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.     

杂交猪繁殖性能的影响因素分析

本研究利用SPSS软件中的方差分析等模块分析了年份、季节、胎次、性别和杂交方式等因素对杂交猪繁殖性能的影响。结果表明,年份对产活仔数和断奶仔猪数有极显著影响(P＜0.01),而对总产仔数无显著影响(P＞0.05)。季节对产活仔数和断奶仔猪数有极显著影响(P＜0.01),对总产仔数有显著影响(P＜0.05)。胎次对断奶仔猪数和初生重有极显著影响(P＜0.01),对产活仔数和出生窝重有显著影响(P＜0.05)。公猪的初生重显著大于母猪的初生重(P＜0.05)。杂交方式对总产仔数、产活仔数、断奶仔猪数、出生窝重和初生重均无显著影响(P＞0.05)。     

西杂牛产奶性能试验研究

用西门塔尔级进杂交改良本地黄牛,产生西杂一代、二代、三代牛。分别对其1、2、3胎产奶量进行测定,结果表明：各代胎次之间奶量差异不显著（P〉0.05）,但从1胎到3胎上升势头明显,3胎最高;各代305 d平均产奶量差异极显著（P〈0.01）,西杂一代最低、三代最高,产奶天数随着杂交代次提高而逐渐增加;西杂牛产奶收益显著。开展西杂牛挤奶是增加奶源、提高养殖效益的重要举措。     

繁殖障碍奶牛生殖系统的超声检查

应用B超诊断法对黑龙江省几个奶牛场的繁殖障碍奶牛进行卵巢和子宫检查,获得了奶牛卵巢和子宫疾病的超声影像图,并分析了引起奶牛不孕的卵巢和子宫疾病的超声影像图特点,以期为B超诊断奶牛繁殖障碍疾病提供参考。     

Clinically Manifested Major Health Problems of Crossbred Dairy Herds in Urban and Periurban Production Systems in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

The major clinical diseases of crossbred dairy herds were investigated for two years in a milk shed in Addis Ababa. Animals in 38 herds were randomly selected and visited weekly. Diagnosis of diseases and causes of death were based on clinical observation. Disease conditions were categorized into 8 groups, the mean annual incidence for all diseases being 44.7%. Reproductive diseases and clinical mastitis were most frequently observed, whereas gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory tract diseases, locomotor disorders and metabolic diseases each occurred in less than 5% of the cattle. Specific infectious and miscellaneous disease conditions each had annual incidence of about 6%. Cows and young stock were most affected and diseases were more frequent in urban situations than in periurban situations. Herd size and season significantly influenced the incidence of disease but study year did not. The crude mortality rate was 4.2%.     

营养对奶牛繁殖性能的影响

动物摄取营养是为了生存和生产。繁殖是动物的一种特殊生产 ,营养状况与其密切相关。近些年奶牛在泌乳量得以提高的同时 ,繁殖能力下降。营养主要通过影响奶牛的排卵率、胚胎存活率等直接影响受精率。适量的限饲可以提高奶牛优质胚胎的数量 ,但若出现能量负平衡 ,则会通过抑制促黄体素 (L H)的分泌和降低卵巢对 L H的敏感性 ,使卵巢上的优势卵泡不能及时排出 ,容易形成卵巢囊肿 ,从而影响下一轮卵泡发育。营养状况可以改变血液中孕酮的浓度而改变受胎率。营养状况也会通过改变血液中的尿素和氨的浓度来改变子宫内 PH值的变化 ,从而影响胚胎的着床和早期发育。另外 ,营养还可以改变动物机体内的胰岛素和胰岛素样生长因子的水平来影响胚胎的发育。因此 ,在生产中通过改善营养状况 ,可以充分发挥奶牛的生产性能。     

Productivity of Crossbred Dairy Cows Suckling their Calves for 12 or 24 Weeks Post Calving

An experiment on restricted suckling of crossbred dairy cows was conducted at the Livestock Research Centre, Tanga in northeast Tanzania. Thirty-six Bos taurus (Holstein Friesian and Jersey) x Bos indicus (East African Zebu) cows were allocated alternately as they calved to suckling their calves for either 12 or 24 weeks after calving. Cows grazed improved pastures and were offered 4 kg concentrate daily. Milking occurred twice daily by hand; calves were allowed to suck residual milk for 30 min following each milking. Calves were also allowed access to grazing and were offered a maximum of 1 kg concentrate daily to 24 weeks of age. Weaning age had no significant effect on lactation milk yield for human consumption, the mean (SE) yield being 1806 (102.0) L and 1705 (129.1) L for 12- and 24-week weaning, respectively. Cows from the two treatments suffered similar losses of live weight and body condition score during lactation and neither group had returned to the original body condition score 40 weeks following calving. Post-partum anoestrous intervals were prolonged. Although not significant, cows suckling calves to 24 weeks had a mean interval to first oestrus extended by 38 days compared with cows suckling calves to 12 weeks. The mean (SE) daily live weight gains of the calves to 52 weeks were 263 (14.1) g/day and 230 (18.1) g/day for calves weaned at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively, such that 12-month weights were 119 (5.6) kg and 110 (7.3) kg, respectively. Twelve-week-weaned calves consumed more concentrate (p<0.05) from 13 to 24 weeks than did 24-week weaned calves. Calculation of residual milk consumption removed by calves from birth to 12 weeks indicated that it accounted for 28%) of total yield. No benefits in cow and calf performance and welfare were found to justify prolonging the suckling period to 24 weeks.     

奶牛常见繁殖障碍疾病及防治措施

繁殖障碍是奶牛饲养过程中一类常见的疾病,可导致奶牛繁殖性能降低。子宫内膜炎、胎衣不下、卵巢囊肿等疾病是引发奶牛繁殖障碍的主要原因。此外,遗传、营养、环境等因素也可造成奶牛繁殖障碍,严重影响奶牛的正常生产,对我国奶牛养殖业造成巨大的经济损失。本文对引起奶牛繁殖障碍的疾病原因、临床症状、治疗方法和预防措施进行论述,提高奶牛场对该病的认识。     

Some Factors Affecting Reproductive Success in Crossbred Dairy Cows on Smallholder Farms in Coastal North-East Tanzania

A 2-year longitudinal survey was carried out to investigate factors affecting reproduction in crossbred cows on smallholder farms in and around an urban centre. Sixty farms were visited at approximately 2-week intervals and details of reproductive traits and body condition score (BCS) were collected. Fifteen farms were within the town (U), 23 farms were approximately 5 km from town (SU), and 22 farms approximately 10 km from town (PU). Sources of variation in reproductive traits were investigated using a general linear model (GLM) by a stepwise forward selection and backward elimination approach to judge important independent variables. Factors considered for the first step of formulation of the model included location (PU, SU and U), type of insemination, calving season, BCS at calving, at 3 months postpartum and at 6 months postpartum, calving year, herd size category, source of labour (hired and family labour), calf rearing method (bucket and partial suckling) and parity number of the cow. The effects of the independent variables identified were then investigated using a non-parametric survival technique. The number of days to first oestrus was increased on the U site (p = 0.045) and when family labour was used (p = 0.02). The non-parametric test confirmed the effect of site (p = 0.059), but effect of labour was not significant. The number of days from calving to conception was reduced by hiring labour (p = 0.003) and using natural service (p = 0.028). The non-parametric test confirmed the effects of type of insemination (p = 0.0001) while also identifying extended calving intervals on U and SU sites (p = 0.014). Labour source was again non-significant. Calving interval was prolonged on U and SU sites (p = 0.021), by the use of AI (p = 0.031) and by the use of family labour (p = 0.001). The non-parametric test confirmed the effect of site (p = 0.008) and insemination type (p > 0.0001) but not of labour source. It was concluded that under favourable conditions (PU site, hired labour and natural service) calving intervals of around 440 days could be achieved.     

亚临床酮病对泌乳早期奶牛繁殖性能和血液生化指标的影响

试验旨在探究围产期亚临床酮病与泌乳早期奶牛繁殖性能、卵泡发育之间的关系,并检测试验牛血液生化指标的变化。试验在黑龙江某大型集约化牛场开展,根据产后血酮水平确定亚临床酮病组（SCK）和健康组（C）奶牛共60头,根据试验牛产后50 d内发情状况,将SCK组再分为发情组（SCKE,16头）和乏情组（SCKA,14头）,C组也同样分为发情组（CE,25头）和乏情组（CA,5头）。所有试验牛在产后50 d通过直肠检查和B超检查了解子宫复旧及卵泡发育状况,记录繁殖性能数据,并进行血液生化指标分析。结果表明：与健康组发情奶牛相比,亚临床酮病发情奶牛产后首次发情日期推迟约10 d（P<0.05）;产后50 d卵泡直径差异极显著（差值约4 mm）（P<0.01）。亚临床酮病乏情奶牛子宫复旧延迟发生率显著高于健康组发情奶牛（P<0.05）;亚临床酮病奶牛血浆中胰岛素样生长因子-1（IGF-1）含量显著低于健康奶牛（P<0.05）,而泌乳量极显著提高（P<0.01）。与发情奶牛相比,乏情奶牛血浆中甘油三酯（TG）含量显著升高（P<0.05）;葡萄糖（Glu）、胰岛素（Ins）、雌二醇（E₂）、孕酮（P₄）含量显著或极显著降低（P<0.05;P<0.01）。综合以上试验结果,奶牛患亚临床酮病而导致能量代谢指标异常是引起奶牛乏情、产后卵泡发育受阻和繁殖障碍的主要因素,进而导致奶牛繁殖力下降。     

Effects of Diseases on Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cattle Ⅲ: Nutritional Metabolic Diseases

Under the modern large-scale and intensive dairy farming production mode,the continuous supply of feed with high nutrition level is the material basis for maintaining the rapid growth and development of reserve cows and the high lactation performance of lactating cows.However,after the genetic quality reaches the "bottleneck period",although the milk yield of dairy cow can continue to maintain a certain high level with the continuous improvement of the nutrient concentration of feed and the increase of dry matter intake (DMI),the incidence of nutritional metabolic diseases of high-yield dairy cows also shows a rapid growth trend,especially ketosis caused by the negative energy balance in perinatal period,acidosis caused by high-precision diet and the increase of blood urea nitrogen caused by high-protein diet,negatively regulate the reproductive performance of dairy cows,resulting in inconspicuous postpartum estrus,decreased mating rate and conception rate of dairy cows,which directly affect the update speed of dairy cows production groups,the normal performance of high-quality cattle and the economic benefits of dairy farming.In this paper,the author introduced in detail the relevant research on the current situation and its mechanism influence of different nutritional metabolic diseases on the reproductive performance of dairy cows in recent years,and focused on analyzing the molecular mechanism of nutritional and metabolic diseases with high perinatal incidence such as ketosis,low blood calcium and moderate gastric acid,and put forward the prospect and thinking on the future research direction of nutritional and metabolic diseases and reproductive performance of high-yielding dairy cows,in order to provide some reference and theoretical basis for improving the reproductive efficiency of high-yielding dairy cows in large-scale pastures in China and the perinatal nutrition management level of dairy cows.     

Effects of Diseases on Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cattle Ⅰ: Current Situation and Its Mechanism

Over the past 20 years,with the continuous promotion of the genetic improvement plan of dairy cow population and the continuous improvement of feeding technology,the intensive level and milk yield of dairy cow population in China are continuously improving.However,the reproduction data over the years showed that the more milk yield,the more obviously decline in reproductive performance,and the more prominent of the reproductive problems.The decline of fertility caused by high yield has become the bottleneck of the development of dairy industry in China and even in the world.In dairy farming,there are many factors that cause the reduction of reproductive performance of high-yield dairy cows,including genetic factors,environmental factors and disease factors.Recently,the influence of disease factors on reproductive performance of dairy cows has become more and more prominent.According to the location of the disease,the diseases can be divided into genital diseases and non-genital diseases.This paper discussed the relevant research data on the effects of different diseases on the reproductive performance of dairy cows in recent years,and focusing on the analysis of the molecular mechanism of diseases affecting the reproductive performance of dairy cows through the nervous system,reproductive endocrine system and humoral immune system.The prospect and thinking for the future research of diseases and reproductive performance of high-yield dairy cows were put forward to provide reference and theoretical basis for improving the reproductive efficiency and economic benefits of high-yield dairy cows in China.     

德西黄三元杂交幼牛产肉性能研究

本文对甘肃省武威市凉州区新华乡的6头德西黄三元杂交牛11-12月龄育肥牛的产肉性能进行测定。其结果：育肥期末体重、日增重、屠宰率、净肉率、胴体产肉率、肉骨比、眼肌面积分别是322.67kg、1101.85g、55.33%、45.09％、81.47％、5.09、75.9cm^2。表明该三元杂交组合的肉用性能良好，比二元杂交的西黄有明显提高。     

杂交组合对肉牛育肥效果的影响

试验旨在研究杂交组合对肉牛育肥效果的影响。采用单因素分组试验设计,选取体重和年龄相近、生长发育正常的西门塔尔牛×科尔沁牛（西科,A组）、夏洛莱牛×科尔沁牛（夏科,B组）及科尔沁牛（C组）各10头公牛,正试期95 d后,测定其体重,屠宰、肉品质等指标,并核算经济效益。结果显示,杂交对采食量无显著影响（P>0.05）,但杂交组牛料重比、肌肉脂肪含量显著低于科尔沁牛（P<0.05）,杂交组牛的胴体重、净肉重、胴体率及前腿、腹肉、脊肉和后腿重量均显著高于科尔沁牛（P<0.05）,各组之间16种氨基酸含量差异不显著（P>0.05）,西科、夏科杂交牛及科尔沁牛之间棕榈油酸、硬脂酸、亚油酸含量存在差异。结果表明,在本试验条件下,杂交组牛育肥效果和经济效益好于科尔沁牛,但科尔沁牛的脂肪和不饱和脂肪酸含量高于杂交组合牛;杂交组合对肉牛的综合育肥效果更好。     

日粮蛋白质营养水平对奶牛繁殖性能影响及作用机理

本文根据反刍动物蛋白质营养代谢特点,结合国内外日粮蛋白质水平与繁殖关系的研究进展情况,分析了血中尿素氮(BUN)、乳中尿素氮(MUN)与奶牛繁殖性能关系;日粮蛋白质营养水平对卵巢、子宫及生殖激素的影响。探讨了日粮蛋白质营养水平不足或过量对奶牛繁殖性能的作用机制。旨在为奶牛养殖场(户)在生产过程中,正确使用营养调控技术,科学合理配制日粮,使奶牛得到全价合理的营养供应,提高奶牛繁殖性能。     

Effect of Different Crossbred Combinations on Fatting Performance in Beef Cattle

This study was aimed to determine the effects of different crossbred combinations on fatting performance in beef cattle. Using single factor randomized block design, 30 bulls (health, similar weight and age) were chosen, Simmental cattle×Kerqin beef cattle (group A), Charolais cattle×Kerqin crossbred beef cattle (group B) and Kerqin beef cattle (group C) were divided into three groups with 10 bulls per group. After 95 d, the body weight, slaughter performance, meat quality and the economic benefits of fattening were measured. The results showed that there were no significant influence on dry matter intake among trials (P>0.05). The F/G, ethanolic extract (EE) of muscle in crossbred groups (groups A and B) were significant lower than group C (P<0.05). The weight of carcass, weight of meat, rate of carcass, and the weight of shank, plate, chine and rump in crossbred groups were significant higher than group C (P<0.05). There were no significant difference in content of amino acids among groups (P>0.05),and it had difference in the content of palmitoleic acid (PAA),stearic acid(SA) and linoleic acid (LA). In this trial, it had better fattening performance and the economic benefits in crossbred cattle groups than Kerqin beef group cattle, but the ethanolic extract and unsaturated fatty acids of muscle in Kerqin beef cattle were higher than the crossbred groups, and it had better fattening performance by crossbred.     

Effects of Diseases on Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cattle Ⅱ: Reproductive Diseases

With the rapid development of dairy breeding and the scale feeding level,the average individual milk yield of dairy herds in China has been greatly improved over the last few decades.However,the reproductive performance of dairy cows,especially in high-producing dairy cows,has declined continuously and affected severely dairy farm profitability.Reproductive performance of dairy cows was influenced by many factors including environment,herd management,genetics and various diseases.It has become more evident that genital tract diseases(also known as reproductive diseases) decreased reproductive performance of dairy cows during the last 10 years.The effect of reproductive diseases on reproduction of dairy cows has received more attention.This paper briefly described the incidence of reproductive diseases such as metritis,various types of endometritis and retained fetal membrane and ovarian diseases such as ovarian cyst,persistent corpus luteum in China and abroad.This paper highlighted the effects of reproductive diseases on reproductive performance such as days open,calving interval,pregnancy rate,estrus detection,days to first breeding and breeding index.Moreover,we analyzed in more detail the possible mechanisms by disrupting endocrine signaling,damaging intrauterine environment and causing ovarian dysregulation.Lastly,we looked forward to the future research direction of reproductive diseases of dairy cows that provided data reference and theoretical support for improving the management measures of scale feeding,reducing the incidence of reproductive diseases,improving the production and reproductive capacity of dairy herds in China.     

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.     

奶牛肢蹄病对繁殖性能的影响

奶牛肢蹄病是规模化奶牛场最常见的疾病之一,普遍认为奶牛肢蹄病对奶牛业的经济损失仅包括降低产奶量、增加药物治疗费用和奶牛的淘汰率等,近几年国内外学者报道奶牛肢蹄病对繁殖性能有着不同程度的负面影响。作者就奶牛肢蹄病对卵巢囊肿发病率、卵泡发育、发情行为、首次配种天数、空怀期天数和淘汰率影响的研究情况进行了简要综述。     

赛乐硒对发情奶牛外周血生殖激素含量和繁殖性能的影响

选用35头处于干奶期40d、泌乳期相近和上胎平均日产奶量20kg的荷斯坦奶牛,采用完全随机区组设计分为7组,即:对照组,基础日粮(不加硒);试验组1、2、3添加亚硒酸钠,分别在基础日粮中加硒7.5mg/d、15mg/d和22.5mg/d;试验组4、5、6添加赛乐硒,分别在基础日粮中加硒7.5mg/d、15mg/d和22.5mg/d,研究赛乐硒和无机硒对奶牛发情周期生殖激素分泌和繁殖性能的影响。结果表明:赛乐硒较无机硒显著提高了发情周期促性腺激素释放激素、促卵泡素、促黄体素、雌二醇和孕酮含量,显著提高了受配率和受胎率,缩短了胎衣排出周期,促进母牛正常发情。适宜补硒量为15 mg/d。