Minimising health problems and increasing yield have always been the objectives in livestock agriculture. Hence, increases in incidences of reproductive conditions in cattle farming pose a great threat to productivity and impose undesirable economic implications. This study aimed to examine the concentrations of different biochemical compounds in cows with reproductive conditions. Seventy-seven blood samples were collected from cows at different rural areas around Mafikeng, following cases of downer cow syndrome, dystocia, retained placenta, vaginal prolapse and abortion. Means of serum metabolites across the different reproductive conditions were statistically compared using Pearson’s chi-square test to determine variations of serum metabolites in cows of different breeds. In mixed breed cows, higher than normal calcium concentrations were observed in downer cow syndrome (25.25 ± 8.47) and dystocia (85.50 ± 8.46) cases. It was also observed that cholesterol concentrations were significantly low in abortion (2.52 ± 0.79), retained placenta (3.18 ± 0.61) and vaginal prolapse (2.37 ± 0.97) cases in Afrikaner cows. The study showed that Brahman (43.1%) and Afrikaner (43.1%) breeds were mostly affected by downer cow syndrome. Additionally, the occurrences of downer cow syndrome (53.9%) and abortions (60%) were mostly observed in cows of 1–3 years, in second and first parities, respectively. This study proves that concentrations of calcium, urea or blood urea nitrogen (BUN), magnesium and cholesterol are significantly altered in incidences of reproductive conditions in cows of different breeds. It is also shown that serum biochemistry is affected by reproductive conditions in cows of different ages and parity. This data serves as a tool that could be used to enhance research in animal production and reproduction.

Minerals in animal feed occur in variable structures, most of which determine the uptake and usage in biological processes in the body. Effective chemical breakdown of minerals may ensure efficient utilization in metabolism. The aim this study was to evaluate the effects of mineral supplementation on reproduction in cows. A farm was selected for the experiment due to the fact that it previously experienced different reproductive conditions in the farm. The farm comprises cross‐breed cows with Bonsmara dominating in the farm. Twelve pregnant primiparous and multiparous cows of different ages, parity and weight, that had previously experienced reproductive conditions, were randomly selected for this study. The cows were then randomly sub‐divided into two groups (experimental and control group) of six. The experimental group was injected with MULTIMIN™ + Se + Cu at a dosage of 1 ml/45 kg BW and Calci 50 p.i. at a dosage of 100–150 ml/500 kg BW at an interval of 6 weeks (from June to October 2017). Blood samples were collected before every injection date. The t test was used to relate the mean weight gain and serum metabolite between the experimental and control groups. The body weight gain was significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the non‐supplemented group. Supplemented cows had significantly (p < .05) high levels of triglycerides and creatinine kinase. A case of retained placenta and dystocia among non‐supplemented cows were noted. Thus, mineral supplementation can be used to improve productivity and reproductive well‐being.

Background and Aim: Hormones play a significant role in supporting reproductive processes. Predisposition to metabolic disorders may result from biological alterations in the neurohormonal system, thus leading to impaired immune function and poor reproductive performance. The aim of this study was to determine the reproductive hormonal profile in cows with reproductive conditions in semi-arid areas of the North West Province, South Africa, to establish possible correlations between different conditions and the hormonal profile. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from cows in different communal areas of Mafikeng. Convenience sampling was used to collect samples for the study. Blood samples were collected cows experiencing dystocia (n=50), retained placenta (n=13), downer cow syndrome (n=34), vaginal prolapse (n=16), and abortions (n=69), following cases reported at the Animal Health Hospital of the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus. Descriptive statistics, such as mean and standard deviations, were used to describe the distribution of hormone levels across reproductive conditions. p-value less than the significance level was set at 5% (p<0.05). Results: Data obtained revealed significantly higher estradiol in abortion (1122.99±71.99 pg/ml), downer cow syndrome (781.32±135.7 pg/ml), and dystocia (862.09±123.44 pg/ml). Oxytocin (OT) differed significantly in cows with dystocia (370.50±71.66 pg/ml) and abortion (574.73±60.65 pg/ml). Significantly low progesterone (Pg) was observed in abortion (2.45±1.509 ng/ml) and dystocia (8.59±0.402 ng/ml) while increased prostaglandin alpha was observed in cows with vaginal prolapse and abortion. Conclusion: The findings highlight an increase in serum estradiol and OT in aborting cows. Low Pg and estradiol in cows with vaginal prolapses and retained placenta were noted. An association was seen between downer cow syndrome and high concentrations of estradiol and Pg. Prostaglandin alpha may increase in cases of vaginal prolapse and abortion. Hormonal alterations were observed and may contribute to the incidences of different reproductive conditions.

Preparing for an effective animal reproduction requires proper management practices before parturition. This study aimed to identify cattle production management practices that predispose cows to the incidences of reproductive conditions in small scale farming. One hundred and thirty-five (135) structured questionnaires were used to obtain information from the farmers following reported cases of dystocia, downer cow syndrome, retained placenta, vaginal prolapse and abortion in cows at the North West University animal hospital. The data included information such as cow age, parity, breed, number of incidence of the conditions, feeding system, feed type, whether or not the animals were supplemented, supplement type, condition experienced by the cow, vaccination status, cow's Brucellosis status and access to veterinary services were also assessed. The data were analyzed in Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25 using descriptive statistics, Chi square and Stage-Two Cluster analysis. The results showed that the factors significantly related (p < 0.05) to the incidences of reproductive conditions were cow breed, parity, feeding system, whether the farmer has heard about Brucellosis and the frequency of getting animals checked by a veterinarian. The study found that in communal areas, herds with Afrikaner breeds, when farmers have not heard about Brucellosis, when cows are the first parity, while they are in free ranging method of feeding and with an annual veterinary checkup mostly experience abortions. Implementation of management strategies for the improvements of farming methods in communal farming is necessary to change the state of livestock agriculture through the reduction of reproductive failures in small scale farmer.

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