WACHEMO UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCES

REVIEW ON PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION PERFORMANCE

OF INDIGENOUS DAIRY CATTLE IN ETHIOPIA

A Senior Seminar Submitted to Department of Animal Science

BY:

1.CHERA YOHANNIS………............................. Wcu1200919

2.SEMIRA AHMED.............….…………………...Wcu12D0487

3.AYSHA MOHAMED............…………………. Wcu1201229

ADVISOR: -Mr. Bogale W.(msc)

Wachemo University

January, 2023

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF ABBREVIATION..........................................................................................................III
ACKNOWLEDEMENT.............................................................................................................IV
LIST OF TABLES........................................................................................................................V
ABSTRACTS................................................................................................................................VI
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................1 -
2.LITERATURE REVIEW........................................................................................................3 -
2.1. Reproductive Performance.................................................................................................3 -
2.1.1. Age at first calving.......................................................................................................3 -
2.1.2 Calving Interval...........................................................................................................4 -
2.1.3 Number of Services Preconception............................................................................4 -
2.1.4 Day Open....................................................................................................................5 -
2.2 Production Performance................................................................................................6 -
2.2.1. Milk yield.....................................................................................................................6 -
2.2.2 Lactation Length...........................................................................................................7 -
2.2.3. Life time birth..............................................................................................................7 -
2.3. Factor Affect Productive and Reproductive Performance of Indigenous Dairy ........7-
cattle inEthiopia.......................................................................................................................7 -
2.3.1. Factors Affect reproductive performance....................................................................7 -
2.3.2. Factors affecting milk yield and composition..............................................................7 -
2.4. Role of Stake Holder in Dairy Cattle Production..........................................................8 -
2.4.1. Government..................................................................................................................8 -
2.4.2. Private Sector...............................................................................................................8 -
2.4.3 Dairy Cooperatives.......................................................................................................8 -
2.4.4 Producer and Consumer................................................................................................9 -
2.5. Future Demand.................................................................................................................9 -
3.CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION....................................................................10 -
4.REFERENCES.......................................................................................................................11 -

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 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
AFC Age at First Calving
AI Artificial Insemination
BCS Body Condition Score
CI Calving Interval
CSA Central Statics Authority
DAGRIS Domestic Animal Genetic Resources Information System
DO Day Open
IBC Institute of Biodiversity conservation
IBE Institute of Biological Engineering
MoA Ministry of Agriculture
NSPC Number of Service per Conception

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 ACKNOWLEDEMENT

First of all we would like to express our deepest thanks to our god, who helped us in all aspect of
our life next to God we would like to express our great thanks to our advisor: Mr Bogale for his
unreserved support, guidance and comments of the senior seminar project writing.

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table: 1 on station performance of some indigenous dairy cattle breeds for selected……...3

Table: 2 Summary of values of calving interval of dairy cattle in Ethiopia …….…………4

Table: 3 Summary of values of NSPC of dairy cattle in Ethiopia…………………………. 5

Table: 4 Summary of values of day open of dairy cattle In Ethiopia. ………………………6

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 ABSTRACTS

The aim of this paper was to review on production (milk yield, lactation length) and
reproduction (age at first calving, calving interval, day open, number of service preconception)
performance of indigenous dairy cattle in Ethiopia.And also review on factors that affect
productive and reproductive performance of indigenous dairy cattle in Ethiopia. Factors
affecting reproductive performance are associated to either to the management such as method
of husbandry ,feeding, estrus detection, semen handling) cows management such as age, body
condition score, post-partum problem, disease event, milk yield and genetics, to review different
factors identified above that feed shortage/poor nutrition with poor husbandry and herd health
management are important factors that contributed to reproductive inefficiency, an appropriate
feed resources and reproductive herd health management, a reliable AI service and an
appropriate level of husbandry could be the management options to reduce/alleviate some of
prevailing problems.

Key Word:- milk yield, calving interval, age at first calving, lactation length, day open, day
open.

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 1. INTRODUCTION

Ethiopia is believed to have largest livestock in Africa (CSA, 2017). The varied and extensive
agro-ecological zones and the importance of livestock in livelihood strategies make Ethiopia
home to large number of livestock. Indeed, Ethiopia has the largest livestock inventory in Africa
59,486,667 cattle (CSA, 2017). Out of this total cattle population, the female cattle consist about
55.5% and the remaining 44.5% are male cattle. 83% of all milk produced in Ethiopia comes
from cattle with the remainder coming from goats and camels (MoARD,2007). Which is lower
than report of CSA (2011) and CSA (2017) cows contribute to about 95% and 94.6% of the total
annual milk produced compared to other livestock species, respectively. Despite the largest cattle
population in Ethiopia productive and reproductive performance are very poor (Yosef et al,2003;
Belay et al., 2012 and Melaku et al,2016). Similarly, Niraj et al. (2014b) and Nibretet al. (2014)
reported that reproductive performance of dairy cows was found to be less than the optimum
values desirable for profitable milk production in different part of Ethiopia. According to Belay
et al.(2012) the cause for low performance of dairy cattle might be genetic and environmental
factors like feed storage, low level management, lack of access to land, disease, lack of proper
pure breeding management such as lack of accurate heat detection and timely insemination might
have contributed considerably to long days open (postpartum anestrous), late age at first calving,
long calving interval, short lactation length and low milk production. This is in line with ILCA,
(1990); perera, (1999) and Zegeye, (2003) revealed that productive and reproductive
performance of dairy cattle is influenced by genetic, disease, feed and other management
practices. Productive and reproductive traits are crucial factors determining the profitability of
dairy production (FikireLobago et al., 2007). Similarly, production and reproductive
performance are mattered for begin successful or failure of dairy farm enterprises as these traits
are major importance in dairy production (Saeed et al., 1987). Which is similar with the report of
Cavestany et al.(2001) and Pursley et al.,(1997) that showed calving interval, daily milk yield,
lactation length and age at first calving are one of the major numerous measures of production
and reproductive performance parameters for dairy cattle production. However, there is limited
information on regarding to reproductive and productive performance of local cattle in Ethiopia.
Therefore, having information on performances productive and reproductive of local cows in

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Ethiopia would help to suggest the future genetic and non-genetic improvement options for the
producers to enhance profit. Therefore, the objective is to review production and reproduction
performance of indigenous dairy cattle in Ethiopia.

2.LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Reproductive Performance

The reproductive performance commonly evaluated by analyzing female reproductive trait
(Aynalemet al., 2011). High reproductive efficiency for milk production has an important
influence on herd profitability (pryceet al., 2004). Reproductive efficiency is expressed by the
extent of reproduction of reproductive wastage and it affects lifetime of milk and meat

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productive (Nuraddis, 2011).The main indicator that would be considered in assessing
reproductive performance are age at first calving, calving interval, day open, number of service
preconception (NSPC) (Yifat., 2009, Habtamuet al., 2010, Aynalemet al., 2011, Demissuet al.,
2013).

2.1.1. Age at first calving

The period between birth and first calving influence both the productive and reproductive life of
the female directly through its effect on her life time calf crop and milk production and indirectly
through its influence on the cost for bringing (Gebrekidanet al., 2012).Estimatefor AFC in
Ethiopia cattle (Table 1) is found to be lower for barka 30.3 months than other breeds. AFC cross
breed 20-31 months &Holstein Friesian 36.5 months Mokennon and Gosue (1996).Age at first
calving closely related to the rearing intensity and in breeding program has impact on generation
interval and response to selection affecting by nutrition, year and month of birth (Kelay, 2002).

Table: 1. on- station performance of some indigenous cattle breeds for selected (in month).

N o . B r e e d Age at First Calving R e f e r e n c e

1 . F o g e r a 5 2 . 4 Almaze(2012) and Gebeyehuet al., (2005)
2 . H o r r o 5 0 . 0 Hailmariam and mekonnen (1996)
3 . A r s i 3 2 . 8 M u l u g e t a e t a l . , ( 2 0 0 8 )
4 . B o r a n 5 7 . 6 Y i f a t e t a l . , ( 2 0 1 2 )
5 . B a r k a 3 0 . 3 T a d e l e ( 2 0 0 5 )
6 . High land zebu 5 3 N i r a s e t a l . , ( 2 0 1 4 )
7 . O g a d e n 5 0 . 3 G e t e n e t e t a l . , ( 2 0 0 9 )
2.1.2 Calving Interval
Calving interval is the period between successive parturition and its function of postpartum an
estrus period (calving to first estrus) service period (first postpartum estrus to conception) and
gestation length (Tewodros, 2008). The effective of estrus detection and conception has great
impact on the calving interval which is probably the best indicator of cattle reproductive
efficiency. It is fertility trait that can be used in selection programs to minimize the negative
effects that selection for production of fertility, Calving interval is closely matched to the yearly
production cycle and influence the amount of milk cow is likely to produce in a given period
(Moster et al., 2010).

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Estimate for Calving interval Ethiopian cattle (Table 2) are found to be shorten for Horro 12.2
months than other indigenous cattle breeds, so best reproductive efficiency. Calving interval for
cross breeds was 16.4 months by (Beyene, 1992).

Table: 2. Summary of values of calving interval of dairy cattle in Ethiopia (in month).

N O B r e e d Calving Interval R e f e r e n c e
1 . F o g e r a 1 9 . 3 Almaze (2012) and Gebeyehuet al., (2005)
2 . H o r r o 1 2 . 2 Hailemarim and Mekonnen (1996)
3 . A r s i 1 4 . 6 M u l u g e t a e t a l . , ( 2 0 0 8 )
4 . B o r a n 2 0 . 7 Y i f a t e e t a l . , ( 2 0 1 2 )
5 . B a r k a 1 3 . 2 T a d e l e ( 2 0 0 5 )
6 . High land zebu 1 5 . 1 N i r a s e t a l . , ( 2 0 1 4 )
7 . O g a d e n 1 6 . 4 G e t n e t e t a l . , ( 2 0 0 9 )

2.1.3 Number of Services Preconception

Number of service preconception (NSPC) (natural or artificial) required for successful
conception depends largely on breeding system used, the reproductive health of animals, the
management and feeding practice bulls (Tewodros,2008). NSPC is influenced by season that
related to availability of feed, placenta expulsion time, lactation length, milk yield and parity
(Gebeyehuet al, 2005, Gebrekidanet al, 2012).

Table: 3 Summary of values of NSPC of dairy cattle in Ethiopia (in months)

N o B r e e d N S P C R e f e r e n c e
1 . F o g e r a 1 . 6 2 Almaze (2012) and Gebeyehuet al., (2005)
2 . H o r r o 1 . 6 9 Hailemariam and mekonnen (1996)
3 . A r s i 2 M u l u g e t a e t a l . , ( 2 0 0 8 )
4 . B o r a n 1 . 6 1 Y i f a t e e t a l . , ( 2 0 1 2 )
5 . B a r k a 1 . 1 1 T a d e l l e ( 2 0 0 5 )
6 . Zebu high land 2 . 2 N i r a s e e t a l . , ( 2 0 1 4 )
7 . O g a d e n 2 G e t n e t e t a l . , ( 2 0 0 9 )

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Estimate for NSPC for Ethiopian cattle breed (Table 3) are found to be lower for Barka (1.11)
than other indigenous breeds. And best reproductive efficiency with lower NSPC. (Mekonnen
and Gosu, 1996) have reported that exotic pure Friesian 1.4 and their ¾ cross (1.3) kept in
central highland of Ethiopia required relatively higher number of service preconception
compared to F1 cross (1.25).

2.1.4 Day Open

Day open (calving to conception) is the period between calving and conception in cows. Day
open influenced by the length of time for the uterus to completely involutes and resumption of
normal ovarian cycle, Occurrence of silent ovulation, accuracy of heat detection, management of
semen quality and skill of inseminator or efficiency of bull (Yosef, 2006 ; Melakuet al., 2011).
Day open affects lifetime production and generation intervals and to the annual genetic gain
(Yosef, 2006), Getnet and Addissu (2006), summarizes the reproductive performance of fogera
and boran cattle respectively in Ethiopia that was conducted by different authors in different
years sourcing the data both on station and on farm level, the authors summarize the
performanceof the respective breeds got decline from year to year and this decline even in the
same ranches, may be due to the deterioration of feed quality and invasion by unpalatable weeds
of grazing lands of the production sites, shrinkage of grazing land due to shift in farming system
lower level of selection of the best performing breeds. Day open has been reported to range from
130 to 300 days in zebu and cross breed cows under management condition of research station.

Enyewet al., (1999) reported genetic group hade highly significant effect on reproductive
performance treat, first crosses in general and jersey in a particular had the best reproductive
efficiency with lower AFC, NSPC, shorten DO and CI than the high grades.

Table: 4 Summary of values of day open of dairy cattle in Ethiopia (in months)

N o B r e e d Day Open R e f e r e n c e
1 . F o g e r a 2 9 8 . 4 Almaz (2012) and Gebeyehuet al., (2005)
2 . H o r r o 1 5 2 Hilemariam and Mekonnen (1996)
3 . A r s i 2 1 1 M u l u g e t a e t a l . , ( 2 0 0 8 )
4 . B o r a n 3 3 9 Y i f a t e e t a l . , ( 2 0 1 2 )
5 . B a r k a 2 5 3 T a d e l l e ( 2 0 0 5 )

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6 . High land zebu 1 4 8 N i r a s e e t a l . , ( 2 0 1 4 )
7 . O g a d e n 1 9 5 G e t n e t e t a l . , ( 2 0 0 9 )

2.2 Production Performance

2.2.1. Milk yield

The cow Constitute 83.4% of the total annual milk output. Zegeye, (2003) also stated that cattle
are the main source of milk even though very little or no consideration given to improve their
milk production capability. As a result, their genetic potential for milk production as seen at
present is low. However, their adaptability and survival under the traditional management system
is excellent.

When compared with introduced exotic cattle species, Fogera cattle is one of indigenous milk
producing in Ethiopia (Addisuet al., 2010). Aynalemet al., (2011) that indicated breed had better
daily milk yield and longer lactation length than other indigenous cattle breed in Ethiopia like
boran, horro and bagait that classify the breed as one of the known milk producer breed in
Ethiopia.

According to Lemma et al., (2005) average milk of take of local Arsi cows was about 1.0
litters/head/day. Under the research center management condition average milk yield did not
exceed 500 liters per lactation (Lelalemet al., 2006).

2.2.2 Lactation Length

The average lactation length of indigenous dairy cattle Arsi, zebu and Oran breed was 203.75
days. While the research conducted in North show zone indicated that total local breeds (273.9
days) had shorter lactation length than cross breed (333.9 days) (Mulugeta and Belyneh, 2013).
Earlier report (Gebeyehu, Goshu and Hedge, 2003) for the Friesian Boran cross bred cows in
cheffa farm (Oromia) showed that the average calving interval was 450 days. Cow with 7/8 and
15/16 Friesian inheritance required longer interval about 474 days (Gebeyehu, 2005).

2.2.3. Life time birth

A recent study indicated that the number of calving performances at chaff farm was 3.58 days.
Which was lower than previous records (Gebeyehu.2005) small holder farmer in Ethiopia

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showed that 50%,75% and 87.5% Holstein Frisians crosses on the average produced 4.7,3.4
and2.0 calves respectively (Ababuet al., 2004).

2.3. Factor Affect Productive and Reproductive Performance of Indigenous Dairy cattle
Ethiopia

2.3.1. Factors Affect reproductive performance

Factors affecting reproductive performance associated to either the management factor such as
method of husbandry, feeding, estrus detection, semen handling and cow management or to cow
factor such as age, body condition scoring, post-partum problem, disease events and genetics
(Hudson et al., 2007).

2.3.2. Factors affecting milk yield and composition

Milk composition and production are the interaction of many elements with the cow and her
external environment (O’Connor, 2004). High milk yield of satisfactory composition in the most
important factor insuring high economic returns. if the composition of milk varies widely; its
implication is that nutritive value and its availability as a row material will also vary, chemical
composition of milk is variable and influenced by intrinsic factors like breed, species, parity or
age and stage of lactation. Extrinsic factors like environmental stress, change in feeding, etc.
However, it generally accepted that the milk man can alter many of this factors to achieve milk
production and increase profit. The major factors affecting milk composition are discussed here
under breeds of milk cattle show obvious difference in their milk composition and yield.
Difference among individuals among a breed are often greater than difference with in breeds
(O’Connor, 2004) such difference are due to partly genetic and partly to environmental factors,
nutrition has also major effect on milk composition. The milk from indigenous cows contains
6.1% fat, 3.3% protein, 4.5% lactose and 0.7% ash (Alganesh, 2002). A study made by
Asaminew (2007) in mecha and Bahir Dar zuria indicated that the overall mean fat, protein, total
solid, ash and solid-nonfat contains of local cow milk produced in the study area were 4.71%,
3.25%, 13.47%, 0.73% and 8.78% respectively.

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 3. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Ethiopia has a largest number of cattle production but productivity and reproductive performance
indigenous dairy cattle are low due to different factors either management factor such as
husbandry system, feeding management practice, estrus detection, semen handling and cows
factor such as body condition score, post-partum problem disease event, milk yield and genetic
potentials. Reproductive traits of indigenous preconception Ethiopian dairy cattle is such as age
at first calving, calving interval, number of service, gestation length, calf crop, and breeding
efficiency are low due to different many factors. Most reproductive trait have a low heritability it
is apparent most progress can be achieved by paying attention to management factors, especially
improving the level of nutrition and estrus detection efficiency furthermore better reproductive
health management is also required.

Based on the above conclusion, the following points are recommended:

 There should be improvement in management practices (feeding, water supply, grazing

land and use of modern production system) to enhance reproductive performance.
 There should be adequate veterinary service to prevent disease and increase productive
and reproduction performance of indigenous dairy cattle in Ethiopia.
 Great attention must be given to estrus detection of dairy cow.

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 There should be sufficient supplement of AI equipment and semen to improve the
reproductive potential of cow.

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