Assessment of Reproductive Performance of Local and Crossbred Dairy Cattle in Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia

This study was conducted to assess the reproductive performance of local and crossbred dairy cows and factors affecting their performance in Bensa and Arbegona districts of Sidama zone, Southern Region. A total of 120 dairy owners were randomly selected and interviewed to obtain information on the reproductive performance of dairy cows. The average age at first service for indigenous female and male cattle was (44.1±5.9) and (42.2±4.4) months, respectively. The average age at first calving was 51.9±5.9 months, calving interval was 23.6±4.4 months, number of services per conception was 2.4 and reproductive lifespan of breeding female and male was 11.12±1.5 and 7.52±0.97 years, respectively. The average age at first service for crossbred female and male was 30.3±4.4 and 27.3±3.98 months, respectively. Age at first calving was 39.3±3.25 months, number of services per conception was 1.8 and calving interval was 17.1±4.5 months. The major problems for dairy cattle productively in the study area were shortages of feed, diseases, repeat breeding and poor veterinary service. In conclusion, the present study indicated that the reproductive performance of dairy cow in the study area was low, thus it calls attention to improve management system to improve the reproductive performance of dairy cows. Keywords: reproduction; dairy cattle; agro ecology, Sidama Zon