Suboptimum reproductive performance among dairy herds in Uganda

Abstract

Suboptimum reproductive performance affects the overall profitability of dairy herds. In order to manage this condition, there is need to clearly understand the different forms in which it presents, as well as its possible risk factors under the Ugandan context. This review study was conducted to highlight the different forms of suboptimum reproductive performances among Ugandan dairy herds through literatures from previous studies. At the same time, underscores the coexistence of risk factors of suboptimum reproductive performance among the same dairy herds in Uganda. In Uganda, dairy cattle experienced pathological postpartum cycling patterns, delayed calving to first service intervals, long calving intervals, low pregnancy rates and high abortion rates. Inadequate nutrition, management errors and infectious genital diseases such brucellosis and bovine viral diarrhea were common in these herds. There is need to undertake studies that link the different forms of suboptimum reproductive performance and their possible risk factors.

Higher livestock abortion burden in arid and semi-arid lands, Kenya, 2019–2020

“…By keeping one or more livestock of cattle, sheep, goat, camel, or donkey species, resource-poor households access animal-source foods while enhancing other livelihood aspects such as healthcare and education [2]. Livestock abortions remain a significant constraint to satisfactory reproductive performance in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), causing direct and indirect demographic impacts through reduced availability of replacement animals, longer calving intervals, premature culling, and economic impacts through decreased milk production and increased veterinary costs [3][4][5].…”