Evaluation of the performance of Danish Jersey Cattle at Ada Berga Stage Farm,Ethiopia: Days Open, Calving Interval, Mortality and Calving Performance.
1997
Yimam Hassen and Brannang,E. and Beyene Kebede(Professor Emeritus)
Days open, coifing interval and fitness traits were evaluated based on data collected between 1988 and 1991 for a Jersey herd imported from Denmark in 1988 to Ada Berga State farm, Ethiopia. Performances included 167 ± 4 and 411 ± 9.9 days for days open and calving intervals, respectively, when party and season mere considered. The corresponding estimates when using calving years instead of parity in the model were 164 ± 4 and 413 ± 10 days, respectively. All effects considered were significant or highly significant except parity on days open. The total loss of calves through abortion, stillbirth and early mortality was 18% (194 out of 1058 parturitions). Out of calves born alive the death rate was 53% (462 out of 864). The most common reasons for death were penumonia (25%) and enteritis/scours (52%). High death rate due to internal parasites occurred after the animals were turned out on pasture. During the study period 117 or (29%) of the imported cows died. The herd size was too big to manage at one location and at the same time with the staff and resources available. The results obtained in this study were not in favor of the use of imported breeds. Therefore, cattle evaluation and importation policy has to be devised in order to screen the kind of genetic material to be imported and or used in the country.
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