Livestock Population Research Articles

The influence of the performance of livestock farming groups on the development of government assisted livestock populations in Lima Puluh Kota District

This research is motivated by the increasingly vital role of farmer groups. The government stipulates that almost all assistance is provided through group mechanisms. This study aims to: (1) indentify farmer groups performance, (2) determine livestock population development, (3) determine the effect of farmer groups performance on livestock population development. This research was conducted in November-December 2022 in livestock farmer groups receiving government assistance in Lima Puluh Kota District in 2018-2022. The research areas were Harau and Payakumbuh sub-districts. The data were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively based on the government guideline for assessing the ability of farmer group classes issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture’s Agricultural Human Resources Development and Extension Agency 2018 and to identify the effect of using analytical methods product moment correlation. The results showed that: (1) The average performance of farming groups was in a poor position, namely with a value of 213.1 or being in the beginner class category, (2) The development of the livestock population with government assistance in farmer groups was an increase of 3.6% a year, (3) Farmer groups performance has not have a significant effect on the development of the livestock population in Lima Puluh Kota District.

Isolation and phylogenetic characterization of arboviruses circulating among phlebotomine sandflies in parts of North Rift, Kenya

BackgroundUntil recently, arbovirus surveillance is mainly focused on mosquito and tick vectors, resulting in the discovery of several mosquito- and tick-borne arboviruses. However, the role of sandflies in arbovirus transmission and disease has remained largely unexplored. This study sought to isolate and characterize arboviruses from phlebotomine sandflies from selected pastoral ecozones in the North Rift region of Kenya.MethodsSandflies were collected from selected sites in North Rift Kenya between 2015 and 2018. They were sorted and pooled by sex, site, and collection date. The pools were homogenized and inoculated onto Vero cells for virus isolation. The positive pools were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction targeting different arboviruses. The isolates were further characterized by high-throughput sequencing using Illumina Miseq platform.ResultsApproximately 28,226 sandflies translating to 824 pools were sampled from the selected regions. A total of 11 showed reproducible cytopathic effects on Vero cells. We identified five arboviruses: sindbis (n = 4) from Kacheliba and Baringo, Chandipura (n = 4) from Turkana and Baringo, Koutango (n = 1) and Ntepes (n = 1) from Baringo, and Bogoria (n = 1) from Kacheliba. The percent identities of the identified viruses were approximately 80% to 98% compared to known viruses in GenBank, suggesting that some of them could be novel viruses.ConclusionThis study successfully isolated and characterized five arboviruses from sandflies. The findings suggest that sandflies are potential hosts of a wide range of arboviruses and are therefore important vectors to consider in arbovirus surveillance and evaluated for their ability to transmit them. Further studies are needed to determine the public health importance and extent of exposure of these viruses to humans and livestock populations.

Quantifying cost of disease in livestock: a new metric for the Global Burden of Animal Diseases

Increasing awareness of the environmental and public health impacts of expanding and intensifying animal-based food and farming systems creates discord, with the reliance of much of the world's population on animals for livelihoods and essential nutrition. Increasing the efficiency of food production through improved animal health has been identified as a step towards minimising these negative effects without compromising global food security. The Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) programme aims to provide data and analytical methods to support positive change in animal health across all livestock and aquaculture animal populations. In this study, we present a metric that begins the process of disease burden estimation by converting the physical consequences of disease on animal performance to farm-level costs of disease, and calculates a metric termed the Animal Health Loss Envelope (AHLE) via comparison between the status quo and a disease-free ideal. An example calculation of the AHLE metric for meat production from broiler chickens is provided. The AHLE presents the direct financial costs of disease at farm-level for all causes by estimating losses and expenditure in a given farming system. The general specification of the model measures productivity change at farm-level and provides an upper bound on productivity change in the absence of disease. On its own, it gives an indication of the scale of total disease cost at farm-level. The AHLE is an essential stepping stone within the GBADs programme because it connects the physical performance of animals in farming systems under different environmental and management conditions and different health states to farm economics. Moving forward, AHLE results will be an important step in calculating the wider monetary consequences of changes in animal health as part of the GBADs programme. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, EU Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.

Anthrax: Distribution, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Pastoralists in Jawhar, Qalimow and Adan Yabal Somalia.

Anthrax is a Zoonotic Disease (both Human and Animals) the disease is causing higher morbidity and mortality rate in Middle-Shebelle Somalia. Anthrax is a rare infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthraces. It was reported in many parts of the region the disease is endemic that effects production with the pastoralists with an incidence >30% of their livestock production system. In a study to determine the status of anthrax in pastoralists in three selected area of Middle-Shebelle: Jawhar, Qalimow, and Aaden yabaal with Forty two herds were also used. The three selected area of the study were the most livestock populations in Middle-Shebelle. A structured Questionnaire was used to capture pastoralists Knowledge, Attitude and Their Practice with regards of Anthrax Disease. A cross-sectional survey was conducted contemporaneously with focus group discussions (FGDs) and key Informant interviews (KIIs) between May 2020 and April 2021. A Four Hundreds (4OO) of Households were visited via Personal interview. The existence of the disease per herd were estimated that 18.1% of camel herds, 34.3% of cattle herds and 47.6% of small ruminants flocks. Thus the summary of the KAP Results indicated that there was lack of Knowledge and Practice Gap among pastoralists related anthrax Disease. Generally, majority of farmers were practicing poorly in livestock community that was created the distribution of the disease. Therefore, the cattle sheep and goat herds should aware the diseases about the characterization and controlling systems through extending and trading for pastoralists and households. In addition, further assessment and control coverage with anthrax disease will highly option of essentials.

Examining the role of ruminants in sustainable food systems

AbstractSustainable food systems provide food security while stewarding economic, social, and environmental bases in ways to meet future generations' needs. Sustainable food systems encompass the health of animals, people, and ecosystems. Healthy and productive ruminants can produce meat and milk products with fewer resources, and consequently, often fewer greenhouse gas emissions are produced. Ruminant livestock faces the dual challenge of being impacted by and contributing to climate change, while also experiencing increased demand for ruminant meat and milk products due to growing global population and increased incomes. This challenge presents different ways forward depending upon solutions and how one values certain aspects of sustainability, ranging from simply building upon past improvements in ruminant agriculture to dramatic reductions in ruminant livestock populations. Better understanding the concerns with ruminant's role in sustainable food systems is important, as is understanding the different viewpoints and interpretation of evidence both for and against ruminant agriculture. This review provides a brief overview of some of the key issues related to the role ruminant animals play in sustainable food systems, including greenhouse gas emissions, feed‐food competition and land use, and human nutrition. The review also highlights how improved animal health outcomes can enhance ruminants' role in sustainable food systems. Ultimately, ruminants make unique contributions to human flourishing via providing nutrition, livelihoods, and ecosystem services from forage resources and grassland landscapes. However, the status quo is unlikely to meet the challenges of the coming decades, thus investing in research and development into sustainable ruminant systems is required.

Evaluation of the immunogenicity of an mRNA vectored Nipah virus vaccine candidate in pigs.

Nipah virus (NiV) poses a significant threat to human and livestock populations across South and Southeast Asia. Vaccines are required to reduce the risk and impact of spillover infection events. Pigs can act as an intermediate amplifying host for NiV and, separately, provide a preclinical model for evaluating human vaccine candidate immunogenicity. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the immunogenicity of an mRNA vectored NiV vaccine candidate in pigs. Pigs were immunized twice with 100 μg nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine encoding soluble G glycoprotein from the Malaysia strain of NiV, formulated in lipid nanoparticles. Potent antigen-binding and virus neutralizing antibodies were detected in serum following the booster immunization. Antibody responses effectively neutralized both the Malaysia and Bangladesh strains of NiV but showed limited neutralization of the related (about 80% amino acid sequence identity for G) Hendra virus. Antibodies were also capable of neutralizing NiV glycoprotein mediated cell-cell fusion. NiV G-specific T cell cytokine responses were also measurable following the booster immunization with evidence for induction of both CD4 and CD8 T cell responses. These data support the further evaluation of mRNA vectored NiV G as a vaccine for both pigs and humans.

Assessment of Awareness, Knowledge, and Perception on the Purchase Intention towards Packaged Milk

India has the highest livestock population in the world with 50 percent of the buffaloes and 20 percent of the world’s cattle population, most of which are milk cows and milk buffaloes. The research was focused on the packaged milk purchasing behaviour of consumer. The study area is confined to Erode district because of its high population and narrowed down to Erode town since the packaged milk purchasing is higher in town area. From each selected wards, 20 sample respondents are randomly selected. A pre-tested questionnaire will be used to collect data for the study. The general characteristics of the sample respondents would help in understanding the nature and behavior of the sample respondents. The general characteristics of sample respondents such as, education, purchase decision of sample respondents etc have a significant bearing on the study. Percentage analysis was used to study the general characteristics of the consumers which included age, education, gender, income, occupation, awareness, preference, knowledge of the respondents, frequency of purchase, type of decision makers, quantity of purchase, place of purchase. Majority of the respondents were aware of branded and non-branded milk. Only few respondents were not aware so suitable step should take to create awareness, so that more customers will get motivated to buy branded and non-branded milk. Knowledge of the respondents on branded milk was depends on consumer interest and also education one of the reason to gain knowledge. Most of the respondents were preferred Aavin because booth there and availability of the Aavin milk is high compared to other brand. So expect Aavin other firms have to follow suitable marketing strategies to increase preference among the consumers. Knowledge of the respondents on branded milk was depends on consumer interest and also education is one of the reason to gain knowledge. About 33 per cent were had energy level knowledge on branded milk. Whereas 67 per cent of the respondents were had energy level knowledge on branded milk. About 11 per cent were had energy level knowledge on non-branded milk. And majority of the respondents 89 per cent were had energy level knowledge on non-branded milk.

Envisioning the future in the light of climatic and non-climatic riskscapes: lessons from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The concept of a ‘Riskscape’ serves as a proactive framework intertwining risk, geographical space, and human practices. It sheds light on how diverse stakeholders perceive phenomena and take action to navigate the future and address emerging risks. This study applies the riskscape concept to comprehend the impact of climate change, coupled with non-climatic risks, on vulnerable households in KwaMaye village, rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The research also explores how local farmers envision their future amidst the prevailing conditions. Qualitative methods were employed to gather primary data from purposefully selected participants in KwaMaye. The findings reveal that climatic risks contributing to households’ vulnerability include droughts, heavy rainfall, and flooding, among other factors. Non-climatic risks emanate from issues such as an increasing livestock population, diminishing grazing fields, and delays in provincial government assistance. The convergence of climatic and non-climatic risks forms riskscapes that significantly impede most households’ ability to engage effectively in livestock and food production. This is partly due to the lack of nutritious pastures during droughts. In response to the scarcity of nutritious pastures during extreme droughts, resource-constrained farmers resort to illegally accessing nearby commercial irrigated farmlands to allow their livestock to forage. However, this action carries a substantial fine if they are caught. Despite the challenges, respondents express reluctance to reduce their livestock numbers in the face of frequent droughts. However, many argue that they may be compelled to abandon food production if the issues related to these riskscapes are not promptly addressed.

Socio-Economic Impacts of Endemic and Epidemic Diseases on Livestock Production Systems in Tanzania

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine socio-economic impacts of endemic and epidemic diseases on livestock production systems in Tanzania. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study revealed that endemic diseases such as brucellosis, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) pose ongoing challenges to livestock health, productivity, and household livelihoods. Epidemic diseases like avian influenza and peste des petits ruminants (PPR) can cause sudden outbreaks, leading to acute disruptions in production and trade. These disease outbreaks result in various socio-economic consequences, including decreased livestock productivity, loss of income for farmers, increased veterinary and containment costs, and disruptions in domestic and international trade. Additionally, diseases can exacerbate poverty and food insecurity among rural communities reliant on livestock for sustenance and income generation. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Economic theory of disease control & social-ecological systems theory may be used to anchor future studies on socio-economic impacts of endemic and epidemic diseases on livestock production systems in Tanzania. Building technical capacity at the grassroots level empowers communities to implement effective disease management strategies and adopt biosecurity measures. Establishing community-based disease surveillance systems that empower local communities to monitor and report disease outbreaks in livestock populations. Providing financial support and risk-sharing mechanisms mitigate economic losses and encourage proactive disease management practices. Establish data-sharing mechanisms and surveillance networks that facilitate real-time exchange of information on disease outbreaks, epidemiological trends, and economic impacts.

Crossbreeding and its implication for small-scale animal agriculture in Africa: Outcomes, both positive and negative, and future prospects

<p>African animal genetic resources are diverse and have been the subject of crossbreeding for decades to improve local livestock and poultry populations. However, the literature on crossbreeding performance has been inconsistent, with many projects failing due to various reasons. This has led to mixed support and criticism for crossbreeding in small-scale animal agriculture. The review examines the achievements, problems, and future prospects for livestock and poultry genetic improvement through crossbreeding in Africa’s small-scale animal agriculture. Community-based Breeding Practices (CBBP) can be seen as a community livestock development strategy that mobilizes local animal genetic resources and boosts smallholder livestock producers’ ability to collaborate in resource-scarce communities. Genome sequencing is seen as the future cornerstone of promoting crossbreeding in Africa, but it should be based on consideration of the socioeconomic context of small-scale animal husbandry and local livestock production conditions. Smallholder farmers, who are the major custodians of local animal biodiversity, have faced challenges such as genotype and environmental interaction, lack of funding, poor laws, and lack of farmer participation. In conclusion, the review highlights the importance of phenomics and genomic prediction in improving animal genetic resources in Africa, but it also emphasizes the need for further research and development in this area. The study suggests that modern breeding technologies (genomics and phenomics) and training of smallholder livestock farmers in improved animal husbandry management practices can be used to enhance food and nutrition security for African rural households. This review examines the effects of crossbreeding through the decades on small-scale livestock farming in Africa, including positive and negative outcomes as well as future implications.<strong></strong></p>

Impact of Micro-nutrients on Growth and Development of Fodder Crops under Water Stress Condition: A Review

This article delves into the critical significance of micronutrients specifically in fodder crop production, highlighting their profound impact on crop growth, yield, quality, and sustainable farming practices. Despite being required in trace amounts, micronutrients are essential for ensuring the health and productivity of livestock, as they serve as vital components of the forage consumed by animals. Micronutrients act as indispensable cofactors for enzymes involved in crucial metabolic processes essential for plant health and subsequent livestock nutrition. They play a pivotal role in enhancing fodder crop yield and improving its nutritional content, thus directly contributing to the overall health and productivity of livestock populations. Furthermore, proper management of micronutrients in fodder crop production is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. Sustainable farming practices that prioritize micronutrient balance not only optimize crop yields but also promote soil health and environmental sustainability. This research aims to address the complex challenges of ensuring livestock health, meeting global food demands, and promoting responsible agricultural practices within animal agriculture. In conclusion, the role of micronutrients in fodder crop production is paramount for ensuring the health and productivity of livestock, as well as supporting sustainable farming practices. Recognizing the significance of micronutrients in fodder crop production and implementing tailored management strategies are essential steps toward achieving livestock health, sustainable farming practices, and ultimately, food security in the context of animal agriculture. .

Spatial clusters of human and livestock anthrax define high-risk areas requiring intervention in Lao Cai Province, Vietnam 1991-2022.

Anthrax, a widespread zoonosis in low and middle-income countries with low disease awareness and insufficient livestock vaccination coverage, has been known in Lao Cai Province in northern Vietnam for years before its apparent absence in 2009, which requires investigation as this infection is frequently reported from neighbouring provinces and countries. We aimed to describe the seasonal patterns of anthrax (1991-2008), compare livestock anthrax vaccine coverage to disease occurrence (1991- 2022), and delineate the high-risk areas to inform local disease surveillance in the province. We illustrated the seasonal pattern of anthrax and provided a comparison between livestock vaccine coverage and disease occurrence by purely spatial SaTScan (Poisson model, 25% population at risk) to detect spatial clusters of human and livestock anthrax using population derived from zonal statistics routines. The number of cases, crude cumulative incidence, and spatial clusters of human and livestock anthrax were mapped in QGIS. Results indicate peak anthrax incidence from May to October. Buffalo, domestic cattle, and horses accounted for 75% of total animal cases. Horse anthrax was more common in Lao Cai than in its neighbours and often occurred in years with human mortality. Vaccination covered less than 30% of the livestock population. We found an apparent pattern where anthrax was controlled from 1998-2003 with higher vaccine coverage (>20%) and identified spatial clusters of human and livestock anthrax in Muong Khuong, Bao Thang, and Bac Ha districts of Lao Cai. The local public health and veterinary agencies are recommended to revisit the high-risk areas and communicate with neighbouring provinces for a regional approach to anthrax surveillance and control.

Sustainable rural livelihoods in the face of climate-induced hazards in Pakistan: Nexus of coping mechanisms, determinants, and benefits

This study comprehensively examined the climate change susceptibility hazards and the subsequent adaptation strategies adopted by the farming community in Punjab, Pakistan, to mitigate the adverse impacts on rural livelihoods. Data were collected through a household survey involving 1080 respondents, using a multistage random sampling approach. Binary Logistic Regression was employed to discern the determinants driving the adaptation strategies. Additionally, the benefits derived from these adaptation measures were quantified, using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The impact of climate change on rural livelihoods was found to be significant, leading to substantial degeneration. Farmers' income from crops, livestock products, machinery, tube wells, orchards, and vegetables have been adversely affected. The adaptation strategies employed to mitigate these adverse effects encompassed crop diversification, divergence of livestock populations, seeking non-farm income sources, adjusting herd composition, utilizing governmental subsidies, adopting new animal breeds and crop varieties, selling livestock animals for sustenance, accessing loans from governments/banks, sharing labour during years of climate change, communal forage sharing, and insuring crops and livestock. These adaptation strategies are intricately influenced by socioeconomic, demographic, agronomic, and climate-related information, and forecasting parameters as well. Notably, adapters experienced fewer impacts of climate change compared to non-adapters. To bolster resilience, it is imperative to introduce climate-resilient crop varieties and animal breeds. Additionally, enhancing financial access for farmers is crucial, necessitating targeted strategies devised by the government to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. This study emphasized the urgency for targeted and comprehensive strategies to navigate rural communities towards sustainable livelihoods in an evolving climate landscape.

Investigation of the effect of cow estrous serum when added to the maturation medium of oocyte-cumulus complexes <i>IN VITRO</i>

Saving and multiplying the existing livestock population is an important strategic objective that ensures the country's food security and levelling the dependence on imports of genetically valuable highly productive animals. Obtaining farm animal embryos in vitro is one of the methods of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), which can be used both lifetime and post-mortem. This method allows to optimise breeding work with livestock in a short period of time due to the large number of offspring obtained from highly productive individuals. Aim and objectives: to investigate the effect of bovine estrous serum on meiotic oocyte maturation and early embryogenesis prior to blastocyst development, when added to oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCC) maturation medium. A blind randomised controlled trial was conducted on the effect of bovine estral serum on blastocyst development when added to OCC maturation medium. Estral serum was obtained from the blood of clinically healthy cows with pronounced signs of puberty. The study was carried out in conditions of industrial livestock breeding. The material for the study were oocyte-cumulus complexes obtained by the method of lifetime aspiration from 89 Holstein cows with milk productivity of more than 10 thousand kg per lactation. Oocyte-cumulus complexes were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (control) - oocyte maturation was carried out in commercial IVM medium without addition of estrous serum, Group 2 (experiment) - oocyte maturation was carried out in commercial IVM medium with addition of es trous serum in concentration from 5 to 15%. The hormones, growth factors and biologically active substances contained in estrous serum have no effect on the achievement of OCC at the stage of metaphase II of meiosis, as well as at the stage of fractions; moreover, a negative effect at these stages of development can be traced. However, substances contained in estrous serum are able to saturate and accumulate in OCC at the stage of maturation to metaphase II of meiosis, thus enhancing the potential of oocytes to embryonic development and further positively affect their achievement of the blastocyst stage. The difference in the formation of blastocysts from crushed embryos reaches more than 25%, and the difference in the formation of blastocysts from viable JCCs matured in media without serum and modified with estrous serum is 37.5% in favour of the latter.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Seroprevalence in Human and Livestock Populations, Northern Tanzania

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Seroprevalence in Human and Livestock Populations, Northern Tanzania

Reviewing the Role of Functional Ingredients in Improving Immune Health and Disease Management in Breeding Animals: Current Perspectives and Emerging Trends

Abstract This review delves into recent advancements in livestock research, focusing on genetic diversity, disease resistance, and immune function. Through an in-depth analysis of various studies, this review elucidates the intricate interplay of genetic factors influencing disease susceptibility and resilience in livestock populations. Investigations highlight the efficacy of functional ingredients, such as plant extracts and marine-derived compounds, in enhancing immune health and disease resistance in breeding animals. Additionally, the review examines the molecular mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of specific ingredients, shedding light on signaling pathways and gene expression profiles involved in bolstering immune function. Furthermore, the review explores emerging trends in livestock nutrition, including the utilization of fruit processing by-products to improve animal health and performance. Insights into the role of prebiotics in modulating gut microbiota and mitigating diet-related maladies provide valuable perspectives for enhancing livestock welfare and productivity. By synthesizing these findings, this review underscores the critical importance of genetic selection, dietary interventions, and immunomodulatory strategies in promoting the health and resilience of livestock populations.

A simple, collaborative prioritization process for wildlife-associated zoonotic diseases in northern Tanzania

Background and Aim: Zoonotic diseases are naturally transmissible infections between animals and humans. To address these cross-sectoral health issues holistic, transdisciplinary health approaches are required. The legalization of the game meat trade in Tanzania in 2020 has created a new value chain from wild habitats to registered game meat selling facilities in human settlements, thus creating new human–animal interfaces associated with potential risks of zoonotic disease transmission among wildlife, livestock, and human populations. This study aimed to apply a simple, collaborative prioritization process to identify important zoonotic pathogens associated with wild animal taxa harvested and traded for game meat consumption in northern Tanzania. Materials and Methods: A prioritization process was conducted to identify and rank zoonotic diseases associated with wildlife in the Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Manyara regions of northern Tanzania to help determine the zoonotic disease risks associated with the game meat value chain. Two districts from each region were selected for this study. The prioritization process was conducted through an expert workshop that involved 41 participants, including a District Veterinary Officer, Public Health Officer, and District Game Officer from each district, as well as national One Health focal persons, zonal Veterinary and Laboratory Officers, scientific researchers, and a representative from the national Game Meat Selling Advisory Committee. Results: Experts identified 11 common zoonotic diseases reported in these regions, of which anthrax, rabies, brucellosis, Rift Valley fever, and bovine tuberculosis were considered the most important. This finding is broadly consistent with the national priority list for zoonotic diseases. Conclusion: This approach was time-efficient and cost-effective. In Tanzania, multi-sectoral planning, communication, and cooperation among human health, domestic animal health, wildlife health, and environmental protection have been strengthened. In the future, we recommend regular exercises using such an approach to update the information on important diseases and promote information sharing for epidemic and pandemic preparedness associated with the wild animal trade. Keywords: epidemic and pandemic, expert opinion, game meat, one health, wildlife, zoonoses.

Analysis of Regional Potential in Merauke Regency Based on Superior Livestock Population Using a Hybrid Algorithm

Analysis of Regional Potential in Merauke Regency Based on Superior Livestock Population Using a Hybrid Algorithm

Potensi Reproduksi Induk Ternak Sapi Bali pada Sistem Peternakan Rakyat di Kecamatan Taniwel Timur Kabupaten Seram Bagian Barat

The reproductive performance of female Bali cattle is one of the important factors that needs to be known in supporting the efficiency of beef cattle breeding programs so that mothers can produce calves every year. This research aims to determine the characteristics of the reproductive potential of Bali cattle in the community farming system in East Taniwel District, West Seram Regency. The research location was determined purposively, selecting 6 sample villages from 15 villages in East Taniwel District, West Seram Regency based on the criteria of having the largest number of Balinese cattle. These villages are Sohuwe Village, Maloang Village, Matapa Village, Lumalatal Village, Sekasale Village and Hatunuru Village. The research was conducted for 1 month from August to September 2023. Respondents were determined using a purposive sampling method based on the presence of the highest number of cattle population per sample village and the highest level of Balinese cattle ownership with the criteria of having kept cattle for at least 3 years, had given birth and had carried out marketing. Farmer respondents were taken 10 respondents per sample village, so that 60 respondents were obtained. Data on the general condition of the research location, respondent characteristics, business characteristics, population structure and reproductive potential were analyzed using simple statistical calculations and studied descriptively. The research results show that the structure of the livestock population is dominated by the presence of female livestock at adult age, heifers and calves. The reproductive potential obtained is the age at first mating 18.16 ± 1.40 months; pregnancy rate 84.96%; and a birth rate of 99.43% with pre-weaning child mortality of 8.4%.

Diagnosis and Management of Ringwomb in Sheep: Challenges and Approaches

Small ruminants, including sheep and goats, constitute a major part of the livestock population in different countries of the world. About 15-32% of sheep dystocia are due to incomplete dilation of the cervix which is often called ringwomb. This disorder typically occurs during the lambing process, prompting farmers to possibly seek veterinary assistance due to delayed labor. Different causes, such as calcium and phosphorus deficiency, uterine inertia, and fetal inability to enter the cervical canal, could all lead to incomplete dilation of the cervix. In the meantime, many cases of ringwomb occur as idiopathic. Some factors, such as genetics, nutrition, and imbalance of estrogen to progesterone concentration may also contribute to incomplete dilation of the cervix. In practice, it is important to differentiate the ringwomb with similar conditions such as false dilation of the cervix, early dilation syndrome, and vaginal prolapse associated with ringwomb. In this review, the definition of ringwomb in sheep, an exploration of the structure of the sheep’s cervix, the normal process of cervix dilation during lambing, etiology and symptoms of ringwomb, differential diagnosis, and different treatments are discussed. Keywords: Cervix, Collagen, Dystocia, Sheep, Ringwomb