Effects of Pregnancy on the Metabolic and Haematological Profiles of Friesian X Bunaji and Bunaji Cows

Filed in Articles by on December 11, 2022

Effects of Pregnancy on the Metabolic and Haematological Profiles of Friesian X Bunaji and Bunaji Cows.

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the body condition, metabolic and hematologic profiles reflecting the metabolic energy status prior to artificial insemination, during the different trimesters of pregnancy and at the postpartum period (PP),

In  Friesian x  Bunaji (FR x BJ) and Bunaji (BJ) cows, placed on the same feeding regimen.  Twenty-eight cows comprising of 11 FR x BJ and 17 BJ were observed for normal cyclicity. Only 8 cows (4 FR x BJ and 4 BJ) that showed normal cyclicity were used for the study.

They were synchronized using a single intramuscular injection of 25 mg of PGF and inseminated using Friesian semen. Body condition score (BCS) was obtained every morning before feeding during pre–insemination, pregnancy and PP at 30 days intervals.

Blood samples were similarly obtained, processed for serum and assayed for metabolites, electrolytes and calcium. Also, blood samples in sodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetate containing bottles were used for the determination of haematological parameters.

INTRODUCTION

The productivity of indigenous tropical cattle is generally low with late maturity, long calving intervals and low milk yield (Isaac and Olutogun, 2007).

In an attempt to improve the productivity of the local cattle, there has been a need to introduce into the tropics, exotic cattle breeds such as the Friesian, an exotic cattle breed that has become very popular because of its high milk production and attendant low butterfat (Maule, 1990).

The Friesian has been used in crossbreeding programmes,  mostly with the Bunaji, a local breed that is relatively more tolerant to endemic tropical diseases such as streptotrichosis.

The resultant cross, Friesian x Bunaji, has proven to be more disease tolerant than the pure Friesian and produces an average higher milk yield than the pure Bunaji (Adeneye, 1989; Ojango and Pollot, 2001).

Reproduction is the most important factor in determining profitability in a cow-calf enterprise (Edmonson et al., 1989). Thus, increased milk yield which is the main objective of trying to improve dairy cattle production in Nigeria is a sequel to the reproductive status of the cow.

However, several factors and the interactions of these factors, such as nutrition and body condition status affect fertility in dairy cows (Lucy, 2001). The decline in fertility and reproductive efficiency in Friesian cows has of recent been one of the most important problems of the dairy industry (Lucy, 2001; Pryce et al., 2004).

REFERENCES

Abdullahi, U. S. And Chaudhri, S. U. R. (1996). Incidence of malformations and pathological conditions of reproductive organs of Nigerian indigenous cows (Bos indicus). Paper presented at the 21st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society of Animal Production, held at the University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
Abeke, F. O., Sekoni, A. A., Oni, O. O., Adeyinka, I. A. And Nwagu, B.I. (2008). Response of Shika-brown pullet chicks and layers to homemade and commercial feeds in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria. Journal of Tropical Agriculture, Food, Environment and Extension, 7: 223-228.
Adegbola, A. A. (2002). Nutrient intake, digestibility and rumen metabolites in bulls fed rice straw with or without supplements. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 29: 40-46.
Adeneye, J. A. (1989). Variation in yield and composition of milk  from  different  quarters of lactating white Fulani cattle in a tropical environment. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 16: 8-15.
Aeberhard, K., Bruckmaier, R. M. And Blum, J. W. (2001). Milk yield and composition, nutrition, body conformation traits, body condition scores, fertility  and diseases in high-yielding dairy cows. Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 85: 99- 110.
Ahmad, I., Lodhi, L. A., Qureshi, Z. I. And Younis. M. (2004).  Studies  on  blood  glucose, total proteins, urea and cholesterol levels in cyclic, non-cyclic and endometritic crossbred cows. Pakistan Veterinary Journal, 24: 92-94.

CSN Team.

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