FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FRIESIAN X BORANA CROSSBRED COWS UNDER SMALLHOLDER MANAGEMENT CONDITIONS IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Factors contributing to milk yield, changes in body weight (BW) and body condition score (BC), and reproductive performances of 50 Friesian X Borana (F₁) crossbred cows under smallholder farmers' management conditions were investigated. The F₁ crossbred cows were distributed by International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in the study area with the objective of introducing multipurpose (dairy and draft) cow technology. Milk yield was found to be a function of wheat bran and hay intakes. Comparisons of mean change in initial and final BW and BC indicated that the animals lost their BW and BC during the study period and showed deficiency of 24% of metabolizable energy (ME). Change in BW was found to be a function of wheat bran and noug cake intakes. Mean (±SD) pasture time of dairy cows was 7:49±3:05. Based on their progesterone (P₄) concentration, 60% of the dairy cows were acyclic (P₄ < 1.63 ng/ml) throughout the study period, of which 50% (15/30) had P₄ < 1 ng/ml. The acyclicity of dairy cows could be associated with 24% deficiency of ME, loss of BW and BC and long pasture time. Improvement of dry season feed supply would help reduce losses in BW, BC, production and reproductive performances.

Key Words: Dairy cows, F1, Friesian x Borana, reproductive performance

African Journal of Livestock Extension Vol.3 2004: 45-49