Repeat Breeding and Its’ Associated Risk Factors in Crossbred Dairy Cattle in Northern Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to ascertain the prevalence and incidence of repeat breeding and related risk variables in crossbred dairy cattle in the northern Central Highlands of Ethiopia. The prevalence and incidence of repeat breeding in crossbred dairy cattle were 38.4% and 36.6%, respectively, out of the total cows and heifers taken into account for this study and handled with various production strategies. Age, parity, body condition, breeding practices, milk yield, management condition, and insemination time were all substantially ( $P<0.05$ ) associated with the prevalence and incidence of repeat breeders. Repeat breeder is more common in elderly, underweight, multiparous, high-milk producing, and AI serviced cows, as well as cows kept in poor management condition. It was deduced that the production system had a significant impact ( $P<0.05$ ) on the prevalence of repeat breeders in the research area. In addition, herd size was significantly associated ( $P<0.05$ ) with the prevalence of repeat breeder in this study. Insemination time and heat detection practices were also substantially ( $P<0.05$ ) interrelated with the prevalence and incidence of repeat breeders, indicating that incorrect heat detection and/or insemination timing had an impact on these variables. Therefore, it is suggested to increase the mindfulness of farm owners, managers, and attendants about appropriate feed and feeding management, accurate heat detection, and insemination time. To reduce the incidence of repeat breeders and the associated reproductive issues, as well as the resulting financial losses on dairy farms, health, housing, and reproductive management should also be improved.