1. Reproductive Performance for Holstein Friesian ? Arsi and Holstein Friesian ? Boran Crossbred Cattle.
- Author
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Wassie, T., Mekuriaw, G., and Mekuriaw, Z.
- Subjects
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HOLSTEIN-Friesian cattle , *ANIMAL feeding , *NUTRITIONAL value of feeds , *COMPOSITION of feeds , *LIVESTOCK , *MANAGEMENT - Abstract
The study was carried out at Agarfa ATVET College dairy farm to evaluate the reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian ? Arsi and Holstein Friesian ? Boran cattle. For the study, records compiled from 1983 to 2012 at the Agarfa dairy farm were used as original data. The effects of breed, bloodlines, season and parity on the reproductive traits were evaluated. Data were analyzed using the general model of the SAS program. The overall mean ± SE of age at first service (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), days open (DO), calving interval (CI), number of service per conception (NSPC), breeding efficiency (BE) and longevity were 32.05 ± 0.57 months, 41.16 ± 0.56 months, 194.62 ± 3.42 days, 475.92 ± 3.44 days, 1.35 ± 0.03 service, 68.67 ± 0.01% and 7.77 ± 0.25 years, respectively. Breed had significant effect (P<0.05) on AFS and AFC. Bloodlines, season and parity had significant effect (P<0.01) on DO and CI. Breed, bloodlines, season and parity had significant effect (P<0.01) on breeding efficiency. Season of insemination significantly affect NSPC (P<0.01). Longevity was only affected by bloodlines. Generally reproductive performances found in this study were lower than the performance reported in many tropical regions. Therefore, due consideration should be given in calf and heifer management, heat detection, accuracy of artificial insemination, feeding and health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015