An observational and questionnaire based study on principles of herd health management on Jimma University dairy farms

Abstract

The study was in Jimma University dairy farm with objective to assess the dairy management aspects of Jimma University dairy farm and to identify the herd health problems of the dairy farm. Ethiopia has a large number of livestock populations and holds the 1st rank in Africa. Despite the huge number of cattle and their economic importance, the productivity is low due to constraints of disease, nutrition, poor management, lack of marketing facilities and opportunity, inadequate animal health services, uncoordinated development programs between various levels of government institutions. Both questionnaire and observational survey study was conducted on Jimma University dairy farm which have total of 45 animal populations (calf 16, heifer 15, bull 1, milking cow 12, and dry cow 1) found in Jimma University dairy farm. Observational study type conducted and the total animal populations in the dairy farm are observed by using census sampling method and the questionnaire developed for this purpose is filled with the information obtained from the close dairy attendants. Close observation considering animal welfare, house, management, feeding and watering and questionnaire survey was collected regarding health management, back ground history, productivity, and other related issues. After observation and questioner collection and the results from dairy farm obtained were compared with scientific standards of dairy herd health management and production. Dairy farm has been facing low prevalence of mastitis, lameness, calf diarrhea, bloating and external parasite density. The house has no separate rooms for different status of cows and calves and lacks proper waste disposal systems. In conclusion, the farm has many constraints that have to be improved for next. Key words: Dairy farm, herd health, disease, management, university.