Farmers’ Perception of Dairy Cattle Reproductive Performance in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the perception of dairy farmers regarding reproductive performance (age at first calving and calving interval) of dairy cattle using data collected in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The study covered two zones of Oromia (Special Zone around Finfinne and North Shewa) and one zone of the Amhara region (North Shewa). The multistage sampling technique was employed to select the sample households (farmers) using purposive and random sampling techniques. A total of 564 crossbreeds and 152 local zebu cattle from 289 randomly selected dairy farmers were examined. The data collection was done using a structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The logistic regression model was also used to identify factors affecting farmers' recognition of dairy cattle delayed conception. The result revealed that the mean lactation length for crossbreed and local zebu cows was 299 and 284 days, respectively. The mean calving interval of crossbreed cows was 19.19 months for delayed cows and 12.4 for normal cows implying 6.79 months delay, compared to the optimal calving delivery. On the other hand, the average calving interval of local zebu cows was 24.03 months for delayed cows and 14.53 for normal cows showing 9.53 months delay. The study also pointed out that 28% of the sample farmers recognize delayed conception of their cows/heifers for which disease was one of the main reasons as they perceived. The respondents reported that poor feeding, management, and genetic setup are other problems that contributed to the problem. The result revealed that the delayed conception rate for the local zebu cows was 26% while it was 32% for the crossbreed cows. The delayed conception rate was also 36% and 25% for local zebu and crossbreed heifers, respectively. The result of the logistic regression model also exhibited that access to dairy extension services, family size, number of cows, distance to veterinary clinics, and access to expert advice affect the recognition of dairy cattle conception performance positively and significantly. The finding suggests emphasizing effective extension services and knowledge distribution to create awareness of dairy cattle's reproductive performance for the proficient intervention of the problem.