Evaluation Of Current Performance Of Dairy Cattle In Asas And Kitulo Farms In The Southern Highlands Of Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to evaluate the current performance of dairy cattle at

ASAS and Kitulo farms in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. The objective was to

assess the effects of genetic and non-genetic factors on lactation and reproductive

performance, calf mortality rate, longevity traits and constraints affecting

performance of dairy animals. Ayrshire and Friesian cows were involved in the study.

Data were analysed using General Linear Models procedure of Statistical Analysis

System (SAS). Average ages at first calving (AFC) at ASAS farm were 1059.5±19.41

and 1105.7±12.99 days for Ayrshires and Friesians, respectively. Breed and calving

period significantly (P < 0.05) influenced AFC. At Kitulo farm AFC was

1151.7±9.63 days. Both parity and period of calving significantly (P < 0.001)

influenced CI. Mean calving intervals (CI) at ASAS farms were 410.8±8.1 and

423.4±6.8 days for Ayrshire and Friesian cows, respectively. At Kitulo farm mean CI

was 421.6±1.43 days. Mean lactation milk yields (LMY), lactation lengths (LL) and

dry periods (DP) at the ASAS farm were 2696.8±75.4kg, 305.8±5.7 and 92.9±2.6

days, and 3000.1±62.9kg, 318.7±4.8 and 96.3±2.2 days for Ayrshires and Friesians,

respectively. Breed (P < 0.001), parity (P < 0.001) and period of calving (P < 0.05)

significantly influenced LMY and DP. At Kitulo farm mean LMY, LL and DP were

2608.3±24.0 kg, 322.3±1.4 and 91.2±0.52 days. Only period had a significant (P