scholarly journals Prevalence of Repeat Breeding Syndrome in Dairy Cattle in Selected Regions of Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-118
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Farm Level ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
Extensive Farming ◽  
Smallholder Dairy Farms

The optimum production in dairy cows aims at getting a calf per cow per year. This, however, is limited by repeat breeding syndrome (RBS), which has multiple etiologies that cause either fertilization failure or early embryonic death. This study objective was to determine the prevalence of repeat breeding syndrome in dairy cattle within the selected regions of Kenya. A cross-sectional study design was carried out in 205 smallholder dairy farms in Makueni, Kakamega and Nandi counties. A total of 553 cows/heifers were recruited and examined per rectal to determine their reproductive status. Information on the breeding history of the cow and heifer was acquired at the farm. The results revealed that cross bred cattle were most affected by RBS at 38.9% followed by Jersey, Guernsey Ayrshire and least in Frisians at 21.1, 16.7, 25 and 14%, respectively. The overall animal level prevalence of RBS in cattle in the three counties was at 18.4%, while the overall farm-level prevalence was 58.3%. However, per county prevalence’s were different with animal level prevalence at 31.9, 20.9 and 12.5% in Makueni, Kakamega and Nandi, respectively. The farm-level prevalence’s at the counties were 75.4, 58.3 and 48.4% in Makueni, Kakamega and Nandi counties, respectively. Cattle kept in the zero-grazing/intensive system had the highest level of RBS at 30.1% compared to semi-intensive and extensive farming systems. The prevalence of RBS was also higher in multipara at 76% in comparison to primipara cows. Finally cows over four years which were in third or more parities had the highest prevalence of RBS, accounting for 65%) of the cases. In conclusion, the prevalence of RBS is significantly high in the Kenyan smallholder dairy farms. Further research should be undertaken to identify risk factors and appropriate intervention approaches for RBS to enhance its management.

scholarly journals Major Causes of Calf Morbidity and Mortality in Smallholder Dairy Farms in Shashemene Town, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdela Edao ◽  
Abdurahman Meribo
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
Floor Condition ◽  
Smallholder Dairy Farms

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the major causes of calf morbidity and mortality in smallholder dairy farms and associated potential risk factors in Shashemene. A total of 187 calves from 46 farms were included in the present study. The overall crude morbidity and crude mortality rates were 27.8% and 6.4%, respectively. The most frequent disease syndrome was diarrhea with incidence rate of 28(15%) followed by pneumonia 8(4.3%), Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorder 8(4.3%) and septicemia 5(2.7%). In addition skin lesion, navel ill and unidentified cases were encountered. The main causes of death were diarrhea 6(3.2%), Septicemia 2(1.1%), GIT disorder 2(1.1%), pneumonia 1(0.5%) and others 1(0.5%). The most important risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality were housing hygiene, floor condition and calf size in farm. Out of 187 calves examined for GIT parasites; 63(33.3%) were positive for nematode eggs. Prevalence of helminthes parasite increased with increasing age, showing higher prevalence (P<0.05) in calves above 2 months than in calves below 2 months of age. Besides, majority of the calves, 48(25.7%) were found positive for coccidian oocyst. In general; diarrhea, pneumonia and septicemia were the major causes of calf morbidity and mortality. Interms of risk factors housing hygiene, floor condition, calf size in the farms, age and breed were identified major role players. Therefore, identifying major causes and improving management practices and breed should be given to emphasis by advisory of smallholder dairy farms.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study of the welfare of calves raised in smallholder dairy farms in Meru, Kenya, 2017

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1094-1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily K. Kathambi ◽  
John A. Van Leeuwen ◽  
George K. Gitau ◽  
Shawn L. McKenna
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
Smallholder Dairy Farms

scholarly journals Prevalence and determinants of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in smallholder dairy cattle in Iringa and Tanga Regions of Tanzania

2007 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E.S. Swai ◽  
N.P. French ◽  
E.D. Karimuribo ◽  
J.L. Fitzpatrick ◽  
M.J. Bryant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cryptosporidium Spp ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
The Family ◽  
Cryptosporidium Oocysts ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
Family House

The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in a cross-sectional study of dairy cattle, from two contrasting dairying regions in Tanzania, were determined by staining smears of faecal samples with the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Of the 1 126 faecal samples screened, 19.7% were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. The prevalence was lower in Tanga Region than in Iringa Region. The prevalence of affected farms was 20% in Tanga and 21% in Iringa. In both regions, the probability of detecting Cryptosporidium oocysts in faeces varied with animal class, but these were not consistent in both regions. In Tanga Region, Cryptosporidium oocysts were significantly more likely to be found in the faeces of milking cows. In Iringa Region, the likelihood that cattle had Cryptosporidium-positive faeces declined with age, and milking cattle were significantly less likely to have Cryptosporidium positive faeces. In this region, 7% of cattle were housed within the family house at night, and this was marginally associated with a higher likelihood that animals had Cryptosporidium-positive faeces. Our study suggests that even though herd sizes are small, Cryptosporidium spp. are endemic on many Tanzanian smallholder dairy farms. These protozoa may impact on animal health and production, but also on human health, given the close associations between the cattle and their keepers. Further studies are required to assess these risks in more detail, and understand the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in this management system.

scholarly journals Effects of Calliandra and Sesbania on Daily Milk Production in Dairy Cows on Commercial Smallholder Farms in Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
D. N. Makau ◽  
J. A. VanLeeuwen ◽  
G. K. Gitau ◽  
S. L. McKenna ◽  
C. Walton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Smallholder Farms ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Final Model ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
Daily Milk Production ◽  
Daily Milk ◽  
Smallholder Dairy Farms

There is a growing interest in protein supplementation of dairy-cow diets using leguminous shrubs. The study objective was to ascertain the association between diet supplementation with Calliandra calothyrsus and Sesbania sesban and milk production in dairy cattle on commercial smallholder farms. This trial involved 235 cows from 80 smallholder dairy farms in Kenya randomly allocated to 4 intervention groups: (1) receiving Calliandra and Sesbania and nutritional advice; (2) receiving reproductive medicines and advice; (3) receiving both group 1 and 2 interventions; and (4) receiving neither intervention. Farm nutritional practices and management data were collected in a questionnaire, and subsequent physical examinations, mastitis tests, and milk production of cows on the farm were monitored approximately monthly for 16 months. Descriptive and univariable statistical analyses were conducted, and multivariable mixed-model regression was used for identification of factors associated (P<0.05) with daily milk production. The mean milk production was 6.39 liters/cow/day (SD = 3.5). Feeding Calliandra/Sesbania to cows was associated (P<0.0005) with an increase in milk produced by at least 1 liter/cow/day with each kg fed. Other variables positively associated with ln daily milk production in the final model included feeding of Napier grass, amount of silage and dairy meal fed, body condition score, and appetite of the cow. Other variables negatively associated with ln daily milk production in the final model included amount of maize germ fed, days in milk, sudden feed changes, pregnancy, and subclinical mastitis. In conclusion, our field trial data suggest that use of Calliandra/Sesbania through agroforestry can improve milk production in commercial smallholder dairy farms in Kenya. Agroforestry land use systems can be adopted as a way for dairy farmers to cope with feed shortages and low crude protein in farm-available feeds for their cows.

scholarly journals Risk factors associated with cows' lying time, stall and cows' own cleanliness in smallholder dairy farms in Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1085-1092
Author(s):  
E. K. Kathambi ◽  
J. A. VanLeeuwen ◽  
G. K. Gitau ◽  
C. Kamunde
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Farm Level ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Smallholder Dairy

Background and Aim: The welfare of animals kept in livestock production systems has raised concerns around the world. Adult dairy cattle require adequate rest and spend approximately 12 h/day lying down. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the stall factors and management practices affecting cows' lying time, stall cleanliness, and cows' cleanliness (udder and upper leg), in smallholder dairy cows in Meru County of Kenya. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 milking cows from 73 farms were assessed for daily lying time and cleanliness. Data loggers were used to record the lying time of cows for 3 days. Stall, udder, and upper leg cleanliness were assessed using a 5-score system: 1 (very clean) to 5 (very dirty). Management information was acquired using a questionnaire that was administered face-to-face to the farmers in their native Kimeru language. Univariable and multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fit to determine factors associated with cows' lying time and dichotomized stall and cows' own cleanliness, respectively. Results: The mean daily lying time was 10.9±2.2 h, and the mean stall cleanliness score was 2.4±1.0. The mean average cleanliness scores of the udder and upper legs were 1.9±0.7 and 2.5±1.1, respectively. Overall, 35% of the stalls were categorized as dirty (>2.5), whereas 13% and 47% of the cows had udder and leg cleanliness scores >2.5, respectively. From the final multivariable models (p<0.05), daily lying time increased by 1.0 h for cows older than 5.25 years versus younger cows. Conversely, lying time decreased by 1.0 h with stall cleanliness scores >2.5 and by 1.6 h with poorly positioned neck rails. In an interaction term, addition of new bedding at least once a day without removing stall manure at least once a day decreased the daily lying time of the cows by 1.5 h, whereas failure to add new bedding at least once a day but removing stall manure at least once a day decreased the lying time of the cows by 1.2 h. Farm-level risk factors for stall dirtiness (>2.5) included delayed cleaning of the alley (odds ratio [OR]=6.6, p=0.032), lack of bedding (OR=4.9, p=0.008), and standing idle and/or backward in the stall (OR=10.5, p=0.002). Stalls categorized as dirty (OR=2.9, p=0.041) and lack of bedding (OR=2.7, p=0.065) were cow- and farm-level risk factors for dirtiness of the udder (>2.5), respectively, whereas the stall being dirty (OR=2.3, p=0.043) was the only risk factor (cow level) for dirtiness of the upper legs (>2.5). Conclusion: It was recommended that farmers should pay attention to the specific factors identified regarding the stall design (e.g., neck rail position) and bedding/manure management that impact the cleanliness of cows and their lying time.

Use of metabolic profiles in dairy cattle in tropical and subtropical countries on smallholder dairy farms

1999 ◽  
Vol 38 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 119-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.A Whitaker ◽  
W.J Goodger ◽  
M Garcia ◽  
B.M.A.O Perera ◽  
F Wittwer
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Metabolic Profiles ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
Smallholder Dairy Farms

scholarly journals Evaluation of Dairy Cattle Productivity in Smallholder Farms in Nyeri County, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Aweer Duot Ajak ◽  
Charles K. Gachuiri ◽  
Margaret M. M. Wanyoike
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Cattle Production ◽  
Feed Resources ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
Smallholder Dairy Farms

Dairy cattle production contributes approximately 4.5% of the Kenyan National Gross Domestic Product, creates jobs along the value chain and plays a key role in food security. However, average milk yield per cow is still low under smallholder dairy production system despite concerted efforts to improve productivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the productivity of smallholder dairy farms in 2 sub-counties of Nyeri County. A semi structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on feed resources and feeding systems, breeds and breeding systems, calf management, age at first service (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), milk yield (MY) and lactation length (LL) in smallholder dairy farms. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The dominant feed resources and feeding system were roughages (mostly Napier grass), concentrates and mineral supplements (87.2%) and stall feeding (74.2%). Majority of the farmers kept Friesians (82.2%) with (94.5%) using artificial insemination. Most of the farmers (83.5%) fed 2-4 litres of colostrum to the calves and the method of feeding was majorly bucket feeding (93.0%). High proportion of farmers (97.7%) fed the colostrum from 0-6 hours after calving and (59.6%) weaned calves at 3 months. The AFS was mainly 18-20 months and above, while the mean AFC, CI, and LL were 28.7±2.84, 15.2±5.11 and 10.0±4.90 months, respectively. The mean milk yield was 10.7±5.85 litres/cow/day. The main challenges to dairy cattle production were feed shortages (30.6%), low farmgate milk prices (28.3%) and high cost of concentrate feeds (17.8%). It was concluded that performance of dairy cattle in the study area was poor attributed mostly to feed shortages and low milk prices. To improve productivity, feed availability and cost together with farmgate price of milk should be addressed.

scholarly journals The incidence of Reproductive Disorders in Dairy Cows under Smallholder Farms

2020 ◽  
pp. 22-27
Author(s):  
Muhammad Yusuf ◽  
Abdul Latief Toleng ◽  
Djoni Prawira Rahardja ◽  
Su Thanh Long
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Reproductive Disorders ◽  
Smallholder Farms ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Reproductive Disorder ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
Smallholder Dairy Farms

The objective of this study was to know the incidence of reproductive disorders in smallholder dairy farms. The study was conducted in 12 small dairy farms in Enrekang Regency, Indonesia.  A total of 80 dairy Holstein Friesian cattle consisted of 51 dairy cows and 29 dairy heifers were used in the present study. All dairy cattle at each farm were housed in tie-stall barns.  Reproductive examination was conducted to determine the incidence of reproductive disorders both vaginoscopy and palpation per rectum. The incidence of reproductive disorders was 30.0%; 31.0% in dairy heifers and 29.4% in dairy cows. Uterine infection was the most reproductive disorder suffered to the dairy cattle (12.5%), followed by inactive ovaries and cyst (10% and 5%, respectively). The dairy cattle suffered from reproductive disorders increased the likelihood to mate (artificial insemination; AI) greater than three times as well as to become pregnant. In the population of dairy cattle, 48% AI was conducted greater than three times. The pregnancy rate for the dairy cattle suffered from reproductive disorders was only 20%, with interval from calving to conception was 550 days in average. It can be concluded that high incidence of reproductive disorders in smallholder dairy farms. The occurrence of reproductive disorders decreased the reproductive performance of the dairy cattle in smallholder farms.

scholarly journals Risk factors for smallholder dairy cattle mortality in Tanzania

2010 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
E.S. Swai ◽  
E.D. Karimuribo ◽  
D.M. Kambarage
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Total Risk ◽  
Urban District ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Young Stock ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
Smallholder Dairy Farms

A retrospective cross-sectional study of mortality was conducted on smallholder dairy farms in 2 separate regions (Iringa and Tanga) of Tanzania during the period of January to April 1999. A total of 1789 cattle from 400 randomly sampled smallholder dairy farms (200 each from Iringa and Tanga regions) were included in the study. These animals contributed a total risk period of 690.4 and 653.95 years for Tanga and Iringa, respectively. The overall mortality rates were estimated to be 8.5 and 14.2 per 100 cattle years risk for Tanga and Iringa regions, respectively; 57.7 % of the reported deaths were of young stock less than 12 months old; 45 % of reported young stock deaths (≤12 months old) were due to tick-borne diseases, mainly East Coast Fever (ECF) and anaplasmosis. Disease events including ECF were reported to occur in all months of the year. Survival analysis using Cox proportional hazard models indicated that, in both regions, death rate and risk was higher in young stock less than 12 months than in older animals (relative risk RR=4.92, P <0.001 for Iringa; RR = 5.03 P = 0.005 for Tanga). In the Tanga region reported mortality rates were significantly higher for male animals (RR = 3.66, P = 0.001) and F2 compared with F1 animals (RR=3.04, P=0.003). In the Iringa region, reported mortality rates were lower for cattle on farms where the owner had attended a dairy development project training course (RR = 0.47, P = 0.012). Farms located in Iringa urban district and Pangani were associated with higher risk (mortality risk 21 % for Iringa urban and 34 % for Pangani). Our findings suggest that timely health and management interventions on these factors are necessary to alleviate losses from disease and emphasise that understanding variation in mortality risk within a population can enhance early response to potential outbreaks, reducing losses.

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