A Cross Sectional Study on Some Aspects of Reproduction Scenario and Prevalence of Reproductive Disorders in Dairy Cattle in Bangladesh

A cross sectional survey was carried out in dairy herds in four districts of Bangladesh to determine some aspects of reproduction and the prevalence of reproductive disorders that affect the dairy cattle industry. A total of 2850 dairy cows (local 1020; 35.8% and crossbred 1830; 64.2%) were surveyed in 256 local (204; 79.7%) and commercial (52; 20.3%) dairy herds located in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur, and Manikganj were investigated using interviewer-administered questionnaire survey and face-to face interviews with the owners. Sizes of the dairy herds visited were small (1-5 cows; 47.7%), medium (6-10 cows; 30.5%), and large ( ≥10 cows; 21.8%). The estrus of most of the dairy herd cows (197/256; 76.9%) were determined by observing signs or taking history from owners. Furthermore, only 26.1% (67/256) of the dairy herds kept reproductive records using a log book or a computer, whereas 32.8% (84/256) of the dairy herds used a reproductive calendar for breeding purposes. The results indicated that 71.5% (146/204) locals were using artificial insemination (AI) for the dairy cows reproduction when classified according to service method while, 73.1% (38/52) commercials were using AI other than natural service (NS), and AI and NS. The use of the Department of Livestock Service (DLS) semen rate was higher 67.2% (137/204) in locals while, Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) semen rate was higher 61.5% (32/52) in commercials. According to the study’s findings, anestrus rates of 8.6% (88/1020) in locals and repeat breeding syndrome (RBS) rates of 9.8% (180/1830) in commercials were the major reproductive issues in the investigated dairy herds, followed by poor heat detection at 5.2% (54/1020) in locals and anestrus at 4.7% (86/1830) in commercials. Finally, it is recommended that nationwide studies of reproductive characteristics and diseases be conducted, as well as owner education, to establish effective control measures for reproductive management in Bangladesh's dairy cattle industry.