Reproductive performance and its associated factors in cows raised in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was designed to assess some reproductive performance indices of cows raised in Sokoto, Nigeria and the factors affecting them. A total of 14 herds within Sokoto metropolis were identified and visited periodically, and information on measures of reproductive performance; such as calving to conception interval, calving interval, age at first service, calf mortality and pregnancy rates were collected using interviewed questionnaire. The calving to conception interval was 75.7 ± 14.7 day, while calving interval was 413.8 ± 221.9 days and age at first service was 23.78 ± 4.0 months. The calf mortality and pregnancy rates were 6.6 ± 7.7 % and 73.9 ± 6.5 %, respectively. These reproductive parameters were affected by management practice, calving season, history of return to estrus, dystocia, abortion, history of retained placenta and uterine prolapse. The study showed that the reproductive performance of cows in cattle herds raised in Sokoto is fair. We therefore recommend, improvement in the management of the herds.