Survival Rate of Calves and Assessment Reproductive Performance of Heifers and Cows in Dida Tuyura Ranch, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background and Aim
The study was conducted at Dida Tuyura Cattle Breeding and Improvement Ranch in Borana zone, southern Ethiopia, with the
aims of determining the mortality rate of Ethiopian Boran calves and assessment of the reproductive performance of heifers
and cows.
Materials and Methods
The study was based on the retrospective record of calves, heifers, and cows. The data was taken from 1994-2010 on the calf
survival rate and 1994-2005 on reproductive performance of the breed in the ranch were used for this study. The retrospective
data collected over the years were used to identify factors associated with calf survival or death.
Results
The mortality rate of calves before weaning and after weaning was 13.3% and 11.2%, respectively. Age, sex and birth weight of
calf had a significant effect on survival rate. The overall mean values age at first service, age at first calving, calving interval, days
open and gestation length were 42.52, 51.67, 20.67, 11.30 and 9.30 months, respectively. Parity had a significant effect on both the
calving interval and days open. Gestation length was not significantly affected by parity, sex, and birth weight of calf.
Conclusion
From the present study, it can be concluded that the obtained calf survival rate and reproductive performance are not sufficient
to achieve the established objective of the ranch