Reproductive status and breeding practices in dairy cows in Ethiopia.

This study was conducted at two agro ecological zones (midland and lowland) of the Hulbareg district to assess reproductive status and dairy cattle breeding practices. Data was collected by using semi-structured questionnaire from a total of 290 households selected by systematic random sampling technique for interview. The collected data were presented using descriptive statistics, index and Chi-Square test. The mean age at first calving and dry period of local dairy cows were significantly varied (p<0.05) between midland ad lowland agro-ecologies. The mean milk production per cow per day in midland and lowland were significanty differrent (p<0.05) for local cows. The study further indicated that most of the respondents selected trait of animals for breeding by considering the expected milk yield, parents' history, size/body appearance and growth rate. The reproductive problem, sickness, productive problem, persistent poor body condition and unwanted physical characteristics used criteria for culling. The minimum and maximum number of pregnancy rate was 8.4% and 18.3% in the studied district. The major constraint for low conception rate of dairy cows was animal selection, technicians' efficiency, protection of farmers, and hormone problems. In general the breeding practices of study area were traditional and poor breeding systems and the perception of estrous synchronization were very low. Most of the respondents were not satisfied with the results of the estrus synchronization and mass insemination (ESMI) program as the conception rate in local dairy cows were very much below their expectation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]