Performance of dairy cattle at research and dairy cattle at dairy co-operative farms in the Arsi Region of Ethiopia
1987
Mohammed Yusuf | Olson, A. | Asfaw Tolessa | Tegegn Alemayehu | Tsehay Biadgilgn (South-east Agricultural Development Unit, P. O. Box 7, Assela (Ethiopia))
Data from the dairy research farm in Asela, from the School herds at Agarfa and Ardita, and from dairy co-operatives in the region were analysed. Like many other dairy cattle results from various tropical countries, this study confirmed that the management standards in Ethiopia hardly justify exotic blood levels higher t1979han 50 %. Even under research farm conditions at Asela, annual milk yield was only slightly increased as the blood level was raised from 50 % to 75 [per cent] and there was an annual yield drop of over 160 kg with an exotic blood level increase to 87.5 %. Under all conditions, calf mortality and calving interval increased considerably with increasing level of exotic genes. The sensitivity of improved genes to better management practices was further reflected in the higher calf mortality and longer calving interval of the 50 % cows of the co-operatives compared with those of the research farm. Comparisons of body weight, scores for health appearance and body development all favoured the 50 [per cent] more than higher grades. Thus the need for improved environment for improved genes is indisputa
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