Assoc Prof Renée Båge Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science
Reproductive health management in dairy cows in Uganda
Photo: Camilla Eklundh
The SLU Global Food Security Research Symposium 12-13 June, 2013
3 elements: 1. Field study
Factors affecting resumption of sexual functions after calving
2. Capacity building Diagnostic tools for monitoring of cow reproduction Teacher/researcher/advisor competence
3. KAP study The use of artificial insemination – a study of knowledge, attitude and practices
Reproduction is a key function determining production efficiency
and profit in a dairy herd
Co-workers • PhD student Benon Mbabazi Kanyima, MAK • Research assistant Theodoros Ntallaris, SLU • Professor Lennart Söderquist, SLU • Master/MFS student Camilla Eklund, SLU • Drs. David Owiny and Maria Nassuna-Musoke, MAK • Associate professor Renée Båge
Photo: Markus Abrahmsén Photo: Sandra Björk
Photo: Renée Båge
Photo: Renée Båge
1. Field study, reproductive health Husbandry factors affecting resumption of sexual functions after calving in dairy cows under open and zero-grazing farming systems
Principal findings: • Normal resumption of sexual cyclicity (<56 days after calving) in most cows (81%), according to milk progesterone profiles • Banana peel diet and limited water access in zero-grazed system was associated with low body condition
• 1 full manuscript, under preparation (part of doctoral thesis) • 3 abstracts in international conferences (ICPD, ESDAR)
2. Capacity building
• Educate ”educaters!” • Bilateral!
Photo: Renée Båge
Photo: Markus Abrahmsén Photo: Theodoros Ntallaris
• Gynecologic ultrasound • Milk progesterone ELISA assay
2. Diagnostic tools For refined, objective monitoring of reproductive functions in teaching,
research and in herd health advisory service
Photo: Markus Abrahmsén Photos: Theodoros Ntallaris
3. KAP - Artificial insemination Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Interviews with farmers, AI technicians, semen vendors
Photo: Lennart Söderquist
Photo: Sandra Björk
Photo: Lennart Söderquist
Results, artificial insemination study Lacking …
• …knowledge among famers on herd management, nutrition and heat detection
• …knowledge among AI technicians on sperm handling, AI technique and hygiene
• …reporting of AI data to a central database • …national breeding regulation authority to register and
manage technicians and AI administration
Photo: Theodoros Ntallaris
• 1 Master’s thesis • 1 abstract, international conference (ICPD)
Summary • Despite the prevailing, low-input production systems in Uganda there is potential for shortened calving intervals and higher lifetime production and profitability if cyclic cows are identified and mated earlier after calving and if nutritional requirements of zero-grazed cows are met • In order to improve AI-services in Uganda and improve pregnancy rates, we propose further farmer education and refresher courses for AI technicians • An operational herd recording system is necessary to guarantee the quality of the insemination service delivery by authorized and registered AI technicians and semen vendor units • Further research is needed on reproductive health management of dairy cows in Uganda, e.g. on how different cattle breeds cope with the conditions
The three subprojects form a basis for improved reproductive health management in dairy herds and increased production efficiency, thereby contributing to food security
Photo: Camilla Eklundh
