Reproductive disorders of dairy cows managed under intensive and semiintensive production systems in three selected towns in southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Reproduction and fertility, mainly affected by several reproductive disorders, are the two pillars of dairy production sustainability and profitability. A cross sectional survey was carried out in dairy farms of Hawassa, Arsi Negelle and Wolaita Sodo towns, southern Ethiopia to estimate the prevalence of reproductive disorders and asses the associated
host and management related risk factors. Accordingly, a total of 236 recently calved and pregnant cows were managed in 74 randomly selected dairy farms, which were visited every other week. Besides, record exploration and face-to-face interview of farm owners/attendants were carried out. The results indicated that 82 (34.75%) of the examined cows were affected with one or more reproductive health disorders, which was 49.4% in Wolaita Sodo, 36.54% in Arsi Negelle and 21.78% in Hawassa, respectively. Retained fetal membrane (21.61%), uterine infection (19.49%), dystocia (11.44%)
and abortion (7.63%) were the leading reproductive disorders encountered, followed by hypocalcemia, anoestrus, uterine prolapse, repeat breeder and vaginal prolapse. Among the considered host and management related risk factors, number of services per conception (p=0.018), previous history of reproductive disorder (p=0.041), geographic area (p<0.001), farm ownership (p<0.001), ventilation (p=0.001), presence of calving pen (p=0.006) and contact with dogs (p=0.021) were significantly associated with the occurrence of reproductive disorders. The study further indicated that retained fetal membrane, dystocia and abortion had statistically significant (p<0.01) contribution for the occurrence of uterine infection. In general, the problem is prevailing and is among the major bottlenecks for the development of dairy production in the areas. The observed reproductive disorders are highly interdependent with the cause-effect
relationship and their occurrence are significantly influenced by several managemental/environmental factors than host factors. Therefore, further research work on the etiological factors of the observed reproductive disorders and enhancing
the awareness of the owners/attendants are recommended to improve the management and hygiene of dairy cows and their environment at least during their partum and postpartum period.