Reproductive Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows in Different Production Systems in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

The study was conducted to examine the fertility status of crossbred dairy cows in mixed crop-livestock production (MCLP), market-oriented specialized dairy production (MSDP) and urban dairy production (UDP) systems, including the Holetta Agricultural Research Center (HARC). Data on general farm management variables and reproductive histories were collected from study farms by questionnaire and from individual cow records. Age at first service and age at first calving were 29.58 months (n = 424) and 40.6 months (n = 348), respectively. Cows managed under UDP were younger at first service and at first calving (p<0.05). The mean intervals from calving to first service and to conception were 141.98 days (n = 284) and 185.02 days (n = 219), respectively. The mean calving interval for cows was 551.82 days (n = 258). Cows in MCLP had longer intervals from calving to first service and to conception and longer calving intervals than those managed under MSDP, UDP and HARC. First service conception rate (43.42%), number of services per conception (1.75) and pregnancy rate (79.29%) did not differ significantly between production systems. Reproductive performance was best in UDP followed by HARC and MSDP. The difference between MCLP and the rest points to particular difficulties in that system. To improve reproductive performance and economic benefit, there should be conservative stocking rate, sensible year-round feeding, a herd health plan, and sustainable extension service.     

Tree planting for poverty reduction in less-favoured areas of the Ethiopian highlands

This paper assesses the potential impact of planting of eucalypt trees as a strategy to reduce poverty in a less-favoured area of the highlands of Ethiopia. Results from simulations with a bio-economic model for a less-favoured case study area in the highlands are combined with survey data at community, household and plot level to assess how general the results of the bio-economic model are. Application of the bio-economic model shows clearly that land degradation, population growth, stagnant technology and drought threaten food security. Household welfare and land quality are deteriorating rapidly in the area and interventions are urgently needed to avoid human disaster. Planting of eucalypts on land unsuitable for crop production may substantially increase household incomes if market outlets for trees can be found. Tree planting will not have severe negative effects on food production or land conservation. A policy combining promotion of tree planting and conservation of cropland may achieve win-win benefits in terms of increased household incomes as well as more sustainable land-use. Analysis of survey data from the Amhara Region of Ethiopia reveals that there is a large area of land that is unsuitable for crop production located close to all-weather roads in the less-favoured areas of the region. Few trees have been planted on this type of land up to now. The past policy seems to have discouraged tree planting except on homestead plots that are more suitable for food crops. This paper reports part of the IFPRI/ILRI project ‘Policies for Sustainable Land Management in the East African Highlands’. These two agencies have provided funds and logistical support for the work. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided funds for this research in the Amhara Region in Ethiopia. The authors also draw on earlier work funded by Research Council of Norway. Any correspondence should be directed to the first author.     

Analysis of indigenous production methods and farm-based biodiversity of amochi (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Arisaema schimperianum</Emphasis> Schott) in two sub-zones of Southern Ethiopia

For the first time we report that diverse types of Arisaema schimperianum Schott locally called amochi, are grown and managed as an off-season food crop in Southern Ethiopia. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and formal survey studies on 204 households were conducted over two consecutive years (2003–2004) in Chencha and Dita sub zones of Southern Ethiopia, to identify indigenous production methods and farm based biodiversity of amochi. Amochi is propagated from seed tubers and tuber parts left in the soil from the preceding harvest and grow during the dry season, February to June. Average share of proportion in the annual household consumption from amochi tubers was 9% and 4% for Chencha and Dita respectively. Uncooked amochi is irritating in contact to skin and mouth. Fifteen amochi types were identified in Dita and 12 in Chencha. They differ in the level of irritation, maturity and yield. Rich farmers with large family size as a working force, large farm size to support larger number of livestock that is source of farmyard manure, have farms with larger diversity of amochi than their poor counterparts, suggesting that its diversity is influenced by house hold characteristics and favoured under relatively fertile soil conditions. In both sub zones women had better experience in identifying amochi types than men. Further study is needed to identify chemical contents; and genetic variation using morphologic and molecular traits, in order to develop a strategy to assess and utilise the existing genetic diversity.     

Evaluation of trypanosomiasis control alternatives using an epidemiologic simulation model

The effect of various disease-vector control alternatives on the prevalence of trypanosomiasis in southwest Ethiopia was examined with the aid of an epidemiologic model. The alternatives considered included vegetation clearing by manual labor, game elimination, insecticidal spraying from airplanes coupled with settlement, use of sterile male Glossina, avoidance of tsetse infested areas, increasing the resistance of the cattle population, therapy, and combinations of the above methods. First, the currently estimated endemic prevalence of trypanosomiasis (27.3%) in the simulated area of Ethiopia was established and maintained over a 10 year period. Then, various control alternatives were introduced and the simulation was run for an additional 10 years to observe the effect of these control alternatives on the prevalence. The combined use of vegetation clearing, insecticides, therapy, and settlement (or resettlement) was the most effective and feasible method of trypanosomiasis control for the simulated situation.     

Reproductive Disorders of Crossbred Dairy Cows in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia and Their Effect on Reproductive Performance

The study was conducted to estimate the proportion of reproductive disorders and to determine factors affecting reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows under four different production systems in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The principal postpartum reproductive disorders were retained fetal membranes (14.7%) and uterine infection (15.5%). Anoestrus was the major postpartum reproductive problem in the mixed crop–livestock production system (38.6%) and was significantly associated with this production system. Apart from anoestrus, the occurrence of reproductive disorders was not significantly associated with a production system. Most of the reproductive disorders occurred as a complex rather than as a single abnormality. Two or more abnormal conditions were seen in 11.4% of the cases. Each reproductive trait measured was affected adversely by reproductive disorders. Cows with reproductive disorders in each production system, lactation group and suckling and non-suckling group had longer intervals from calving to first service and to conception (p < 0.001) and required more services per conception (p < 0.001). Pregnancy rate and conception to first service were 84.7% and 51.7%, respectively, for cows without reproductive health problems; and 64.2% and 15.1%, respectively, for cows with reproductive disorders (p < 0.001). Overall, intervals from calving to first service were shorter (p < 0.05) than in younger cows. Intervals from calving to first service and to conception were longer in suckling than in non-suckling cows (p > 0.05). Cows with a good body condition score (>3.5) at calving had shorter calving to first service and conception intervals than cows in poor condition (p < 0.001). The results showed that reproductive abnormalities, coupled with poor body condition, are important factors that contributed to reproductive inefficiency. An appropriate reproductive health management, a reliable artificial insemination service and supplementary feeding could be the management options to reduce or alleviate some of the problems.     

Reduced Milk Production in Udder Quarters with Subclinical Mastitis and Associated Economic Losses in Crossbred Dairy Cows in Ethiopia

The objective of the study was to estimate the losses associated with subclinical mastitis (SCM) in crossbred dairy cows in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia. A split udder investigation was performed with 30 cows to determine production losses associated with SCM. Each quarter of the study cows was examined using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and quarter milk production was measured over a period of 8 days. Production losses were determined for different CMT scores by comparing production of quarters with CMT score 0 to quarters with CMT scores trace, 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Using data from a recently published study, economic losses were determined for different farm sizes and production subsystems by multiplying the prevalence of the respective CMT scores with the production losses associated with these CMT scores. Mean quarter milk production was 0.82 + 0.40 kg per milking in the split udder trial. Milk production was reduced by 1.2%, 6.3%, and 33% in quarters with CMT scores 1+, 2+, and 3+, respectively. Using data from the published study, a quarter with SCM lost an average of 17.2% of its milk production. Production losses associated with SCM were estimated at 5.6% for the Addis Ababa Milk Shed. Stratified losses were highest (9.3%) in urban dairy farms (UDF) and small-scale farms (6.3%). The estimates of the financial losses ranged from US$29.1 in dairy herds in secondary towns (DHIST) to US$66.6 in UDF. A total loss of US$38 was estimated for each cow per lactation. Reducing mastitis in UDF (highest prevalence) to the level of DHIST (lowest prevalence) could reduce the loss by US$35. As this does not include costs associated with treatment or culling of diseased cows, this figure probably underestimates the possible benefits of control measures.     

Infectious bursal disease: seroprevalence and associated risk factors in major poultry rearing areas of Ethiopia

The study was conducted in eight districts of Ethiopia with the objectives of determining the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of infectious bursal disease (IBD). From the total of 2,597 chicken serum samples examined using ELISA, 83.1 % were found positive. The highest seroprevalence was found at Mekele (90.3 %) while the lowest was recorded at Gondar district (69.8 %). These differences among the study areas were statistically significant (p?<?0.05). Highest seroprevalence was found in crossbreed of chicken (91.4 %) while the lowest was recorded in indigenous breed of chicken (81.4 %). This difference was statistically significant (p?<?0.05) among the three breeds of chickens, but sex was not statistically significant (p?>?0.05). The seroprevalence of the disease was found high in young (≤8 weeks) age group (86.6 %) while the lowest prevalence was recorded in adults (>8 weeks) (72 %). This is also statistically significant (p?<?0.05) between young and adult age groups. The prevalence of IBD in different production system indicated that higher seroprevalence was recorded in intensive production system (85.9 %) while the lowest was recorded in extensive production system (81.6 %). This difference is also statistically significant (p?<?0.05).