Study on Functional Traits of Arsi Cattle Reared in the East Shoa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in the East Shoa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia Region with the objective to assess the functional traits of Arsi cattle in their native areas. Two hundred forty cattle keepers were identified using random sampling techniques. The study was conducted in five districts, namely Adami Tullu Jidokombolcha (ATJK), Bora, Dodola, Shala and Negele-Arsi. The survey revealed that the age at first mating, age at first calving, and calving interval of Arsi cattle at on-farm level were 43.5, 55.9 and 19.1 months, respectively. The lactation length and milk yield of Arsi cattle were 9.6 months and 1.66 liters per day, respectively. The working life of oxen was 7.7 years. The observed results on reproduction and production of Arsi cattle at on-farm level are good indicators of information for further evaluation of their performances.

Impact of Non-genetic Parameters Altering Milk Yield Performance in Zebu Cows

Background: Animal phenotype performance depends on both genetic and non-genetic factors, but mostly the genetic part analysed leaving non genetic parameters unnoticed. The aim of the study is to understand impact of non-genetic factors governing milk yield performance in Deoni cows. Methods: A total of 821 lactation records from 340 lactating cows (2002-2017) along with their age at first calving, parity, season of calving were collected. These data were standardized and analysed to find significant differences using Duncan’s multiple range Test. Result: Deoni cows showed significant increase (P less than 0.05) in both lactation milk yield and lactation length with increase in parity. Season of calving had significant affects (P less than 0.05) on lactation milk yield but not in lactation length. Increase in age at first calving revealed there was a significant difference (P less than 0.05) in both lactation milk yield and lactation length.

↵Assessment on Milk Yield and Reproductive Performances of Crossbred Dairy Cattle in Selected Dairy Production Systems of Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Background: Productive and reproductive performances are the most important parameters in the Ehiopian dairy sector. The objective of the current study was to assess milk yield, reproductive performances of crossbred dairy cattle and occurrence of reproductive health problems and veterinary services provider/s. Methods: A cross-sectional study using semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 160 randomly selected dairy farm owners found in urban and peri-urban areas of Assela, Bishoftu, Holetta and Sululta of the central highlands of Ethiopia. Result: The higher average daily milk yields were 11.7 and 11.2 litres in urban and peri-urban Bishoftu. The average age at first service of crossbred dairy heifers was 18.8 months in urban and 19.1 months in peri-urban Bishoftu, respectively. The average age at first calving of crossbred dairy heifers was 27.8 months in urban Bishoftu and 28.1 months in peri-urban Bishoftu areas. The longest average age at first service (29.3 months) and age at first calving (38.3 months) were in peri-urban Assela. The number of services per conception was 1.4 in urban Assela and 1.3 in peri-urban Assela and these were shorter than the 1.65 from urban Bishoftu and the 1.85 of peri-urban Bishoftu areas. The average 168.0 days calving to conception interval from peri-urban Assela was the longest calving to conception interval in this study. The average calving intervals 14.9 and 13.9 months of peri-urban Assela and Sululta were relatively longer than the respective urban areas.

Relationship between reproductive capacity and productive longevity of cow

One of the most critical tasks of modern dairy farming is to extend the time of productive use of cows. Studies have shown that the studied herd’s economic benefit ranged from 1005 to 3693 days and averaged 1864. The lifetime milk yield of the cows averaged 20746 kg and lifetime milk fat was 735.4 kg. On the first day of economic use, 10.2 kg of milk was obtained, and on the first day of lactation, the figure was significantly higher at 20.8 kg. The most extended use period for a cow was found to be 1903 days. The average open days were 91-120 days. The highest lifetime productivity was obtained from this group of animals, which was 21909 kg of milk. A further reduction or increase in the length of open days was accompanied by a decrease in economic use and a decrease in the productive life of the cows. When open days were too long (more than 120 days), the productive life of the cows was reduced to 1875 days, and milk productivity was also reduced to 20562 kg of milk. According to the research results, the abundant lifetime life of cows increases with the duration of inter calving period from 11 to 13 months from 14939 to 26582 kg. It was found that productive life milk yield and milk fat decreased with a more extended period between calvings. The age of the first calving had no significant effect on the duration of economic use of the cows. Individuals with first calving at 30 months of age and more excellent than 1993.2 days were best on this trait. However, the highest productive life was shown by animals whose age at first calving was 26-27, 9 months.