Search

Purpose: The reproductive and production performance of dairy cows determines the profitability of a dairy farm. Method: A questionnaire survey was used to assess reproductive performance and husbandry practices by using 100 randomly selected animal owners. Result: Seventy‐nine percent of animal owners involved were men, ages between 30 and 60. Their education was as follows: 26% were illiterate, 67% in primary school and 7% in secondary school. Ninety‐five percent of them managed their animals extensively and used natural mating and breeding practices (75%). AFS in months were 46.83 ± 0.65 in Ada‐Buke Warego, 46.00 ± 1.36 in Hagalo‐Tulam, 47.08 ± 0.99 in Dicho Aba‐Garmama and 47.29 ± 0.51 in Waligalte. AFC in months were 56.68 ± 0.97 in Ada‐Buke Warego, 58.00 ± 1.36 in Hagalo‐Tulam, 57.23 ± 1.41 in Dicho Aba‐Garmama and 56.24 ± 1.13 in Waligalte. ANSPCs were 1.85 ± 0.08 in Ada‐Buke Warego, 1.67 ± 0.14 in Hagalo‐Tulam, 1.54 ± 0.14 in Dicho Aba‐Garmama and 2.00 ± 0.10 in Waligalte. The mean length of CI in months was 30.88 ± 0.90 in Ada Buke Warego, 29.00 ± 1.68 in Hagalo‐Tulam, 28.62 ± 1.62 in Dicho Aba‐Garmama and 31.06 ± 1.04 in Waligalte. The average year of longevity was 9.22 ± 0.7 in Ada‐Buke Warego, 9.08 ± 0.8 in Hagalo‐Tulam, 9.31 ± 0.13 in Dicho Aba‐Garmama and 9.21 ± 0.8 in Waligalte, but there is no significant association (p ≥ 0.05). AFC in months was 48.00 ± 0.00 in local and 37.20 ± 1.30 in crossbreeds. ANSPC was 1.92 ± 0.06 in locals and 1.10 ± 0.10 in hybrids. AFC for Horro and crossbred dairy cattle were 57.73 ± 0.59 and 48.00 ± 0.00 months, respectively. The mean length of CI was 30.53 ± 0.67 and 29.40 ± 1.99 months in natives and crossbreeds, respectively. The average year of longevity was 9.22 ± 0.05 and 9.10 ± 0.10 years for local and hybrids, respectively. ANSPC for natural mating and AI were 1.92 ± 0.05 and 1.10 ± 0.10, respectively, with significant association (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The reproductive performance of dairy cows in the study area was low, which required the improvement of husbandry practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the time, castration is an elective procedure performed to make the camel docile and manage its behavior. There are also instances, where it is performed as a treatment of testicular abnormalities such as orchitis, irreparable traumatic injuries, and tumors. In the current study, a 7‐year‐old bull dromedary camel was brought to Addis Ababa University College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Feseha Gebre Ab VTH, with a history of recurrent swelling of the left testicle for a month. Based on history and clinical examination, the case was diagnosed as unilateral orchitis and admitted for open castration of both testes. Two percent lidocaine hydrochloride was injected into each testicle to provide a spermatic nerve block, and then, two parallel incisions were made through the scrotal skin on either side of the median raphe. The testicles were pulled out through these incisions, ligated, and transected. The scrotal incisions were left open to heal by themselves. Postoperatively, antibiotic and anti‐inflammatory drugs were administered for 3 successive days. Finally, the camel was regularly followed for 1 week and recovers uneventfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Animal production is an important tool for improving the living standard of humans and is the backbone of Ethiopia's agricultural development. The country is known for its high livestock potential, but it is not well exploited due to various hindering factors. Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess the key issues related to animal health and production. Methods: The evaluation was carried out in three purposively selected districts of East Wollega zone, namely Gidda Ayana, Sibu Sire and Jimma Arjo by using well‐designed and structured questionnaire surveys. Result: During the study period, 200, 145 and 165 respondents were sampled from the animal owners in the districts of Gidda Ayana, Sibu Sire and Jimma Arjo, respectively. Of these, about 97.89%, 95.68% and 94.9% practice extensive management in Gidda Ayana, Jimma Arjo and Sibu Sire, respectively. The majority of respondents in Gidda Ayana (98.1%), Jimma Arjo (97.21%) and Sibu Sire (98.9%) use natural pastures. For cattle breeding, uncontrolled natural mating is used in Gidda Ayana (90.79%), Jimma Arjo (86.3%) and Sibu Sire (95.69%). The major constraints of animal health and production were also assessed. Accordingly, a lack of access to adequate animal production and health expert in Gidda Ayana (27.33%), Jimma Arjo (29.36%) and Sibu Sire (31.59%) was recorded, whereas the lack of sustainable and structured modern livestock market was observed in Gidda Ayana (25.94%), Jimma Arjo (21.31%) and Sibu Sire (19.80%). Conclusion and recommendations: Livestock need improved animal health, management systems and breeding methods. The study revealed key issues related to animal health and production, such as poor management systems and breeding methods, limited coverage of veterinary services and a modern livestock market. Thus, it is indispensable to increase the coverage of veterinary services, animal extension services and alternative sources of animal feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nowadays ingestion of indigestible foreign bodies poses serious economic loss to domestic ruminants, especially in a developing country. Objectives: The study aims to determine the prevalence of indigestible foreign bodies in the forestomach of domestic ruminants slaughtered at Bishoftu Elfora Export Abattoir and its associated potential risk factors and identify the location and type of these indigestible foreign bodies. Study animals: On 384 domestic ruminants (171 goats, 125 sheep and 88 cattle) presented for slaughter from different zones of the region. Methods: Cross‐sectional study design was conducted from May 2021 to September 2021. Each animal was subjected to ante‐mortem and post‐mortem inspection by providing a unique identification number. For post‐mortem examination, the forestomach was carefully removed from the abdominal cavity. For the positives, the location was properly recorded, washed, identified and photographed. Results: The overall prevalence of indigestible foreign bodies in domestic ruminants was 30.73% (118/384). Of these, 32.75% (56/171), 28% (35/125) and 30.68% (27/88) were recorded in goats, sheep and cattle, respectively, without statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Aged domestic ruminants 39.3% (33/84) had poor body conditions 38.98% (23/59), originated from the Borena zone 42.11% (16/38) and were relatively recorded with higher prevalence. From the forestomach compartments, the indigestible foreign bodies were majorly found in rumen 86.43% (102/118) and reticulum 13.56% (16/118) with a statistical difference (p < 0.05). Conclusion and clinical importance: Ingestion of indigestible foreign bodies mainly during the dry season due to shortage of forage, less biodegradable and negligent waste disposal like plastic bags attribute environmental and animal health problems and pose loss to the national economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dystocia is an abnormal and difficult birth in which the first or the second stage of labour is markedly prolonged and subsequently found impossible for the dam to deliver without artificial aid. In cattle, it can be relieved by different obstetric methods, including the cesarean operation and fetotomy. Caesarean section is the extraction of the fetus or foeti from the dam, through a surgical opening in the abdominal wall and the uterus. This surgical method can be performed by about eight alternative surgical approaches in bovines with its advantages and disadvantages. However, the selection is dependent on many factors like the type of dystocia, the cows and environmental conditions, the availability of assistants, and the surgeon's preference. For cows, most surgeons use a standing left paralumbar celiotomy. However, the left oblique approach is also preferable under most circumstances because the uterus is readily exteriorized, limiting peritoneal cavity contamination. Besides, alternative approaches are also available that will further limit the potential for contamination but many junior surgeons perform the left paralumbar celiotomy using the same approach each time due to their comfort with one specific approach or lack of familiarity with other available options. Therefore, the objective of this review is to provide basic insights and highlight the cesarean section incision approaches with their relative advantages and disadvantages in cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the surgical management of ventrolateral hernias by using the vest‐over‐pants closure technique. Animals: On two local breed sheep that were kept under an extensive management system. Study design: Case report. Study methods: Patient history and clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment. Outcomes: After frequent follow‐up and well post‐operative care, the patient were recovered. Conclusion: The herniorrhaphy and closure performed in both sheep were highly successful and effective in apposing hernial ring by maintaining equal tensions with minimal wound dehiscence, unlike other closure techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]