Reproductive and lactation performances of dairy cows in Chacha Town and nearby selected kebeles, North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was undertaken in Angolellantera, Chacha town and nearby selected kebeles, North Shoa zone of Amhara 
regional state from September 2011 up to December 2011. The objective of the study was to characterize the overall 
reproductive and lactation performances of dairy cows in Chacha town and surrounding kebeles. The participatory 
rural appraisal (PRA) method was used to generate information during exploratory survey and 100 households were 
selected for formal survey by using random and purposive sampling technique. The overall average estimated 
lactation yield of local and cross bred dairy cows was found to be 1173.93 ± 899.6. The overall average estimated 
lactation length of both local and cross bred cows was 10.49 ± 3.08. The overall average estimated daily yield of local 
and cross bred dairy cows was 3.75 ± 3.25 L. The overall mean estimated average age at first calving was found to be 
40.9 ± 6.6 months (n=103). The overall mean calving interval of local and crossbred dairy cows was found to be 23 ± 
4.3 months. The overall average reproductive efficiency of local and crossbred cows in Chacha town and nearby 
kebeles was calculated as 62 ± 14.97%. The dominant cow genotype was local breed cows. In conclusion in order to 
exploit the potential of dairy cattle to increase the reproductive and lactation performances intervention measures 
have to be given attention.