Bangladesh Journal of Veterinary Medicine (BJVM)

Prevalence of surgical affections of sheep in Mymensingh division of Bangladesh

Md. Mizanur Rahman Khan — 2024-03-10

Background: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of surgical conditions in sheep and analyze their distribution based on age, sex, sheep, and seasonal variation.
Methods: Retrospective data on surgical conditions in sheep were compiled from Upazila Livestock Offices and Veterinary Hospitals within Mymensingh division between January 2021 and December 2021. Simple descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.
Results: A total of 788 surgical cases in sheep were documented. The predominant surgical conditions observed in sheep included wounds (29.18%), myiasis (15.10%), bloat (14.08%), subcutaneous cysts
(12.56%), and foot rot (8.24%). In addition, there were instances of abscesses (6.47%), horn fractures (4.56%), atresia ani (3.93%), dermoid cysts (1.64%), dog bites (1.90%), overgrown hooves (1.52%), and
gangrenous mastitis (0.63%). Surgical affections were more prevalent in adult sheep (73.35%) compared to young ones (26.64%). Among adult sheep, myiasis, bloat, subcutaneous cysts, and foot rot showed higher prevalences. In females, myiasis, subcutaneous cysts, bloat, and abscesses occurred more frequently than in male sheep. The occurrence of surgical affections was relatively higher in adult sheep during the rainy season, followed by summer, autumn, and winter during the rainy season followed by summer, autumn, and winter.
Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the variable demographic distribution of surgical affections in sheep. The observed patterns suggest that the surgical disorders pose a substantial threat to sheep rearing in the study areas.
DOI: https//doi.org/10.33109/bjvmjd2023fam2

Welfare assessment of dairy cows in commercial farms in Chattogram, Bangladesh

Mohammad Rashedul Alam — 2024-03-28

Background

Dairy farming is a major component of livestock in Bangladesh. However, a baseline study on the welfare of dairy cattle in Bangladesh is still new. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was performed to assess the present welfare status of dairy cows at the farm level.

Method

A total of thirty-six dairy farms of Chattogram having a total of 1110 cross-bred multiparous lactating cows were studied to assess the health and welfare through farm investigation and animal-based measurements using a well-structured questionnaire. Data regarding farm management were collected by observation of the farm and interviewing the farmers. On the other hand, the cows were observed to identify the disorders with a special focus on the hock, claw, and hoof abnormalities. The data were then analyzed using Stata-14 and p<0.05 was taken as significant.

Results

The study showed that most of the farms used an intensive system (75%) while 47 and 17% of the farms had moderately dirty or dirty floors, respectively. Improper manure disposal led to heavy fly infestation (33%). Lameness and stereotypy behaviors were found in 12% and 14% of animals, respectively. Hock, claw, and hoof abnormalities were found in 30, 37, and 28% of the animals, respectively, whereas injuries were observed in 19% of the cows. About 25% of the injuries occurred in face-out rearing systems; 1.8 times more than the face-in systems. Moreover, cows on farms with bad drainage systems were 2.4 times more likely to have injuries compared with cows reared on farms with good drainage systems. It was also observed that hock and hoof abnormalities were significantly (p<0.05) associated with the quality and conditions of floor, and drainage systems.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the welfare of dairy cows in the commercial farms in Chattogram of Bangladesh is compromised and needs to be improved for better production and profitability.

DOI: https//doi.org/10.33109/bjvmjd2023fam1

Conception rates of cows inseminated with frozen semen of Rural Development Academy, Bogura, Bangladesh

Mehedi Hasan — 2024-04-10

Background: The first service conception rate (FSCR) is an important parameter for any artificial insemination (AI) programme. The present study was conducted to determine the FSCR and its influencing factors in cows inseminated with frozen semen produced by Rural Development Academy, Bogura.

Methods: Data were collected from 372 cows at 39 villages under Sherpur Upazilla of Bogura district on breed, age, body condition score (BCS), parity, milk yield, suckling, AI season and the interval between oestrus to AI using a questionnaire.

Results: The overall FSCR of cows was 66.4% and the service per conception was 1.53. The FSCR was higher (74.1%) in local cows compared to the Holstein-Friesian (HF) cross counterpart (64.2%). The FSCR was higher (70.4%) in 24-47 months old cows compared to 84-98 months old counterpart (61.5%). The highest FSCR (81.6%) was observed in cows with 3.0 to 3.5 BCS and the lowest (25.7%) was observed in cows with 2.5 BCS. The highest FSCR (68.3%) was observed in the 0 (zero) parity (heifers) group of cows and the lowest (62.5%) was observed in the 4-7 parity counterpart. The highest FSCR (72.4%) was observed in cows yielded daily >15-22 L milk and the lowest (62.1%) was observed in cows yielded ≤5 L milk. The highest FSCR (72.7%) was observed in suckling restricted cows and the lowest (60.9%) was observed in cows that had several times suckling daily. The highest FSCR (72.1%) was observed in cows received inseminations in Rainy (July-October) season and the lowest (58.4%) was observed in cows received inseminations in Winter (November-February). The highest FSCR (67.1%) was observed in cows received inseminations between 12-18 hrs of detection of oestrus and the lowest (59.1%) was observed in cows received insemination between 8-11 hrs of detection of oestrus. However, the difference in FSCR in cows with different BCS groups was significant (p<0.01).

Conclusion: The current FSCR in cows can be considered to be satisfactory. The BCS of cows significantly influences the FSCR in cows.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33109/bjvmjd2023fam3

Constraints and recommendation for countrywide extension of artificial insemination in buffalo, goat and sheep

Ashit Kumar Paul — 2024-04-11

Background: The workshop aimed to identify the constraints and propose solutions to expand artificial insemination in buffaloes, sheep and goats across the country.

Methods: A day-long workshop was jointly organized by the Coastal Vet Society Bangladesh (CVS-BD) and Grameen Jano Unnayan Sangstha (GJUS) at the Bangladesh Development Society conference hall in Barishal district, Bangladesh. Approximately 100 stakeholders from various sectors participated in the workshop.

Results: The workshop revealed several constraints hindering the adoption of artificial insemination in buffaloes, sheep, and goats. These included the absence of breeding policies and recording systems, limited knowledge about high-yielding breeds, shortage of quality feed, fodder, and pasture land, insufficient technical skills among reproduction and production personnel, inadequate breeding infrastructure and facilities, lack of coordination among farmers, researchers, and public and private organizations, and limited availability of proven sires. To address these constraints, the following recommendations were proposed: Strengthen breeding policies and infrastructure, upgrade native breeds with high-yielding varieties, implement assisted reproductive technologies, promote the benefits of buffalo milk and meat, provide technical training to improve manpower, enhance national and international collaboration, encourage private investment, and ensure alternative feed supply.

Conclusion The workshop concluded that a collaborative effort between public and private sectors is essential to expand artificial insemination programs in buffaloes, sheep, and goats nationwide.

DOI: https//doi.org/10.33109/bjvmjd2023fam4