Major Reproductive Health Problems of Dairy Cattle in Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract

Reproduction is a basic requirement for efficient cattle production to continue or cease; whereas, reproductive disorders are the leading cause of economic loss in the cattle industry. Reproductive disorders have been found to be a major reason for decreased reproductive efficiency in cattle and consequently reproductive efficiency is the major determinant of lifetime productivity of cows. Among the major reproductive problems that have direct impact on reproductive performance of dairy cows are abortion, dystocia, retained fetal membrane (RFM), pyometra, metritis, prolapse (uterine and vaginal), anoestrus, repeat breeding and these results, in considerable economic loss to the dairy industry due to slower uterine involution, reduced reproductive rate, prolonged inter-conception and calving interval, negative effect on fertility, increased cost of medication, drop in milk production, reduced calf crop and early depreciation of potentially useful cows. It is very difficult to diagnose those problems by one particular disorder or symptom because there is interrelation between predisposing factors such as management at calving, hygiene and parity, stage of gestation, nutrition and environment. The objective of this paper is to review the main problem of reproductive disorder cow and its’ causative factor.