Cattle Owners Research Articles

Identification of the feed supplements commonly utilised by communal beef cattle farmers during the dry season at Ga-Matlala, Limpopo province

A survey was carried out to identify the feed supplements commonly utilised by communal beef cattle farmers and investigate knowledge and perception of farmers on the feed supplement during the dry season in Ga-Matlala, whether they assess the feed supplements before feeding to cattle and their perception on how they affect cattle. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a total of 59 cattle farmers from three rural villages (Phofu, Phetole and Madietane) in the Ga-Matlala area using a snowball sampling technique. In the studied area, males outnumbered females, with the majority aged 55 and older. The majority of respondents were cattle owners with 16 years or more of farming experience. Secondary school was the most frequently reported educational background, followed by primary school whereas 20.3% of respondents never attended school. The most common cattle breed owned was Nguni, while Afrikaner was the second most common breed. More than 50% of respondents reported releasing cattle in the morning and returning late to provide them with feed supplements and water. The majority of respondents were using feed supplements during the dry season, and the most feed supplements that were identified in the study areas are lucerne hay and maize stover. Lucerne hay and maize stover were the most commonly used and acceptable supplementary feeds during the dry season. The major reasons for feeding cattle with lucerne hay and maize stover were reported to be weight gain and average weight gain of cattle, respectively. The majority of farmers reported that they do not assess the quality of supplementary feeds especially those who supplement with lucerne hay. However, the remaining percentage of farmers assesses the quality of lucerne hay by checking the moisture content and moulds in the feed supplements. It is thus concluded that there is a need for more knowledge and information on the overall quality of the locally available dry season supplementary feeds for enhancing productivity in communal areas.

Beef cattle production systems and constraints among subsistence farmers across the Fijian windward–leeward divide

The objective of the study was to describe beef production systems and constraints among subsistence farmers across the Fijian windward–leeward divide. Data were collected from a total of 200 beef cattle owners from windward and leeward locations (100 each) using a structured questionnaire. In both geographical regions, the heads of the households were mostly males and married. Cattle were ranked as the most important species of livestock kept in both leeward and windward areas. In both leeward and windward locations, cattle were mainly kept as a source of income and draught power. Challenges to cattle production differed with the production environment. The major challenges faced by cattle farmers in leeward locations were drought and pasture shortage while farmers in windward locations mainly had theft and disease cases. The odds ratio of Hindu farmers practicing tethering as a grazing method was five times higher than Christian farmers ( p < 0.05). Farmers with medium pieces of land were 14 times more likely to use paddocks for grazing their cattle than those with small pieces of land ( p < 0.05). Farmers in both leeward and windward locations mostly kept non-descript cattle breeds (>60%) and did not control mating. It was concluded that challenges faced by farmers differed with the production environment but feeding and breeding practices were the same across windward and leeward management locations.

Feeding Management Practices of Gir Cattle followed in Gujarat, India

The present study was undertaken to collect information on feeding management practices of Gir cattle at Junagadh district and data were ascertained from randomly selected 320 Gir cattle owners through personal interview with the help of pre-tested structured schedule from four randomly selected talukas of Junagadh district, Gujarat. Majority of Gir cattle owners (86.88%) followed stall feeding system and most of them (93.44%) cultivated green fodder crops for feeding of Gir cattle. Majority (81.56%) of the respondents fed green and dry fodder as such. Groundnut gotar was the major ingredient (71.87%) used as dry fodder, 84.06 % respondents provided compound cattle feed as concentrate to their milking animals. Only 8.12 % of the Gir cattle owners followed scientific feeding of concentrates. Majority of the respondents fed concentrates to their young calves (80.94%) and heifers (87.5%) after soaking (62.81%) in water. 17.5 % of the respondents supplemented mineral mixture to their Gir cattle.

Challenges and perception of communal farmers on cattle production in Ga- Matlala, Limpopo Province, South Africa

A survey was carried out to assess challenges and communal farmers' views on cattle production. In Ga-Matlala, 59 community cattle farmers from three rural villages were interviewed (Phofu, Phetole, and Madietane). The majority of responders (49.2%) were from Madietane, with an equal number (25.4%) from Phetole and Phofu (25.4%). In all three villages studied, males outnumbered females, with the majority of responders aged 55 and older. In all selected villages, the majority of respondents were cattle owners with 16 years or more of farming experience. Secondary school was the most frequently reported educational background in Phetole and Phiofu, while primary school was the most frequently reported in Phofu. According to the findings, the most common cattle breed owned in Phetole and Phofu was Nguni, while Afrikaner was the most common in Madietane, and the most common reason for keeping cattle was income in the study areas. The most frequently mentioned challenges in the areas are sickness (Soft hooves/or lumpy skin disease/or red water/or tick-borne disease), stock theft and disease, with Madietane having the highest mortality rate, followed by Phetole and Phofu. The most commonly reported perceived solutions were government assistance in terms of vaccinations/or veterinarians, dumping sites/or fixing water machines/or provide dams/or supplements, feed/or full-time patrollers to protect cattle from being stolen; and the purchase of cattle medicines. The majority of farmers in the selected villages can buy medicines for their cattle, while those who cannot say that the government assists them with vaccinations. As a result, it is concluded that there is a need for more knowledge and information on the subject.

Detection of Antibodies Against Brucellosis and Associated Risk Factors in Cross Breed Dairy Cattle in Smallholder Farmers, Southern Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected districts of Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia over a period of November 2019 and September 2020 to estimate seroprevalence and associated risk factors and assess knowledge and practices of smallholder farmers about bovine brucellosis. Two districts and four kebeles from each district were purposively selected, and individual animals were sampled using a simple random sampling technique. A total of 384 sera samples were collected, and concurrently, 236 dairy cattle owners were interviewed. The samples were tested for antibodies against Brucella using both Rose Bengal Plate test and Complement Fixation test following OIE standard protocol. Risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. The survey result has shown that 95% and 97% of the small holder farmers did not know the cause and symptoms of bovine brucellosis, respectively, and the majority have engaged in risky practices. Eight (2.08%) of the collected serum samples were positive with screening test (RBT) and only six (1.5%) were positive with confirmatory test (CFT). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between herd sizes and the disease. The seropositivity of the disease is higher in small-sized herds followed by medium-sized herds. The seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis was found to be at a low percentage with confirmatory tests even if there was a presence of associated risk factors for the disease in the study area. Again, the results suggest that smallholder farmers have poor knowledge and risky practices, which expose them to the disease. Awareness creation about the disease is of paramount importance even if the prevalence was low in this serological study. The implementation of a test and slaughter program before the disease becomes widespread, along with the testing of new stock before introduction to the farms is recommended.

Dhenu Svasthya Bot: An AI driven well-being and health monitoring setup for science and engineering applications

In this paper, an AI driven well-being and health monitoring set-up for the science & engineering applications is being presented. "Dhenu Svasthya" represents an initiative at the intersection of agriculture, animal welfare, and artificial intelligence. This project's primary mission is to significantly enhance the overall health and living conditions of cattle, with a focus on improving their well-being and productivity. At the core of "Dhenu Svasthya" lies a sophisticated health monitoring system. Utilizing advanced AI ML method this system continuously tracks and analyzes key health indicators in cattle. It observes and records jaw movements, heart rate, acetone levels, bellowing patterns, and body temperature in real-time. The objective is to detect anomalies, deviations, or early signs of distress promptly. This proactive approach enables timely intervention by cattle owners, reducing the likelihood of disease and ensuring the optimal health of the animals. Environmental Cleanliness is another pivotal aspect of the project is the assessment of the cattle's living environment. Maintaining a clean and hygienic space is paramount for the cattle’s well-being. "Dhenu Svasthya" deploys AI technology to evaluate the cleanliness of the surroundings. The system provides actionable insights to users, allowing them to address potential cleanliness issues promptly and maintain a healthier living environment for their cattle. To extend the project's reach and accessibility, we are actively working on integrating "Dhenu Svasthya" with cloud services and other data management platforms. It aims to empower cattle owners and farmers with the information and insights needed for effective cattle management, thereby improving overall livestock welfare. In summary, "Dhenu Svasthya" is an ambitious undertaking that leverages AI to usher in a new era of cattle care. By continuously monitoring health, ensuring environmental cleanliness, and embracing data integration, this project aspires to be a game-changer in the field of livestock management. Its overarching goal is to promote the well-being of cattle, enhance agricultural sustainability, and ultimately benefit both the animals and those who depend on them for their livelihoods. The work carried out is the seventh semester main-project by the students of Electronics & Communication Engineering under the guidance of the faculties supervision (guide).

Study of Socio-Economic Status and Calf Management Practices Followed by Kunari Cattle Owners in Kunar Province, Afghanistan

‌Background: The purpose of this study to invistigate the socio-economic status and calf management practices followed by Kunari cattle farmers in three districts of Kunar provimce. Livestock rearing is crucial in Afghanistan for food security, involving both poor and wealthy farmers. Cattle are raised for milk, meat, and power. Livestock plays a vital role in dry rural areas, and farmers rely on agricultural byproducts for feeding. In Kunar province, small and marginal farmers and landless laborers raise 2-4 animals per household on average, despite limited land holdings of 1.5 to 2 acres. Materials and Methods: The investigation was conducted properly in eastern region Kunar province, Afghanistan. Three districts namely (Watapur, Dara-E-Peach, and Chapa Dara) were randomly selected. Cattle owners with 2-10 Kunari cattle were purposively chosen. Seven villages from each district were randomly selected, and Eight respondents that random were chosen from each village, resulting in a sample size of 170 cattle keepers. Microsoft Office Excel will be utilized for organizing the questionnaire's data and analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Findings: Farmers lacked awareness and knowledge about the importance of calf rearing management practices, resulting in a lack of scientific care for newborns. Illiteracy was a significant issue, despite having sufficient land for agriculture and animal husbandry. Traditional methods were followed for newborn care, with limited understanding of the significance of hygiene and sanitation. Lack of access to veterinary facilities may have contributed to this situation. Conclusion: Animal husbandry practices primarily involved cows and elderly bulls, forming an essential part of their livelihood. Traditional methods were followed for the care of newborns, with limited awareness of the significance of hygiene and sanitation. This lack of understanding could be attributed to the absence of veterinary facilities.

Unlocking credit access for farmers (Case study of dairy farmers in East Java, Indonesia)

Access to credit is crucial for the economic development and sustainability of smallholder farmers in rural areas. In the context of Malang, East Java, Indonesia, this study delves into the factors that influence smallholder farmers' access to credit. Smallholder farmers play a pivotal role in ensuring food security, agricultural, and livestock productivity in Indonesia, making it imperative to understand the determinants of their credit access. This research was conducted between July and August 2023, employing a Probit Model and descriptive statistics to analyze data collected through a survey questionnaire. A multistage random sampling technique was employed, encompassing 70 smallholder dairy farmers in Malang. Findings from the Probit Model unveiled that several factors significantly affect the decision of smallholder farmers to adopt credit access. These factors include education levels among farmers, cattle ownership, access to the internet, participation in livestock training programs, and the employment of family members. The positive influence of these factors emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions to enhance smallholder farmers' credit access. To promote the adoption of credit access among smallholder dairy farmers in Malang, collaborative efforts between stakeholders and government entities are essential. These efforts should focus on improving the availability of livestock-related training programs and enhancing internet accessibility, particularly to bolster the sustainability of the livestock sector, with a specific emphasis on dairy farming. Such measures can help uplift the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, foster agricultural growth, and contribute to overall rural development in the region.

Personal, Socio-Economic and Psychological Characteristics of Crossbred Cattle Owners of Surat District in South Gujarat

A study was conducted to know the personal, socio-economic and psychological characteristics of crossbred cattle owners of Surat district in south Gujarat. A sample of 120 respondents was selected for the study. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents belonged to middle age group and were educated up to primary level. In the study area, most of the crossbred cattle owners were engaged in animal husbandry and agriculture as their main occupation and had medium dairy farming experience. More than half of the crossbred cattle owners were untrained and belonged to medium annual income category. Majority of the crossbred cattle owners owned medium sized herd. Majority of the respondents had medium level of extension contact, organisational participation, mass media exposure, risk orientation, innovation proneness, economic motivation and market orientation.

Assessment of Constraints of Artificial Insemination Service in Smallholder Dairy Cattle Keepers in Kacha Bira District of Southern Ethiopia.

Artificial insemination (AI) is among the most effective reproductive biotechnologies that afford widespread propagation of genes carried by superior males. A cross-sectional study followed by a simple random sampling technique was conducted from December 2021 to May 2022 to assess the constraints of artificial insemination (AI) provision in and around Kacha Bira district, Southern Ethiopia, using a structured questionnaire. A total of 200 respondents were surveyed accordingly. In this study, the education level of farmers revealed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) with the identification of time of insemination. Conception failure (62.5%), unavailability of artificial insemination technicians (7.5%), dystocia (3.5%), and both conception failure and unavailability of artificial insemination technicians (4.5%) were found to be the major constraints of AI service in the study area according to dairy cattle owners' response and revealed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) with AI service. Although statistically significant (P < 0.05), differences in AI service interruptions during both regular working hours and weekends and holidays were also observed. Among total respondents, 20.5% of dairy cattle owners got AI service at right time, but 79.5% of them used it at the wrong time. Regarding inbreeding problems, 77.5% of dairy cattle owners responded that there was no inbreeding problem and the remaining 22.5% of farmers indicated presence of inbreeding problem of which 10.5% and 10% had a perception that local breeds had low milk production and low genetic improvement than exotic breeds, respectively. On the other hand, 11.5% of dairy cattle owners responded that local breeds have a similar level of disease resistance to that of exotic breeds (11%). 48.5% of dairy farmers reported that bellowing is the most frequent sign that they used to detect heat followed by vulval discharge (23%) and mounting on other cows (10%). Majority (78.5%) of the dairy cattle owners interviewed were found to be not satisfied with the artificial insemination services. In general, different AI technicians and cattle and dairy cattle keeper-related factors constrain the AI service and its result in survey site. Therefore, smallholder dairy cattle owners should be trained sufficiently about the AI service strategies, usage, and proper management of dairy farms and the technical constraints should be avoided in order to provide AI service sufficiently.

Management practices followed by indigenous cattle owners under field conditions in western Maharashtra

Management practices followed by indigenous cattle owners under field conditions in western Maharashtra

Study on the Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Bovine Eimeriosis in Guangua District, Northwestern Ethiopia

A protozoan disease called Eimeriosis, which affects cattle all over the world, is brought on by different Eimeria species. In the Guangua district of Northwest Ethiopia, this study set out to identify the Eimeria species already present and evaluate the risk factors that go along with them. A cross-sectional study with random sampling was carried out using Coprological methods from July 2019 to March 2020. In this study, the prevalence of coccidia species was 17.83% (82/460), with Eimeria bovis, Eimeria zuernii and mixed infections having a respective prevalence of 7.83%, 3.25%, and 6.74%. The severity of coccidia (Eimeria) infection was shown to be statistically significant (p 0.05) when cattle age and month of the year were taken into account. The season, sex, or breed of cattle did not, however, appear to be associated with coccidial infection in statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05) ways. The study area had a moderate prevalence of cattle Eimeriosis. To implement strategic control and prevention measures, it is, therefore, necessary to conduct a study using molecular techniques to identify Eimeria species and to raise cattle owners' awareness of management practices.

"Cow Healers Use It for Both Horses and Cattle": The Rise and Fall of the Ethnoveterinary Use of Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) Koch (fam. Apiaceae) in Sweden.

Masterwort, Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) Koch, is an Apiaceae species originally native to the mountain areas of central and southern Europe. Written sources show that it was used in northern Europe. This study explores the cultivation history of masterwort and its past use in Sweden. Although only few details are known about the history of this taxon, it represents a cultural relict plant of an intentionally introduced species known in Sweden as early as the Middle Ages. In Sweden, the masterwort was mainly used as an ethnoveterinary herbal remedy from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries. However, medicinal manuals, pharmacopoeias and some ethnographical records indicate that it was once also used in remedies for humans. Today, this species remains as a living biocultural heritage in rural areas, especially on the surviving shielings, which were once used as mountain pastures in Dalecarlia, and at former crofts that were inhabited by cattle owners in the forest areas of southern Sweden.

The use of GPS trackers in herd horse breeding: justification of production indicators

At present, GPS search technologies are increasingly being used to track cows, horses, sheep and other animals in vast pastures. Comfortable monitoring of the movement of animals is one of the primary tasks set by the owners of cattle and horses. So-called GPS collars are common on large farms, as well as in small private households, and are one of the important solutions to the problem of cattle theft prevention. The goal – is to substantiate the use of GPS trackers and effectiveness of monitoring of the state of herd horse breeding in the areas where basic farms are located. In order to assess economic feasibility of "smart" animal husbandry technology, the following methods were applied: review of scientific literature on relevant topics; questioning. The article discusses main directions of digitalization in horse breeding: determining the location of animal in real time, its physical activity, shows innovative approaches that have manifested themselves in the presence of new investment objects (GPS trackers, computer programs, databases), emergence of new effects. The authors studied and analyzed the data on disposal of livestock of horses for reasons not related to production activities, and also calculated the amount of losses. A practical example of the use of GPS trackers is presented and their economic benefits are proven. The results of the study indicate the need for a wider introduction of information and digital systems that allow to maximize the speed of obtaining information on location and prevent the loss of animals of non-productive nature (theft). Conclusions – this device monitors, fixes and analyzes the activity of the observed object in real time, often GPS tracker for horses can save the animal's life or save the owner from significant damage.

Database of Nutrition Status, Production and Reproduction Performance, and Social Economy of a Farmer of a Beef Cattle Farm in Sumberpucung District, Malang Regency

Sumberpucung District, Malang Regency has the potential for developing beef cattle. This study aimed to analyze the nutrition status, production, and reproduction performance of beef cattle as well as examine the socio-economic of farmers. The research method is a survey to obtain a database about beef cattle kept by a farmer. This study involved 50 respondents spread over 4 villages, namely Senggreng, Jatiguwi, Trenyang, and Sambigede. The results of the research showed that the average age of farmers was only 14% who were under 40 years old. The number of cattle ownership was an average of 2-3 heads with the largest breed of cattle being Simmental crossbreeds. The system of breeding and rearing was wholly AI and in the cage. Feed that was usually given in general was rice straw followed by corn straw, sugarcane top, elephant grass, field grass, and rice bran. The average feed intake of rice straw, corn straw, and elephant grass were 17.865 – 22.9 kg/head/day, 10.23 – 20.5 kg/head/day, and 17-31.3 kg/head/day respectively. The chest girth of the male adult group had the highest value of 162.5 cm and the female adult group of 165.7 cm. The highest estimated live weights for male and female adults in Jatiguwi village were 340.40 kg and 352.31 kg respectively. The highest and the lowest average gestation length were 235 days and 224 days respectively. The highest and the lowest average of S/C were 5.5 times and once. The average calving interval of a cow in Senggreng, Trenyang, Sambigede, and Jatiguwi villages were 440 days, 399 days, 420 days, and 403 days respectively. The number of cattle that were pregnant in the first AI, second AI, and more than the second AI were 27 heads, 32 heads, and 24 heads. Based on the type of feed and its intake, it can be said that the nutrition status of beef cattle in Sumberpucung District is highly good. Effects of nutrition status can be seen from the performance of production and reproduction of cattle in terms of chest girth, live weight, and calving interval.

Community attitudes towards Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) and their prey species in Yanbian, Jilin province, a region of northeast China where tigers are returning.

Community attitudes towards large carnivores are of central importance to their conservation in human-dominated landscapes. In this study, we evaluate community attitudes and perceptions towards the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) and bears (Ursus thibetanus and Ursus arctos), as well as their prey species, namely sika deer (Cervus nippon), roe deer and wild boar (Sus scrofa), in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin province, northeast China. We surveyed 139 households and found that community members’ perceptions of large carnivores and their prey species were influenced by their predominant economic activities; their prior interactions with wildlife; their household income level; and whether they were either long-term residents of Yanbian or had migrated to the region from elsewhere in China. We recorded fairly neutral attitudes towards large carnivores among the communities we surveyed, but strongly negative attitudes were shown towards wild boar, particularly where respondents had lost agricultural products to crop raiding by wild boar. We recommend conservation stakeholders in northeast China utilise this finding to encourage support for large carnivore recovery and conservation by targeting messaging around the importance of the tiger as a key predator of wild boar in the ecosystem. Furthermore, our findings suggest that government provided compensation paid for cattle lost to large carnivore predation (notably, by tigers) may be helping to reduce animosity from cattle owners towards large carnivores. However, we also highlight that compensation for loss of livestock is therefore performing a useful role in mitigating human-wildlife conflict, that there are potentially unintended consequences of the current compensation program, for example it fails to dissuade livestock grazing in protected areas.

Indigenous Plant-Based Alternatives for Treating Cattle Skin Ailments: A Case Study from the Mnisi Tribal Authority of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

The study was carried out in the Mnisi Tribal Authority, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, between August and October 2021. Ethno-veterinary data were collected using pre-structured questionnaires and field observations with cattle owners. The data were analyzed and summarized using descriptive statistics. Frequently mentioned plants belonged to the families Vitaceae (Cissus quandrangularis), Euphorbiaceae (Synadenium cupulare), Fabaceae (Dichrostachys cinerea), Solanaceae (Nicotiana batacum), Euphorbiacae (Jatropha zayheri), and Apocynaceae (Sarcostemma viminate). Antimicrobial susceptibility assays with ampicillin as positive control were carried out on extracts of Synadenium cupulare (aerial parts and leaves), Dichrostachys cinerea (seeds/ fruits), and Cissus quadrangularis (aerial parts and leaves). Aqueous extracts of S.cupulare (L) were the most effective against E. faecalis with the lowest MIC of 0.73 mg/ml, followed by aqueous extracts of Dichrostachys cinerea with an MIC of 1.36. Open wounds were the most common ailment (35%), followed by abscesses (23%) and abrasions (17%). Documenting Indigenous knowledge can be a basis for the development of sustainably used medicinal plants in the area and the validation of these plant preparations for veterinary use since the low cost of these preparations makes them useful for local communities.

Physical characteristics, management, and performance of newly recognized ‘Kathani cattle’ of Maharashtra state

Kathani cattle is not a registered cattle breed, consequently, these animals are categorized as non-descript animals in the Livestock Census of the Government of India. The population is about 10.51 lakh. Data of 9474 animals spread over 118 villages distributed in 13 tehsils of 3 districts (Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, and Gondia) from the Vidarbha region of eastern Maharashtra was collected under the survey, evaluation, and characterization network project of NBAGR, Karnal, during November 2017 to March 2020 and analyzed to document the physical characteristics, management, and performance of a new cattle breed available/found in Maharashtra state. Qualitative body part characters indicated that almost all animals had black coloured muzzle, eyelid, eyeball, hooves, tail switch. Biometry recorded included eight different body measurements in different age and sex groups. When compared with Gaolao, Kosali, Motu, and Ongole breeds of cattle from adjoining breeding tracts, molecular as well as phenotypic differentiation indicated separate genetic identities of the Kathani cattle. Nearly 96% Kathani cattle owners were found to provide housing to their animals and about 87% of respondents provided shelter during the night only while 7.4% provided both during day and night. Respondents (74.70%) cultivated fodder for their animals and general fodder in the area was leftover (after crop harvest) of paddy locally called Tanis, and soybeans, mung, wheat, cowpea, chickpea, pigeon pea, black gram locally called Kutar. The feed and fodder laboratory analysis revealed that Kathani animals were reared on very low nutritive value content like Tanis and different types of Kutars. Natural service was the preferred breeding method adopted by 94.8% and 5.2% of owners bred their animals through artificial insemination with the semen of exotic breed bulls. Kathani cattle keepers (61.9%) in the survey area experienced incidence of some of the contagious diseases and 72.55% of cattle holders vaccinatad their animals against these contagious diseases. The average age at first ejaculate for Kathani cattle males was 35.84±0.31 months, age at first calving was 54.86±0.05 months, calving interval was 486.85±0.51 days, daily milk yield was 0.55±0.01 litres, lactation length was 237.76±1.82 days and dry period noticed was 245.75±2.28 days. The study results will flag the way for the registration of the population as a new cattle breed and for the formulation of a breeding program for further improvement of this lesser-known cattle population.

Zoonotic Importance of Bovine Tuberculosis in Ethiopia: An Overview

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is an important zoonotic disease that affects both domestic animals as well as humans in many countries of the world. The disease is caused by Mycobacterium bovis, which is responsible for 10–15% of human tuberculosis cases. BTB poses an occupational health hazard to the cattle owners, butchers, animal attendants, and veterinarians. The source of infection is exogenous and the respiratory tract is considered the chief portal of entry of the organism. The mode of spread of bacteria is aerogenous. BTB is endemic in Ethiopia, and it is mostly transmitted to people through the consumption of unpasteurized contaminated milk. Miliary tubercular lesions, chronic cough, blockages of the airways, alimentary system, or blood vessels, and lymph node enlargement are all symptoms of tuberculosis. Single intradermal or comparative intradermal tuberculin tests are useful delayed-type hypersensitivity tools for diagnosing tuberculosis in live animals. It is also employed in tuberculosis eradication programs and international trade activity. Vaccination of calves with an attenuated BTB strain known as Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin, as well as testing and culling, is significant measures in the prevention and control of BTB in endemic areas like Ethiopia. The proper pasteurization of milk before human consumption is a significant measure to reduce the public health risk posed by BTB.

Adoption of artificial insemination technology and its intensity of use in Eastern Tigray National Regional State of Ethiopia

BackgroundThe study was focused on the adoption and intensity of adoption of artificial insemination (AI) Technology in Saesie-tsaedaemba District of Tigray Region, Ethiopia. AI is one of the most important and valuable dairy technology that has been used for genetic improvement for several years in the study area. However, there was little empirical information about major factors affecting adoption decision and intensity of AI in the study area. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the status of AI technology adoption and its intensity and to identify major factors influencing the adoption and intensity of use of AI technology.MethodsA multistage sampling technique was applied to select study sites and sample households. A structured interview was used to collect data from a total of 204 sample farmers. Besides, key informants interview was used to triangulate, validate, and enrich the findings of the household interview.ResultsResults of the tobit model regression revealed that households’ level of literacy, milk yield, income, training, access to extension service, mobile ownership, supplementation of concentrated feed and hybrid cattle ownership were found to have a positive and statistically significant relationship with adoption and intensity of AI technology, whereas distance to farmer training centre (FTC) office had shown a negative relationship.ConclusionsAdoption of context-based AI technology plays a paramount importance in achieving farm household's food security. The extension system should give more emphasis to the capacity building which is pivotal for introducing, adoption, and scaling out of best practices of dairy technologies. Besides the effort of the government, the participation of the private sector in AI technology is important to achieve wider adoption of AI technology.