Prevalence, risk factors and constraints in control of repeat breeding in dairy animals of Punjab

Abstract

The present study investigated the occurrence of repeat breeding (RB) and constraints in controlling this disease in cattle and buffalo in Punjab. Livestock owners/households (720) constituted the ultimate sampling units for the study. The dairy farmers were categorized into small (5–10 animals), medium (11–50) and large (>50) farmers. The overall prevalence of repeat breeding in the study area was 27.6%. It varied significantly with respect to herd size and categories of animals except in buffaloes. The highest prevalence was observed in crossbred cattle (41.8%), followed by indigenous cattle (32.0%) and buffaloes (17.6%). Repeat breeder animals were mostly high yielders (with >15 kg milk yield), calved mostly in winter season, having below average body condition score (BCS). No significant correlation was observed between parity (lactation number) and type of calving and prevalence of repeat breeding. The major constraint (rank I) perceived by farmers was culling of affected problematic cows, and lack of effective and accurate estrus detection in buffaloes. The other major constraints perceived in the study area were high cost of veterinary medicine, poor conception rate following artificial insemination and inaccessibility of qualified veterinarian. The lack of knowledge regarding animal nutrition and higher cost of branded feed available in the market were responsible for low body condition score of affected animals. Thus, a comprehensive policy and programmes involving various stakeholders are required for effective control of repeat breeding in Punjab.

Contributing factors to repeat breeding and postpartum anestrus and pregnancy rate subsequent to hormonal intervention in crossbred dairy cows

“…The findings of the present study revealed a significantly higher prevalence of RB (p < 0.05) in dairy cows with low BCS (<3) than in cows with BCS of ≥3. This result was consistent with previous works of Asaduzzaman et al (2016) and Malik et al (2019), who also found a substantial link between decreasing body condition consequent to inadequate supply of nutrition and reproductive Ethiop. Vet.…”

“…The prevalence of repeat breeding (33.85%) in the cross-sectional study is consistent with the findings of Bartlett et al (1986), who reported the prevalence of repeat breeding (RB) ranging from 14.6 and 36.8 %. In disparity to studies that indicated a prevalence of 7.03%, 13.08%, and 8.72% (Mitku et al, 2012), (Haile et al, 2014) and (Haftu and Gashaw, 2009) in various regions of Ethiopia, respectively and 10.1%, 11.3%, 27.6% and 20% (Gustafsson and Emanuelson, 2002), (Nath et al, 2014) (Malik et al, 2019) and Sarder et al, 2010), respectively from abroad, the prevalence of RB in the present study was quite high. The high rate of occurrence of RB may be the consequence of insufficient estrus detection and errors in timing insemination (Keskin et al, 2010).…”

“…Dairy cows that have insufficient nutrition tend to have low BCS, thus putting them at a higher chance of repeat breeding. More specifically, poorly fed dairy cows are more likely to develop a negative energy balance, which in turn affects the release of reproductive hormones and hence, increases the risk of fertilization failure and/or early embryonic mortality that leads to a higher prevalence of RB (Malik et al, 2019).…”

“…Repeat breeding is a breeding problem that results in substantial financial losses for dairy producers due to lower conception rates and inadequate milk yield (Lafi et al, 1992). The causes of RB are multifactorial (Sarder et al, 2010;Nath et al, 2014) that include managerial Asaduzzaman et al(2016) and Malik et al(2019), dietary and reproductive diseases and disorders including endometritis, ovarian cysts, and anovulation (Wodaje and Mekuria, 2016;Cenariu and Jospe, 2017). Poor estrus detection and untimely insemination also contribute to repeat breeding (Keskin et al, 2010).…”

Serum biochemical profiles between repeat breeder and normal cyclic jersey crossbred cows

“…Repeat breeding appears to have a complex etiology that includes inadequate nutrition, hormonal dysfunctions, uterine infections, and poor breeding and health care [4] . Breed, age, and season of birth are the main risk factors for repeat breeding in cattle and buffalo [5] . Maintaining normal levels of vital haematobiochemical constituents is essential for maintaining the functional integrity of the reproductive system.…”