A cross-sectional study of reproductive performance of improved dairy cattle in smallholder dairy farming in Tanzania

Vollständiger Abstract

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Abstract A generalised lack of reliable records from smallholder dairy cattle farms in Tanzania is a significant impediment to the assessment of herds reproductive performance. A large-scale study of smallholder dairy herds was undertaken to identify the methods of recording that were in use, their effectiveness, and whether there are regional variations in herds’ reproductive performance. Records were examined from 1279 dairy cows from 322 farms across the 6 main dairy-farming regions of Tanzania. For calving to first service (CFSI: n = 49 (47%)), calving to conception (CCI: n = 313 (24%)) and inter-calving (ICI: n = 424 (33%)) intervals. Data were analysed with respect to region. Mean (± IQR) intervals were: CFSI: 249 (87–303), CCI: 268 (111–334) and ICI: 563 (398–686) days, respectively. All breeding dairy cattle ( n = 1279) on these farms were examined for pregnancy status by transrectal ultrasound. Pregnancy was detected in 586/1279 (46%) cattle, with the highest and lowest pregnancy rates occurring in the Mbeya (55%) and Tanga (37%) regions, respectively. Reproductive performance of smallholder dairy cattle was generally poor, being characterised by low pregnancy rates, and long CFSI, CCI and ICI. Record-keeping practices were generally unsatisfactory, largely relying on farmer recall; with recorded data available for only ~ 50% of cattle. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved record-keeping systems and reproductive management at the farm level. Expanding access to accurate pregnancy diagnosis, to provide a “proportion pregnant” might be useful as an interim reproductive performance indicator until record-keeping improves. Strengthening record-keeping and could significantly improve reproductive management and decision-making.