gm, respectively. The mean ±SE Length x Width x Thickness of the right ovary was 2.10±0.59 x 1.75±0.35 x 0.83±0.36 and that of the left was 1.97±0.41 x 1.58±0.29 x 0.67±0.33 cm. The mean (±SE) weight of the whole reproductive organ (without the vulva) was 301.35±66.34gm. The ovarian size was influenced by the presence of the corpus luteum(CL) usually larger with its presence.

Influence of breed on the quality of in vivo produced embryos from Boran and Holstein Friesian cross dairy breed in Ethiopia

The variation of the dairy breed can determine the success of bovine embryo transfer by influencing the quantity and quality of in vivo embryo production. In this experiment, output and quality of in vivo produced embryos using semen of progeny tested Holstein Friesian (HF) sire in Boran and HF*Boran F1 cross cows, and semen from purebred Boran sire in HF*Boran F1 cross and Boran cows were evaluated. Boran (n=18) and HF*Boran cross (n=18) breed donor dams were superovulated using a previously optimized follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) (Pluset®) dose regimen: 650 IU for HF*Boran cross and 250 IU for Boran breeds. Each cow was flushed on Day-7 post insemination and embryos were evaluated for their developmental stages and quality. Superovulatory response rates were 88.9% and 83.3%, respectively, for Boran and HF*Boran with no significant (P&gt;0.05) breed differences. Total recovery rates were relatively lower (56.5%) in Boran compared to in HF*Boran (67.4%). The mean (±SE) embryo flush outputs were 6.5±0.8 for Boran and 6.9±0.7 forHF*Boran with no significant breed difference. Recovery of a transferrable embryo was significantly higher (68.0%; P&lt;0.05) in HF*Boran dam inseminated with HF sire semen. Boran cows yielded a significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) proportion of unfertilized ovum (57.6 %) irrespective of the sire breeds. Comparatively, a higher number of degenerated embryos were produced by HF*Boran cows. This study demonstrated that the presence of breed-related differences in both the quality and quantity of in vivo produced Bovine embryos.

English

At present, frozen-thawed semen is used extensively for artificial insemination (AI) in Ethiopia. However, subjective semen quality assessment is still practiced by the semen processing organizations of the country. In this study, motility and motion characteristics of spermatozoa were assessed by using integrated semen analysis system (ISAS) to diagnose breed differences in quality of semen. Semen was collected from 14 breeding bulls (Boran = 4, Crosses of 75 % Holstein Frisian ËŸ 25% Boran = 4 and Holstein Frisian = 6). After initial subjective assessment, the semen was evaluated at fresh, chilled and frozen stages for various sperm motion characteristics using integrated semen analysis system (ISAS&reg; v1, Proiser, Spain). PH, volume and morphological defects were differed significantly (P &lt; 0.05) among breeds. Significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) motility percentage (82.5%) was identified in Boran fresh semen. In contrast spermatozoa motion characteristics: Medium, medium progressive and slow types were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) in crosses. Individual motility percentage and spermatozoa motion types (medium and slow) were significantly low (P &lt; 0.05) in Boran chilled semen. In line with chilled semen significantly high motility percentage (42.9%) for frozen semen was observed in HF. The sperm kinematic parameters: Average path velocity (VAP, &micro;m/s), straight line velocity (VSL, &micro;m/s), curvilinear velocity (VCL, &micro;m/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, &micro;m), beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz) and straightness (STR) percentage were differed significantly (P &lt; 0.05) among the three breeds at all stages of semen production. The smallest kinematic values of all parameters except for LIN, STR and WOB of fresh semen were recorded in cross breed bulls at all stages of production. On the other hand significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) values for all the parameters (VCL, VAP, VSL, ALH, BCF, LIN, STR and WOB) of frozen semen were recorded in Boran breed. Thus it is possible to conclude that breed has influence on motility and motion characteristics of bull spermatozoa at different stages of semen production. Key words: Boran, Integrated Semen Analysis System (ISAS), kinematic parameters.

English

The study was conducted from December 2019 to May 2020 to evaluate the efficiency of local convectional semen and imported sexed semen on in vivo produced bovine embryo quality in Boran and HB cross breed donor cows in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. In this study, it was hypothesized that the breed of donor cows and types of semen can influence the quality of in vivo produced embryo as well as the number of transferable embryos. Randomized experimental design was employed, and a total of 20 donor cows (10 Boran and 10H*B cross) were superovulated and flushed excluding non-responsive donor cows. Donor cows were randomly assigned to two groups: Group-1- five donors inseminated with sexed semen and group-2- five other cows inseminated with convectional semen from each breed. The results of study showed that the embryo recovery rate was 68% in H*B crossbreds and 53% in Boran donor cows. A total of 121 embryos were produced of which, 60 were transferable embryos (36 from H*B crossbreds and 24 from Boran), 39 UFOs (31 from H*B crossbreds and 8 from Boran) and 22 degenerated embryos (12 from HB cross and 10 from Boran). The results of this study showed that the number of transferable embryos produced from donors inseminated with sexed semen and convectional semen was nearly similar. However, the number of defective embryos tended to be higher with sexed semen and the number of unfertilized oocytes is significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in crossbred cows. This finding suggests that farmer can use sexed semen to get sex specific dairy calves in both cattle genotypes. Key words: Breed, donor cows, superovulation.

Eating Quality of Beef from Arsi, Borana, and Harar Cattle Breed, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the eating qualities of Arsi, Borana, and Harar Cattle breeds in Ethiopia. A total of 39 bulls with age categories of - 6, and 7 - 9 years were used for the study. The bulls were purchased from mixed crop-livestock systems (Arsi and Harar) and Ranch (Borana) and slaughtered to evaluate the eating quality. WBSF device was used to evaluate instrumental tenderness while sensory panel testing was used to evaluate sensory tenderness, juiciness and flavor. The color of the meat was evaluated using Hunter Lab Mini Scan EZ while water holding capacity was evaluated using filter papers. A complete randomized design was used for the study. Breed significantly affected (P 0.0001) instrumental tenderness with beef from Harar and Boran bulls were very tender (18.55 ± 5.34, 20.34 ± 4.06N, respectively) while beef from Arsi bulls intermediate in tenderness (40.60 ± 0.51N). Beef from all age group of Harar and Boran breeds were very tender while beef from the Arsi breed was very tender for age 3 years, intermediate for 4 - 6 and tough for age group > 7 years of age. Flavor and juiciness was significantly (P 0.05) affected by breed. Flavor from Harar and Boran breeds were moderately liked while flavor from Arsi was liked slightly. Beef from Boran breed was ranked juicier than beef from Harar and Arsi breed. Borana ( 0.05) in lightness (L*) than Arsi and Harar indicating more quality beef from Borana breed. From the study it was concluded that Arsi bulls older than four years of age produced tougher beef suggesting the use of this breed for beef at early age while beef from Borana and Harar breed can be used to 9 years of age as they produce very tender meat.

Epidemiological Study on Bovine Tuberculosis in Boran Breeds Cattle at Yabello District, Southern, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Yabello district, Southern Ethiopia from December 2009 to April 2010 with the aim of an epidemiological survey of Bovine tuberculosis through different diagnostic approach Comparative Intradermal Tuberculin test (CIDT), Questionnaire survey, Abattoir inspection, Bacteriological, and Histopathological examination on animals presenting in the study area. A retrospective study of human TB cases recorded at Yabello Hospital over a six-year (2004-2009) period was also analyzed to determine the significance of the extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) form of human TB in the district. During the study period, 790 heads of local Boran breed cattle were included among which 540 heads of cattle were subjected for the CIDT test, while the remaining 250 heads were subjected only for abattoir inspection. The prevalence of gross tuberculous lesion positive samples was 16.4%. These samples were again collected for Ziehl Neelsen acid-fast stain and histopathological examination. The result of Ziehl Neelsen acid-fast stain has indicated that, 19.5% positive and 80.5% negative. There was a statistically significant association between the occurrence of the lesions and body condition score (BCS) (χ²=10.903, P=0.006). On the other hand, the result of the CIDT test has revealed 1.3% positive, 7.2% suspected, and 91.5% negative. All selected traits (sex, Age. BCS, and origin of the animal) measured with the PPD test did not show a statistically significant difference among the categories (p>0.05). Besides, a questionnaire survey conducted on 23 households of animal owners indicated that 95.7% had the habit of raw milk consumption. A retrospective study of human TB cases recorded for six years revealed that there was a 13.76% proportion of EPTB forms. The prevalence of BTB in the study area is slightly high when compared with the previous study. However, it needs further investigation and surveillance to explore the control and prevention methods of BTB and its zoonotic importance which requires the awareness of the population on the management of the disease and associated risk factors.

Level of Bruising and DFD Carcasses from Bulls of Arsi, Boran and Harar Cattle Breeds in Ethiopia

The objective of the study was to determine the level of Bruising and Dark Firm Dry on Arsi, Boran and Harar cattle breeds in Ethiopia. A total of 39 beef bulls from three different breeds (14 Boran, 14 Harar, and 11 Arsi cattle breeds) were used in this study. Based on the present finding, from 39 slaughtered beef bulls 66.7% was bruised and 30.77% produced DFD meat. Harar breed had the highest (39.1%) overall level of bruising while Boran and Arsi had the lowest level. However, Harar breed had the lowest level of DFD (14.29%). Age groups 3 - 6 and 6 - 9 years had the highest level of a bruise (29.70% and 28.10%, respectively) compared to age groups 2 - 3 years. The mean number of bruises per carcass was 1.96 ± 0.25 while the bruise score per carcass was 3.58 ± 0.68. A linear bruise was the most observed (33.33%) shape of a bruise. It was concluded that the level of bruising and DFD was higher compared to some other abattoir studies in other countries which indicated the possible presence of poor handling practice of cattle from farm to abattoir gates. To minimize the incidence of DFD and bruising, it was recommended that proper handling of cattle during loading, transport, unloading, at lairriage and during slaughter need to be practiced.

Carcass Weight, Meat Yield and Meat Cuts From Arado, Boran, Barka, Raya Cattle Breeds in Ethiopia

This study was conducted with the objective to evaluate carcass weight, meat yield and primal meat cuts of beef from Arado, Boran, Barka, Raya and nondescript cattle breeds slaughtered at export abattoirs in Ethiopia. Data was collected from Abergelle and Melgawendo export abattoirs in 2011. The result of the study revealed that the average live weight, warm carcass weight, cold carcass weight and warm dressing percentage of cattle slaughtered at the abattoirs studied were 241.41&amp;plusmn;0.37 kg, 106.93&amp;plusmn;0.21 kg, 101.19&amp;plusmn;0.18 kg and 44.21&amp;plusmn;0.05%, respectively. Live weight, carcass weight and dressing percentage were differ (P &amp;lt; 0.001) between abattoirs, seasons and breeds of cattle slaughtered. Average meat yield and yield percentage of cattle slaughtered at Abergelle abattoir was 61.56&amp;plusmn;0.94 kg and 67.81&amp;plusmn;0.33%, respectively. Meat yield and weight of primal meat cuts were different (P &amp;lt; 0.001) between breeds of cattle. Yield percentage was significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) different between seasons. Retailed meat yield was significantly predicted (R2 = 88.1%) from slaughter weights, Topside (R2 = 77.86), Silverside (75.64), Knuckle (R2 = 70.13), Striploin (R2 = 70.73), Tenderloin (R2 = 61.33), Shank (R2 = 64.55) and Rumpcap (R2 = 64.48). From the study it was concluded that Boran cattle was better in dressing percentage compared to most cattle breeds in Africa while the dressing percentage and meat yield of Arado, Barka and Raya breeds were less than the percent and yield reported for other zebu cattle in Africa. A strategy should be devised to improve the carcass weight, dressing percentage and retail able meat yield from local cattle in Ethiopia.

English

The aim of this study was to compare the embryonic developmental rates in the Southern African cattle breeds. To do this, cryopreserved semen straws from Nguni, Bonsmara, and Boran bulls were thawed at 38&deg;C and evaluated for sperm motility characteristics using Sperm Class Analyser (SCA). The fertilizing ability of frozen/thawed sperm was evaluated by performing artificial insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). For AI, superovulated cows were inseminated with frozen/thawed semen and then further evaluated for embryo development. For IVF, oocytes from the respective cows were retrieved using ovum pickup, and then matured. Following maturation, oocytes were co-incubated with semen for 6 h. In the Nguni breeds, the IVF method of embryo production was mildly superior to the in vivo method at the morula stage while the Bonsmara breed revealed the opposite effect at both the morula and blastocyst stages. In the Boran breed, the IVF method was highly superior with the in vivo method at the 8-cell stage while the opposite effect was observed at the blastocyst stage of embryonic development. This study suggests that the Boran breed is less susceptible to loss of embryonic development as compared to the Nguni and Bonsmara breeds. &nbsp; Key words: Nguni, Bonsmara, Boran, embryo, beef breeds, motility, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization.

Level of Pre-slaughter stress and quality of beef from Arsi, Boran and Harar cattle breeds in Ethiopia

A total of 39 bulls from Arsi (11), Boran (14) and Harar (14) breeds were used for the study. The bulls were stratified into three age groups. Blood samples were collected before loading, after unl...

Effect of Age and Breeds of Cattle on Carcass and Meat Characteristics of Arsi, Boran, and Harar Cattle in Ethiopia

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of age and breed of cattle on carcass and meat characteristics in Ethiopia. A total of 39 (Arsi 11, Boran 14 and Harar 14) cattle breeds with age categories of <3, 4 - 6, and 7 - 9 years were used for the study. The bulls were purchased from their respective production system of mixed crop livestock system (Arsi and Harar) and Ranch (Boran). Parameters such as live and carcass weight, meat yield percent, fat characteristics, and primal beef cuts were evaluated. Complete randomized design was used for the study. The live weight of bulls at <3, 4 - 6 and 7 - 9 years ranged 135 - 183, 167 - 181, and 155 - 433 kg, respectively. The carcass weight, dressing percentage, meat yield percent, forequarter, hindquarter, rib eye area, and fat thickness ranged 57 - 209.73 kg, 41.8% - 51.6%, 32% - 58%, 11.7 - 56.42 kg, 14.04 - 45.34 kg, 4.78 - 10.25 square inches and 0.18 - 0.38 inches, respectively. At an early age category (<3 years) meat yield percentage of Arsi, Boran and Harar breeds were 50.86, 30 and 18.72, respectively, and as age category shifted from one age category to the next Harar increased by 13× and Boran by 2.9× and Arsi decreased by -0.93×. The mean rib percentage of Arsi, Boran and Harar were in the range of 7.98 - 9.57, 8.62 - 10.44 and 7.08 - 8.83, respectively. Breed and age of bulls had significantly affected primal meat cuts. Meat yield was predicted from live and hot carcass weight with coefficient determination (R2) of 70.66% and 74.75%, respectively. From the study, it was concluded that age and breeds of cattle had significantly influence on carcass and meat characteristics. Therefore, to determine whether variations were due to genetic or environmental cause’s evaluation of the three breeds under similar feeding condition was recommended.

Assessment of commercial beef cattle fattening practices and performance in East Shoa Zone

The study was conducted in Adama, Lome and Adami-Tulu districts of East Shoa Zone of Oromia Regional State to assess commercial fattening practices, and to evaluate performance of commercial fattening. Multistage sampling procedure was employed for the survey study. The questionnaire based formal survey was conducted using semi structured questioners by interviewing a total of 45 feedlot operators purposively selected from the three districts and both quantitative and qualitative data on beef cattle fattening systems were obtained. For the monitoring work nine farms among those used for interview were selected for the purpose of monitoring animals’ performance during fattening period. Eight Animals from each farm were randomly selected from the farms based on age, initial body weight and body condition. The study revealed that the major criteria for selecting animals to purchase for feedlot fattening includes breed type, physical appearance and/or frame size, age, health and initial price body condition, coat color, horn size were the top priority and major breeds used was Boran breeds with an age between 3-6 years old. The feed resources used by commercial cattle fattening include crop residues and agro-industrial by products feeds. The average total weight gain and average daily weight gain of animals recorded in 90 days of fattening was significantly higher (P<0.05) for large (97.7±1.16; 1.09±0.01) and medium (97.58±1.16; 1.09±0.01) as compared to small scale (91.04±1.169 kg; 1.01±0.01kg) commercial fattening. It is concluded that the dependence on only Borana breed may affect the efficiency of the fattening industry by creating supply shortage and also it depletes the breed population. Moreover, the Limited feed availability, high price of supplementary feed, market fluctuation of fattened cattle, disease out breaks, and water shortage are the most challenges faced by the sectors and needs to be addressed in the study area.