Teshome Gedefa¹, Ajebu Nurfeta²* and Nega Tola³

¹School of Animal and Range Sciences, Salale University; Ethiopia
²Schools of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Ethiopia
³Department of Animal Science, Arsi University, Ethiopia

*Corresponding Author: Ajebu Nurfeta, Schools of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Ethiopia.

Received: February 14, 2023; Published: March 25, 2023

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of Arsi-Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows at Assela Model Agricultural Enterprise (AMAE). A retrospective study was carried out using data recorded from 1996 to 2011 to evaluate number of services per conception (NSPC), days open (DO), calving interval (CI), age at first service (AFS), and age at first calving (AFC). Fixed factors considered were year (16), season (3), parity (6) and blood level (4). Data of cows with complete information were considered, and a total of 855 records for NSPC, 678 records for DO, and CI, 177 records for AFS and AFC, were used. The overall least square means of CI, DO, AFS, AFC and NSC were 488, 209, 951, 1314, and 1.818, respectively. Season had no significant effect on reproductive performance of dairy cows. Year of calving showed significant influences (p < 0.01) on NSPC. Blood levels showed significant difference on CI and DO (P < 0.05) and AFS and AFC (P < 0.01). First parity showed higher (p < 0.05) values for CI and DO than third and above. The NSPC at 4th parity was shorter than the 6th. Except NSPC, blood levels had an economic importance in determining reproductive performance of dairy cows. Year had an important role in determining the reproduction performance of dairy cows indicating that the variation in feed availability and quality as well as variation in management through the years. Thus are, stabilizing environment, setting breeding program, and benchmarking parity is important to improve reproductive performance of the farm.

Keywords: Arsi; Assela; Crossbred; Holstein-Friesian; Reproductive

References

1. Central Statistical Agency (CSA). “Agricultural sample survey, federal democratic republic of Ethiopia report on livestock and livestock characteristics” (2017).
2. Metaferia F., et al. “A review to improve estimation of livestock contribution to the national GDP” (2011).
3. Duressa D., et al. “Assessment of livestock production system and feed resources availability in three villages of Diga district Ethiopia” (2014).
4. Randolph TF., et al. “Invited review: Role of livestock in human nutrition and health for poverty reduction in developing countries”. Journal of animal Science11 (2007): 2788-2800.
5. Sintayehu G., et al. “Diagnostic study of live cattle and beef production and marketing: Constraints and opportunities for enhancing the system”. ILRI and IFPRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (2010):
6. Aynalem Haile. “Genetic and economic analysis of Ethiopian Boran cattle and their crosses with Holstein Friesian in central Ethiopia. PhD thesis”. National dairy research institute (I.C.A.R) karnal-132001 (Haryana), India 88 (2006): 3155-3165.
7. Pratt AN., et al. “Dairy development for the resource poor”. Part II: Kenya and Ethiopian dairy development (2008).
8. CSA (Central Statistical Agency). “Agricultural sample survey 2010/11. Volume II. Report on livestock and livestock characteristics (private peasant holdings)”. CSA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (2011).
9. Farin WP and Slenning DB. “Managing Reproductive Efficiency in Dairy Herds”. In: O. M. Radostits (ed), Herd Health: Food Animal Production, 3^rd Edition, (Saunders, London) (2001): 255-290.
10. Holloway G., et al. “How to make a milk market: A case study from the Ethiopian highlands. Socio-economic and Policy Research Working Paper28”. ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute), Nairobi, Kenya (2000):
11. Mihret Ayenew. “Poverty and Urban Government Institutions; ed. Desalegn Rahmewto”. Some aspects of Poverty in Ethiopia. Forum for Social Studies, Addis Ababa (2006).
12. Jonson HD. “The lactating cow in various ecosystem: Environmental effects on its productivity”. pp.9-21. In A. Speedy and R. Sansoucy (eds.). Feeding Dairy Cows in the Tropics. Proceedings of the FAO expert consultation held in Bangkok, Thailand, 7-11-july 1989. Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy (1991).
13. Leng RA. “Feeding strategies for improving milk production of dairy animals managed by small farmers in the tropics”. pp. 82 - 104. In A. Speedy and R. Sansoucy (eds.). Feeding Dairy Cows in the Tropics. Proceedings of the FAO expert consultation held in Bangkok, Thailand. 7-11 July 1989. Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, Rome (1991).
14. Sendros Demeke and Tesfaye Kumssa. “Factors to be considered in formulation of livestock breeding policy”. pp. 26-35. In Proceedings of the 5^th National Conference of Ethiopian Society of Animal Production (ESAP). Addis Ababa (1998).
15. Washburn SP., et al. “Trends in reproductive performance in southeastern Holstein and Jersey DHI herds”. Journal of Dairy Science 85 (2002): 244-251.
16. Dobson H., et al. “The high producing dairy cow and its reproductive performance”. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 42 (2007): 17-23.
17. Avendaño-Reyes L., et al. “Relationship between accumulated heat stress during the dry period, body condition score, and reproduction parameters of Holstein cows in tropical conditions”. Tropical Animal Health and Production2 (2010): 265-273.
18. Demeke Sendros., et al. “Estimates of genetic parameters for Boran, Friesian, and crosses of Friesian and Jersey with the Boran cattle in the tropical highlands of Ethiopia: milk production traits and cow weight”. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 121 (2004b): 163-175.
19. KARC (Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center) (2008). Annual report, Asella, Ethiopia (2008):
20. Bisrat Aklilu. “The Diffusion of Fertilizer in Ethiopia: Pattern, Determinants, and Implications". Journal of Developing Areas 14 (1980):
21. Ahmed MM., et al. “Dairy development in Ethiopia. Socio-economics and Policy Research Working Paper 58 (pdf)”. ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute), Nairobi, Kenya (2008).
22. Kefena Effa. “Analysis of longevity, productive herd lifetime milk production of Boran crossbred cows with various levels of exotic inheritance in the central highlands of Ethiopia”. An MSc. Thesis, Alemaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia (2004):
23. Asimwe L and Kifaro GC. “Effect of breed, season, year and parity on reproductive performance of dairy cattle under smallholder production system in Bukoba district, Tanzania”. Livestock Research for Rural Development 19 (2012).
24. Mekonnen Hailemariam. “Evaluation of growth and reproductive performance of Borana cattle and their crosses with Friesian at Abernossa, Shoa, Ethiopia”. An MSc. Thesis Alemaya University. Dire Dawa, Ethiopia (1987):
25. Million Tadesse., et al. “Productive and reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian dairy cows in Ethiopia”. Livestock Research for Rural Development 22 (2010).
26. Belay Duguma., et al. “Productive and Reproductive Performance of Zebu X Holstein-Friesian Crossbred Dairy Cows in Jimma Town, Oromia, Ethiopia”. Global Veterinaries1 (2012): 67-72.
27. Amene Fekadu., et al. “Study on reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows at Alage Dairy Farm, Rift Valley of Ethiopia”. Tropical Animal Health and Production 43 (2011): 581-586.
28. Mangurkar BR., et al. “Reproduction performance and productive performance of Friesian and Jersey purebred cows in a herd in India”. Indian Journal of Animal Science10-12 (1985): 893-897.
29. Yifat D., et al. “Study on reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cattle under smallholder conditions in and around Zeway, Ethiopia”. Livestock Research for Rural Development 21 (2012).
30. Mukassa-Mugrewa E., et al. “Reproductive efficiency of Bos indicus (zebu) cows under artificial insemination management in Ethiopia”. Animal Reproduction Science 24 (1991): 63-72.
31. Negussie Enyew., et al. “Reproductive performance of dairy cattle at Assela livestock farm, Arsi, Ethiopia. I: Indigenous cows versus their F1 crosses”. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 115 (1998): 267-280.
32. Lozano DRR., et al. “Environmental effects on the reproductive performance and fertility of American Brown Swiss cows in subhumid tropics”. Tećnica Pecuaria en Mexico3 (1992): 208-222.
33. de Vries A and CA Risco. “Trends and seasonality of reproductive performance in Florida and Georgia dairy herds from 1976 to 2002”. Journal of Dairy Sciences 88 (2005): 3155-3165.
34. Ababu Dekeba. “Evaluation of performance of Borana cows in the production of crossbred dairy heifers at Abernossa ranch Ethiopia”. An MSc. Thesis, Alemaya University”. Dire Dawa, Ethiopia (2002):
35. Peters AR. “Reproductive activity of the cow in the postpartum period. 1. Factors affecting the length of the postpartum a cyclic period”. British Veterinary Journal 140 (1984): 76-83.
36. Negussie Enyew. “Reproductive performance of local and crossbred dairy cattle at the Asella livestock farm”. An MSc. Thesis Alemaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia (1992):
37. Hafez ESE. “Reproduction in Farm Animals. 6^th edition Lea and Febiger (1993).
38. Gebregziabher Gebreyohanes., et al. “Days to first service, conception rate and service period of indigenous and crossbred cows in relation to postpartum body weight change at Bako, Ethiopia”. Ethiopian Journal of Animal production1 (2005): 83-90.
39. Tadesse B and Zelalem Yilma. “Feeding noug 'Guizotia abyssinica' cake as protein source to lactating Borana X Jersey crossbred cows: performances in milk yield, reproduction and feed efficiency. 375-385 pp. In: Farm animal biodiversity: status and prospects. Proceedings of the 11^th Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Society of Animal Production (ESAP). 28-30 August 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (2004).
40. James F Roche. “The effect of nutritional management of the dairy cow on reproductive efficiency”. Animal Reproduction Science 96 (2006): 282-296.
41. Million Tadesse. “Estimation of crossbreeding parameters for milk production traits at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Centre, Ethiopia”. Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production 1 (2001): 45-54. 20.
42. Moges Dereje and Baars RMT. “Long-term Evaluation of milk production and Reproduction performance of dairy cattle at Alemaya”. Proceedings of the 6^th Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Society of Animal production (ESAP) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (1998): 176-183.
43. Mukasa-Mugerwa E., et al. “Type and productivity of indigenous cattle in Central Ethiopia”. Tropical Animal Health and Production (1989).
44. Sattar A., et al. “Productive and reproductive performance of Holstein Frisian cows in Pakistan”. Pakistan Veterinary Journal2 (2005): 75-81.
45. Amani Z., et al. “Milk yield and reproductive performance of Friesian cows under Sudan tropical conditions”. Archiv fur Tierzucht Dummerstorf2 (2007): 155-164.
46. Mohamed-Khair A Ahmed., et al. “Milk production and reproduction traits of different grades of zebu x Friesian crossbreds under semi-arid conditions Kenya”. Archiv fur Tierzucht Dummerstorf3 (2007): 240-249.
47. Ansari-Lari M., et al. “Trends in calving ages and calving intervals for Iranian Holsteins in Fars province, southern Iran”. Tropical Animal Health and Production 41 (2009): 1283-1288.
48. Mulangila RCT. “A study of dairy cattle productivity in Tanga region”. M.Sc. Thesis. Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania (1997):
49. Oliveira FEBde. “Age at first calving, service period and calving interval in a Nellore herd”. Thesis, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil (1974):
50. Oyedipe EO., et al. “Effect of level of nutrition on onset of puberty and conception rates of zebu heifers”. Theriogenology 18 (1982): 525-539.
51. Hailemariam Mekonnen and Kassamersha H. “Genetic and environmental effects on age at first calving and calving interval of naturally bred Boran (zebu) cows in Ethiopia”. Animal Production 58 (1994): 329-334.
52. Kiwuwa GH., et al. “Crossbred dairy cattle productivity in Arsi Region, Ethiopia. International Livestock center for Africa (ILCA)”. Research report 11 (1983): 1-29.
53. Abdinasir IB. “Smallholder dairy production and dairy technology adoption in the mixed farming system in Arsi highland, Ethiopia”. PhD thesis, Humboldt University of Berlin, Department of Animal Breeding in the Tropics and Subtropics. Germany (2000).
54. Kefena Effa., et al. “Genetic and environmental trends in the long-term dairy cattle genetic improvement programmes in the central tropical highlands of Ethiopia”. Journal of Cell and Animal Biology6 (2011): 96-104.
55. Balikowa D. “Reproductive and lactation performance of dairy cattle on small holder farms in Iringa and Mbeya regions”. MSc. Thesis. Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania (1997):
56. Habtamu Lemma., et al. “Study on the reproductive performance of Jersey cows at Wolayta Sodo dairy farm, Southern Ethiopia”. Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O.Box 34, Debre-Zeit, Ethiopia (2010).
57. Plasse D., et al. “Influencias ambietales sobre la variancia de intervalos entre partos en Brahman registrado”. Memoria, Asociacion Latinoamericana de Produccion Animal 7 (1972):
58. Kifaro GC. “Production efficiency of Bos taurus cattle in Mbeya region”. M.Sc. Thesis. Sokoine University of Agriculture. Morogoro, Tanzania (1984): 52-95.
59. Mahadevan P. “The effect of environment and heredity on lactation”. Journal of Agricultural Science 41 (1951): 80-93.
60. Britt JH., et al. “Determinants of estrous behavior in lactating Holstein cows”. Journal of Dairy Sciences 69 (1986): 2195-2202.
61. Msanga YN., et al. “Effect of environmental factors and proportions of Holstein blood on days to first insemination and calving interval of crossbred dairy cattle on smallholder farmers in Northeast Tanzania”. In: Proceedings of the Tanzania Society of Animal Production 26 (1999): 161-175.
62. Yoseph Mekasha. “Impact of feed resources on productive and reproductive performance of dairy cows in the urban and peri-urban dairy production system in the Addis Ababa milk shed and evaluation of non- conventional feed resources using sheep”. MSc Thesis, Alemaya University, Ethiopia (1999).
63. Yoseph Shiferaw., et al. “Reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows managed under different production systems in central highlands of Ethiopia”. Journal of Tropical Animal Health and Production6 (2003): 551-561.
64. Emebet M and Zeleke M. “Reproductive Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows in Eastern lowlands of Ethiopia”. Livestock Research for Rural Development 19 (2007).
65. Gebeyehu Goshu., et al. “Reproductive performances of Fogera cattle and their Friesian crosses in Andassa ranch Northwestern Ethiopia”. Livestock Research for Rural Development 17 (2005):
66. Asaminew Tassew and Eyasu Seifu. “Smallholder dairy system and emergency of dairy cooperatives in Bahir dar Zuria and Mecha Woredas, northern, Ethiopia”. World Journal of Dairy and Food Sciences2 (2009): 185-192.
67. Musa LMA., et al. “The reproductive and milk performance merit of Butana cattle in Sudan”. Archives of Animal Breeding 48 (2005): 445-459.
68. Giday Yifter. “Assessment of calf productivity and total herd life of Fogera cows at Andassa ranch in northwestern Ethiopia". An MSc.Thesis, Alamaya University of Agriculture, Ethiopia (2001):
69. Mekonnen Hailemariam and Goshu Mekonnen. “Reproductive performance of Fogera cattle and their Friesian crosses”. Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Science (1987).
70. Amasaib EO., et al. “Seasonal and parity effects on some performance and reproductive characteristics of crossbred dairy cows raised under tropical conditions of the Sudan”. Livestock Research for Rural Development 23 (2011).
71. Hailu Dadi and Tadele Mirkena. “Influence of Dam Genotype, Age of Dam and Parity on Age at First Calving, Calving Interval and Birth Weight in Indigenous and Crossbred Cattle at Adami Tulu, Farm Animal Biodiversity in Ethiopia: Status and Prospects. Proceedings of the 11th annual conference of the Ethiopian Society of Animal Production (ESAP) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (2004).
72. Gryseels G and De K Boodt. “Integration of crossbred cows (Boran and Friesian) on smallholder farms in Debre Zeit area of the Ethiopian highlands”. ILCa Highlands Programme Report. ILCA (International Livestock Centre for Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (1996):
73. Patterson DJ., et al. “Management considerations in heifers development and puberty”. Journal of Animal Science 70 (1992b): 4018-4035.
74. Azage “Reproductive Development and Function in Zebu and Crossbred Cattle in Ethiopia”. PhD thesis, James Cook University, Australia (1989).
75. Mekonnen Hailemariam., et al. “Productivity of Boran cattle and their Friesian cross at Abernossa ranch, rift valley of Ethiopia”. I. Reproductive performance and preweaning mortality”. Tropical Animal Health and Production 25 (1993): 239-249.
76. Gebeyehu Goshu., et al. “Effect of parity, season and year on reproductive performance and herd life of Friesian cows at Stella private dairy farm, Ethiopia”. Livestock Research for Rural Development 19 (2007).
77. Gifawosen T., et al. “Study on reproductive efficiency of Boran and its crosses at Holetta research farm: Effect of genotype, management and environment”. Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production1 (2003): 89-108.
78. Lobago F., et al. “Reproductive performances of dairy cows in smallholder production system in Selalle, central Ethiopia”. Tropical Animal Health and Production 38 (2006): 333-342.
79. Asseged Birhanu and Birhanu Mekonnen. “Survival analysis of calves and reproductive performance of cows in commercial dairy farms in and around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia”. Tropical Animal Health and Production 36 (2004): 663-672.
80. Gebeyehu Goshu. “Breeding efficiency, lifetime lactation and calving performance of Friesian-Boran crossbred cows at Cheffa farm, Ethiopia”. Livestock Research for Rural Development 7 (2005).
81. Bee JKA., et al. “Lactation yield of crossbred dairy cattle under farmer management in Eastern coast of Tanzania”. Livestock Research for Rural Development2 (2006).
82. Azage Tegegne. “Study on thee reproduction of local Zebu and F1 crossbred (European-Zebu) cows.1: number of services per conception, gestation length and days open till conception”. Ethiopian Journal of Agriculture Sciences 3 (1981): 1-14.
83. Negussie Enyew., et al. “Reproductive performance and herd life of crossbred dairy cattle with different levels of European inheritance in Ethiopia”. In: Proceedings of 7^th Annual conference of the Ethiopian society of animal production, 26-27 May 1999, (ESAP, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) (2000): 65-76.
84. Nega Tolla and Sendrose Demeke. “Effect of calving year, season, age and parity classes on production and reproduction performance of Holstein-Friesian cows at Holetta state farm”. Pastoralism and agro pastoralism: which way forward”. Proceedings of the 8^th annual conference of the Ethiopian Society of Animal Production (ESAP) (2000): 24-25.
85. Swenson C., et al. “Breeding activities of the Ethio-Swedish integrated rural development project. Part III. Reproductive performance of zebu and crossbred cattle”. World Animal Review 38 (1981): 31-36.
86. MOA/SDDP. “A brochure on the activities of the Small-holder Dairy Development Project in Ethiopia” (1996).
87. Ray DE., et al. “Season and Lactation Number Effects on Milk Production and Reproduction of Dairy Cattle in Arizona”. Journal of Dairy Science 75 (1992): 2976-2983.
88. Goshen T and NY Shpigel. “Evaluation of intrauterine antibiotic treatment of clinical metritis and retained fetal membranes in dairy cows”. Theriogenology 66 (2006): 2210-2218.

Citation

Citation: Ajebu Nurfeta., et al. “Reproductive Performance of Arsi × Holstein Friesian Crossbred Dairy Cattle".Acta Scientific Veterinary Sciences 5.4 (2023): 95-107.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2023 Ajebu Nurfeta., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.