Validation of the Human Progesterone Assay Kit for Cattle as a Pregnancy Diagnosis Tool.

Accurate pregnancy diagnosis is an important criterion and management tool for successful dairying. Early identification of non-pregnant dairy heifers and cows after breeding can improve pregnancy rate and life time production. Determination of progesterone hormone levels is more accurate to diagnose failed pregnancies in dairy animals.

Calf survival and reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian cows in central Ethiopia.

This study was carried out to evaluate the reproductive performance and calves survival rate of Holstein-Friesian (HF) herd in Holeta, central highland of Ethiopia. A retrospective analysis of 26 years data was carried out, from which records of 724 age at first calving (AFC), 2,022 calving intervals (CI), 2,971 breeding efficiencies (BE), 260 abortions, 111 stillbirths were derived from 795 cows. Moreover, 738 female calves' records were also included for survival rate study.

Sero-prevalence of bovine brucellosis and its risk factors in Jimma zone of Oromia Region, South-western Ethiopia.

A cross sectional sero-prevalence study was conducted on 1,595 cattle in Jimma zone, Ethiopia to investigate the status of bovine brucellosis and identify potential risk factors. Sera samples were analyzed using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The overall individual and herd level sero-prevalences were 3.

Milk yield and reproductive performance of dairy cattle under smallholder management system in North-eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

This study was conducted in South Wollo Zone of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, to assess the milk yield and reproductive performance of indigenous and crossbred cattle under smallholder management conditions. Questionnaire survey was used to collect retrospective data on the performance of dairy cattle in 186 households. Thirty two postpartum cows (16 indigenous and 16 crossbred) were selected purposively and monitored for five months and milk samples were collected twice per week from each cow to determine postpartum ovarian activity using ELISA techniques.

Serum profiles of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein, oestrone sulphate and progesterone during gestation and some factors influencing the profiles in Ethiopian Borana and crossbred cattle.

This study presents serum concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG), oestrone sulphate (E1-S) and progesterone (P4), and the effects of some dam and foetus-related factors on these profiles during gestation in Borana and crossbred cattle. The PAG concentrations at 4th week post-conception ranged from 1.5-5.