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 American Journal of  
Food Science and Technology (AJFST)

Review on Dairy Cattle Reproductive Performance Under Different 
Production System in Ethiopia 
Abera Fekata Dinkissa1*, Mitiku Eshetu Guye2

Volume 1 Issue 1, Year 2022
ISSN: 2834-0086 (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajfst.v1i1.407
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajfst

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: July 21, 2022

Accepted: July 22, 2022

Published: July 24, 2022

Reproductive performance of  dairy cattle in terms of  age at first service (AFS), age at first 
calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), day open (DO) and number of  service per conception 
(NSPC) in different production system in Ethiopia was reviewed. The reproductive per-
formance parameter of  dairy cattle like age at first serves (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), 
calving interval (CI), Day opens (DO) and number of  service per conception (NSPC) un-
der different production system is quite different. Age at first calving (AFC) in pastoral 
and agro-pastoral and intensive dairy production system were 43.5±1.5months and 33.2 
months, respectively. Days open (DO) in pastoral and agro-pastoral, small holder dairy pro-
duction and urban and dairy production for local cows were 141±7 days, 185±51.2days and 
199.8±11.60 days, respectively. 85 to 115days considered as optimum for dairy herd, 116 to 
130 days indicate slight problem, 131 to 145 days moderate problems. Thus, indicated that 
days open in different production system is not with in normal range. Similarly, for cross 
dairy cows in intensive dairy production system was157.8 days. The calving interval (CI) 
was in pastoral and agro-pastoral, small holder dairy production system, urban and pre-ur-
ban for local breed were 14.63±10 months, 14.36± 1.03 months and 22.17±0.79 months, 
respectively. Whereas in urban and pre-urban and intensive dairy production for cross dairy 
cows were12.42±5.9 months, 15.820±.41months and 14.56 months, respectively. NSPC for 
Horro x Jersey (1.8) and Horro (2.1) are not with in normal range, But for Borana (1.6), 
Fogera (1.28), Friesian x Zebu (1.56) was with in normal range. This difference might be 
due to poor management in terms of  nutrition, health care, housing, heat detection, timely 
insemination and breed as well as environmental factors. It could be concluded that proper 
management in terms of  nutrition, health care, housing, heat detection, timely insemination 
would improve reproductive performance under different production system.  Beside this, 
too boost dairy cattle reproductive performance, intensification of  dairy cattle production 
should be promoted in Ethiopia to meet increasing demand for dairy products and to reduce 
imports of  dairy commodities. Thus, all coordinated works of  all concerned bodies should 
be in place to boost the production and productivity and thereby enhance the livelihood of  
the dairy farmers

Keywords

Dairy, Reproductive, Performance, 
Production system

1 Department of  Animal and Range science, Bule Hora Universty, Bule Hora, Ethiopia.
2 School of  Animal and range science, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Haramaya, Ethiopia.
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: fekataabera@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION
Ethiopia is known for its huge cattle population and 
livestock sector contributes significantly to the National 
economy but unfortunately, production per animal is 
extremely low. It is one of  the sub-Saharan Africa with 
a large potential for cattle production. The country is 
1st among African countries and 9th in the world by 
possessing cattle population. The total cattle population 
for the country is estimated to be about 60.39 million. Out 
of  this total cattle population, the female cattle constitute 
about 54.68% (CSA, 2018). The average lactation length 
per cow at country level is estimated to be about six 
months, and average milk yield per cow per day is about 
1.37 liters (CSA, 2018). 
Livestock production plays important role to human 
health and poverty alleviation in Ethiopia. The cattle 
production gives multi-purpose role where cattle provide 
milk, meat, fertilizer, fuel, draft power and also as a 
means of  economic uplift from the sale of  milk and milk 
products. The sector contributes 15 to 17% of  gross 
domestic product (GDP) and 35 to 49% of  agricultural 
GDP and 37 to 87% of  the household incomes (Behnke 
and Metaferia, 2011).

There are five production systems that have been 
identified based on the integration of  livestock with 
crop production, the level of  input and intensity of  
production, agro-ecology, and market orientation. These 
are Pastoral (traditional pastoral livestock farming), Agro-
pastoral (Traditional lowland mixed livestock farming), 
the mixed crop-livestock system (traditional highland 
mixed farming), Urban and Peri-urban (the emerging 
smallholder dairy farming) and Commercial (specialized 
commercial intensive dairy farming) (FAO, 2011).
Pastoral systems are mainly found in the lowlands 
where livestock production is the dominant form of  
production to sustain the livelihood of  pastoral society 
with no cropping, while agro pastoral system combines 
both cropping and livestock production. In both systems, 
the production is based entirely on low input, with low 
milk yield, and little market orientation (Tegegne et al., 
2013).One measure of  productivity is reproductive 
performance. Reproductive and productive performance 
is vital for the profitability of  many animal production 
systems. Especially, the economics of  dairy enterprise is 
based on an efficient reproductive and performance of  
dairy animals (Nibret, 2012).

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In Ethiopia, the poor genetic potential for productive 
traits, substandard feeding, poor health care and 
management practices are the main contributors to 
low productivity (Belay et al., 2012). The reproductive 
performance of  dairy cows is the most important factor 
that is a prerequisite for sustainable dairy production 
system and influencing the productivity. This review 
would support researchers to understand more about 
the reproductive performance parameters and different 
production system under Ethiopian condition. The 
review paper provides information to dairy producers 
and breeders regarding to reproductive performances of  
dairy cattle under different production system. Therefore, 
the objectives of  this review paper were to highlight the 
overall reproductive performance of  dairy cattle under 
different production system in Ethiopian.

Different dairy production systems Ethiopian
Dairy cattle production systems already existing in 
Ethiopia is part of  four major livestock production 
systems: Specialized commercial dairy production systems, 
pastoral and agro– pastoral production, rural smallholder 
(mixed crop– livestock) production and urban and peri-
urban smallholder dairy production. Milk, with little or 
no land resources, only making use of  the human and 
capital resources made available mainly for specialized 
dairy production under stall feeding conditions (Azage et 
al., 2013)
The Ethiopian dairy production system is based 
on predominantly indigenous zebu cattle, which is 
well adapted to and distributed among the diverse 
ecological conditions and management systems of  the 
country. Although no exhaustive identification and 
characterization work has been conducted, it is suggested 
that there are over 25 types/breeds of  indigenous cattle, 
the most popular ones including Boran, Horro, Fogera, 
Arsi, Karayu and Nuer (IBC, 2004).

Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral
Pastoralists raise about 30% of  the indigenous livestock 
population which serve as the major milk production 
system for an estimated 10% of  the country’s human 
population living in the lowland areas. Milk production in 
Pastoral and agro-Pastoral system is characterized by low 
yield and seasonal availability (Zegeye, 2003)
Pastoral and agro-pastoral production system is the 
major milk production practiced in the lowland regions 
of  Ethiopia where livelihoods are heavily dependent 
on livestock. Cattle dominate the livestock population 
followed by camel, goats, and sheep. Major pastoral areas 
extend from the north-eastern and eastern lowlands 
(Afar and Somali) to the southern and south-western 
lowlands (FAO, 2017). In pastoral and agro-pastoral areas 
shorter calving intervals of  15.5 months than 19 months, 
respectively (Workneh and Rowland, 2004).

Peri-Urban and Urban Production system
Peri- Urban livestock keeping fits different livelihood 

strategies and contributes to food security, income and 
employment generation, saving and insurance (Azage et 
al., 2006). Peri-urban dairy systems are located mainly 
in rural areas or at the edge of  the urban areas having 
relatively better access to urban centers in which dairy 
products are highly needed (Azage et al., 2013). 
Urban and peri-urban being market oriented systems 
emerge as a significant part of  milk production systems 
in Ethiopia. Food and nutrition, increased income, 
employment generation, organic waste recycling and 
uplifting social status are known to be the most important 
benefits (Gillah et al., 2012). Urban and peri-urban 
systems are intensified through the use of  crossbred dairy 
cows, purchased and conserved feed and stall-feeding 
(Azage et al., 2010). 
Urban and peri-urban being market oriented systems 
emerge as a significant part of  milk production systems 
in Ethiopia. Food and nutrition, increased income, 
employment generation, organic waste recycling and 
uplifting social status are known to be the most important 
benefits (Gillah et al., 2012). Urban and peri-urban 
systems are intensified through the use of  crossbred dairy 
cows, purchased and conserved feed and stall-feeding 
(Azage et al., 2010). The main feed resources are agro 
industrial by products and purchased roughages. The 
system comprises small and medium sized dairy farms 
that own crossbred dairy cows. Farmers use all or part of  
their land for forage production (Azage et al., 2000)
The urban and peri-urban dairy production system is 
an expanding production system, largely found in the 
highlands and is concentrated in the Addis Ababa milk 
shed area as well as around the regional capital cities where 
an adequate market for fresh milk is readily available. It 
is practiced by many landless urban and suburban poor 
households. However, some businessmen and retired 
civil servants also keep some dairy animals depending, 
wholly or partly, on hired labor. Producers are market 
oriented and respond to improved technical, input supply 
and marketing services (Bogale et al., 2014).The main 
feed resources are agro-industrial by-products, purchased 
roughage, crop residue and pasture land. The primary 
objective of  milk production is generating additional cash 
income (Aneteneh et al., 2010)

Mixed crop–livestock Dairy production system
Mixed crop–livestock dairy production is a subsistence-
oriented farming system concentrated in the mid- and 
high-altitude agro-ecological zones where cereals and cash 
crops are dominant farm activities. Cattle are primarily 
kept to supply draft power needed for crop production. 
However, milk production is an integral part of  the 
production system. The bulk of  the total milk produced 
nationally and about three quarters of  the liquid milk 
processed commercially (FAO, 2019)
Natural pasture, crop residues, and weeds and crop 
thinning are the major feed types. The management style 
is mostly low-input, low-output traditional extensive 
system. About 65 percent of  the total milking cows are 

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found in this system and produce about 72 percent of  the 
national annual milk output (FAO and NZAGRC, 2017). 
Water is sourced from rivers and rainwater. Housing type 
can be open kraal, partition within family house or share 
the same room with humans. Milk yield per cow is 1.9 
liters per day, on average (Felleke et al., 2010).
Milk production in this production system depends 
largely on indigenous breeds and small amount in cross 
breeds of  cattle. Therefore, most of  the milking cows are 
indigenous animals with low production performance 
with an average age of  first calving being 53 months 
while 25 months for average calving intervals. In the 
farming system, feed requirements are got from native 
pasture with supplement from crop residues and stub 
grazing (Afras, 2018).
Dairy production in the mixed crop-livestock system is 
pivotal to supplying the bulk of  milk and milk products 
to the Ethiopian population although it is not essentially 
market-oriented. Smallholder farmers either sell excess 
milk informally to individual consumers and milk 
collectors or process it into butter and cottage cheese 
for sale. Productivity per unit of  land and per head of  
animal is extremely low. At the same time, poor service 
delivery systems, particularly veterinary services, make it 
prone to disease outbreaks and losses due to mortality 
and morbidity (FAO, 2019)

Intensive Dairy production System
Intensive dairy productions systems are located in and 
around Addis Ababa and basically keep high grade or 
purebred dairy stock (Azage et al., 2000). The commercial 
farms are small- to large-scale dairy farms, the large-scale 
farms being concentrated in and around Addis Ababa. 
The herd is dominated with improved/cross breed dairy 
cattle and the production system is market oriented and 
milk production is for sale (surplus production) (Ahmed 
et al., 2003) 
 The exact number of  commercial dairy farms is not known 
but they represent a small fraction of  total dairy farmers. 
The number of  dairy cows in this system, however, is 
steadily growing and is estimated at ~3 percent of  the 
total national milking cows. Geographically, they are 
concentrated mainly in the central highlands near major 
cities and towns. Average herd sizes can be more than 100 
milking cows for large-scale farms; 30–100 for medium-
scale and <30 for small-scale farms (FAO, 2019).Driven 
by the unprecedented increase in demand for milk and 
other dairy products, commercial dairy is a growing sub-
system in Ethiopia. However, it is constrained by shortage 
of  inputs particularly feed, genotypes, and veterinary 
services. Most commercial farmers are obliged to process 
the milk they produce into various dairy products but not 
all have the financial and infrastructural capabilities to 
meet such obligations (Shapiro et al., 2015; FAO, 2017)
The specialized commercial dairy systems involving 
higher levels of  investment are concentrated in the central 
highland plateau. In terms of  scale of  operation, the farms 
are classified as large-, small- or medium-scale. Being 

licensed farms with operational business plans, they are 
market oriented specifically targeting consumers in urban 
areas. Producers tend to have a good understanding of  
dairy management. The commercial dairy system is labor 
and input intensive relative to other systems. The animals 
do not provide draft power but their manure is used as 
fertilizer (FAO, 2019)
Major feed types include hay, concentrated dairy mix, 
and industrial by-products. These are mainly purchased, 
though some farms cultivate own pasture. Main water 
source is tap or boreholes. Common animal health 
problems include mastitis, infertility, and bovine 
tuberculosis. These farms have access to vaccination, 
treatment and deworming services. Standard dairy 
housing or simple shelter may be used. Productive and 
reproductive performances are usually better with daily 
milk yield in the range of  15–20 liters per cows and an 
average lactation yield of  about 4,375 liters (FAO, 2019)
In general, the reproductive performance of  dairy cattle 
under different production system was depicted Table 
1.From this table age at first calving (AFC) in pastoral 
and agro-pastoral and intensive dairy production were 
43.5±1.5 and 33.2, respectively. Number of  services 
pericon ception (NSPC) in pastoral and agro-pastoral, 
small dairy production and intensive dairy production 
system are not with in normal range. NSPC 1.3 to 1.7 
regarded as normal at national level. However, from 
(Table 1) except urban and per-urban dairy production 
which fall with in normal range and the three-production 
system are out of  the stranded. 
The days open (DO) in pastoral and agro-pastoral, small 
holder dairy production and urban and dairy production 
for local cows were 141±7, 185 ±51.2 and 199.8±11.60, 
respectively. In contrary, Tadesse et al. (2010) reported 
that 85 to 115days considered as optimum for dairy 
herd, 116 to 130 indicate slight problem, 131 to 145 
moderate problems. Similarly, for cross dairy cow’s day 
open in intensive dairy production system was157.8. 
Thus, indicated that the day open in different production 
system was not with in normal range.
The calving intervals (CI) in pastoral and agro-pastoral, 
small holder dairy production system, urban and pre-
urban for local cows were 14.63 ± 10, 14.36± 1.03 and 
22.17± 0.79, respectively. Whereas in urban and pre-urban 
and intensive dairy production system for cross dairy 
cows were 12.42±5.9, 15.820±.41 and 14.56, respectively. 
The difference might be due to poor management in 
terms of  nutrition, health care, housing, heat detection, 
timely insemination as well as environmental factors in all 
production system.

Reproductive performance of  dairy cattle in Ethiopia
Reproductive traits describe the animal’s ability to conceive, 
calve down and suckle the calf  to weaning successfully 
(Davis, 1993). Reproductive efficiency of  a herd is an 
important component of  dairy cattle productivity in the 
world. Economic losses because of  poor fertility can 
be attributed to the cost of  prolonged calving interval, 

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increased insemination costs, reduced returns from calves 
born and forced replacements in the event of  culling. A 
delay in conception because of  poor fertility increases 
calving interval mostly due to the increase in the number 
of  days from calving to conception (Nishida et al., 2006).
The productivity of  dairy cattle breeds depends mainly 
on their reproductive performance and efficiency of  
service per conception. Reproductive performance is a 
characteristic of  outstanding importance in dairy cattle 
business (Gabriel et al., 1983).Reproductive performance 
parameters are age at first service, age at first calving, 
number of  services per-conception, calving interval, and 
days open are the bases of  profitable production for dairy 
farm (Mukasa,1989). Reproductive efficiency of  dairy 
cows is influenced by different factors including genetic, 
season, age, production system, nutrition, management, 
environment and disease (Belay et al., 2012)

Age at first service
Age at first services (AFS) is the age at which heifers 
attain body condition and sexual maturity for accepting 
service for the first time (Gidey, 2001).Assefa et al. (2015) 
reported that the average age at first service was 40.74 
months for heifers of  indigenous breed and the average 
effective age service of  local bull is 44.4 months in Sidama 
zone southern Ethiopia. Nuraddis et al. (2011) reported 
that the mean AFS for crossbred dairy cows (Holstein 
Frisian X zebu) in urban and peri-urban production 
system in Gondar town was 23.2 months. Belay et al. 
(2012), Hunduma (2012) and Emebet (2006) reported 
that 24.3, 24.9 and 24.1months age at first service for 
cross breed dairy cows under small scale dairy production 
system in Jimma, Asella, Dire Dawa, respectively

Table 1: Reproductive performance of  dairy cattle under different production system
Production 
system

Agro-E Breed Reproductive performance of  dairy cattle Reference
AFS(M) AFC(M) CI(M) DO (D) NSPC 

PAGro LL L 32.4± 1.4 43.5± 1.5 14.63±10 141 ± 7 2.44±0.1 Aynalem 
etal.(2011)

SHDP HL L - 39.4 ±1.7 14.36± 1.03 185 +51.2 2.1+0.1 Niraj et 
al.(2014)

UPRE ML CR 24.9±3.8 34.8±4 12.42±5.9 85.6±5.6 1.52±0.9 Hunduma 
(2012)

ML L 41.621±.63 51.98+1.45 22.17± 0.79 199.8+11.60 1.34± 0.28 Belay et 
al.(2016)

ML CR 24.19± 1. 34.78± 1.08 15.820±.41 100.75+6.99 2.100±.17 Belay et 
al.(2016)

IDP HL CR 22.76 33.2 14.56 157.8 1.93 Zenebe etal.
(2016)

Where PAGro =Pastoral agro-pastoral, SHDP=Small holder dairy production, UPRE=Urban and pre-urban dairy production, IDP= Intensive 
dairy production, L=Local cows, CR=cross dairy cows, LL=Low land, HL=Highland, ML=Midland, Agro-Ecology, M=Months, D=days

Table 2: Average age at first service of  indigenous and crossbred dairy cattle
Breed Location Age at first Maturity(months) Sources
Horro Ethiopia 46 male and 48 females Mekonnen et al. (2012)
Native Ethiopia 40.74 female and 44.4 male Assefa et al. (2015)
Horro x jersey Ethiopia 33 Damissu et al. (2013)
Friesian x Fogera Ethiopia 36.8 Gebeyehu et al. (2005)
Friesian x Zebu Ethiopia 24.3 Belay et al. (2012)

Table 3: Average age at first Calving (AFC) of  Zebu and crossbred dairy cattle
Breed                                                             Location Age at first calving(month) Sources
Horro Ethiopia 58.08 Makonnen et al. (2012)
Fogera Ethiopia 50.8 Menale et al. (2011)
Begait Ethiopia 60 Rege et al. (2006)
Cross bred Ethiopia 34.8 Hunduma (2012)
Cross bred (HF x Zebu) Ethiopia 36.4 Belay et al. (2012)
Jersey cows Ethiopia 34.5 Habtamu et al. (2010)
Horro x Jersey Ethiopia 42.2 Damissu et al. (2013)
Holstein–Friesian Ethiopia 561 Amene et al. (2011)

Age at first calving (AFC)
The age at first calving is the age when an individual calf  
gives birth for the first time. First calving characterizes the 
start of  the productive life of  a cow having an influence 
on both reproductive and productive life of  the female, 
directly having an effect on her lifetime calf  crop and 

milk production, and indirectly through its influence on 
the cost that has been invested for the upbringing (Azage 
et al., 2011).
First calving makes the beginning of  a cow productive 
life and influences both the production and reproduction 
life of  the female, directly through its effect on her life 

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time calf  crop and milk production and indirectly it is 
influence on the cost invested (Mukasa- Mugerwa, 1989).
Under controlled breeding system, heifers are usually 
mated when they are mature enough to withstand the 
stress of  parturition and lactation. It is recommended 
that heifers calve between 23 and 25 months of  age, 
which is considered as optimum that increase profitability 
of  the dairy business (Hammoud et al., 2010).Nuraddis et 
al. (2011) and Hunduma (2012) reported mean AFC of  
34.7 months and 34.8 months for crossbred dairy cows 
in Gonder and Asella towns, respectively. Belay et al. 
(2012) reported 36.4 months of  AFC for crossbred (HF x 
Zebu) cows under small scale dairy farms in Jimma town. 
Tadesse et al. (2010) reported 39.2 months for Holstein 
Frisian (HF) cows under intensive production system in 
central highland Ethiopia.

Calving interval (CI)
Calving interval (CI) refers to the period between two 
consecutive calving expressed in days or months (Gidey, 
2001). It is probably the best indicator of  a cow’s 
reproductive efficiency and expresses the economic 

importance of  reproduction. Twelve months calving 
interval is generally considered the most economically 
desirable period for dairy cows. However, such a standard 
lactation length might not work for smallholder dairy cows 
in which the lactation length is extended considerably in 
most cases (Msangi et al., 2005).
Relatively longer calving interval might be indicative of  
poor nutritional status, poor breeding management, lack 
of  own bull and artificial insemination service, longer 
days open, diseases and poor management practices 
(Belay et al., 2012). In pastoral and agro-pastoral areas 
shorter calving intervals of  15.5 months than 19 months, 
respectively have been reported (Workneh and Rowland, 
2004). 
Calving intervals do have low heritability and this can be 
enhanced through early breeding and nutrition (Mulugeta 
and Belayneh, 2013). This is important to the breeders 
because the lowest calving interval result the highest 
lifetime for calf  production. One of  the major problems 
that affect the lifetime productivity of  dairy herds is 
extended calving interval (Belay et al., 2012).

Table 4: Average calving interval in days
Breed Location (CI) calving interval in month Sources
Borana Ethiopia 20.73 Yifat et al. (2012)
Begait Ethiopia 15.26 Rege et al. (2006)
Fogera Ethiopia 17.5 Rege et al. (2006)
Horro Ethiopia 17.56 Rege et al. (2006)
Arsi Ethiopia 14.63 Gabriel et al. (1983)
Jersey cows Ethiopia 15 Habtamu et al. (2010)
Crossbred dairy cows Ethiopia 12.4 Belay et al. (2012
Zebu X Holstein-Friesian Ethiopia 21.33 Belay et al. (2012
Holstein–Friesian Ethiopia 518.7 Amene et al. (2011)

Day open
Days open (also called calving-to-conception interval) 
is the period between calving and conception in cows 
(Tewodros, 2008). Days open is influenced by the length 
of  time for the uterus to completely involutes, resumption 
of  normal ovarian cycle, occurrence of  silent ovulation, 
accuracy of  heat detection, management, semen quality 
and skill of  inseminator or efficiency of  bull (Melaku et 
al., 2011).
According to Gebeyehu et al. (2007) and Tadesse et al. 
(2010) a herd average of  less than 85 open days indicates 
that cows are being breed early, 85 to 115days considered 
as optimum for dairy herd, 116 to 130 indicate slight 
problem, 131 to 145 moderate problems, while more 
than open days considered as sever reproductive problem 
in the dairy herd. Reproductive parameter is influenced 
by Feed shortage, silent estrus and lack of  proper heat 
detection might have contributed considerably to the 
long days open (Belay et al., 2012). From (table:5) it is 

Table 5: DO of  indigenous Zebu and cross breed cattle
Breed Location (DO)Days open in days  Sources
Horro (Zebu) Ethiopia       134 Gizaw et al. (2011
Horro x Jersey Ethiopia       109 Gizaw et al. (2011
Friesian X zebu cattle Ethiopia        87 Nibret (2012)

indicated that day opens for Horro, Horro x Jersey, 
Friesian x zebu cattle were 134 days,109days, 87 days, 
respectively. Thus, might be due to breed and production 
system .85 to 115days open considered as optimum for 
dairy herd, 116 to 130 indicate slight problem, 131 to 145 
moderate problems (Tadesse et al., 2010)

Number of  services per conception (NSPC)
The total number of  services per conception is known 
to be the number of  services/inseminations needed for a 
conception to be successful (Menale et al.,2011). Number 
of  services required for conception (NSPC) is one 
factor considered in determining reproductive efficiency 
of  cow. It is reflecting the efficiency of  management. 
The differences could be attributed to differences 
in management practices and agro-ecology of  the 
respective areas. Appropriate and in time heat detection 
and insemination could be attributed to lower or higher 
number of  services of  per conception (Yifat et al., 2009). 

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Table 6: NSPC of  indigenous Zebu and cross breed cattle
Breed Location NSPC Sources
Native Ethiopia 2.2 Kumar et al. (2014)
Horro Ethiopia 2.1 Damissu et al. (2013)
Borana Ethiopia 1.6 Yifat et al. (2012)
Fogera Ethiopia 1.28 Menale et al. (2011)
Horro-Jersey Ethiopia 1.8 Damissu et al. (2013)

According to the authors number of  services per 
conception depends largely on the breeding system used. 
It is higher under uncontrolled, natural breeding than 
hand mating and Artificial Insemination (AI) and Values 
of  NSPC greater than 2 should be regarded as poor 
(Mukasa- Mugerwa, 1989).The NSC was significantly 
affected by herd, season, placenta expulsion time, 
lactation length and milk yield (Abdel and Alemam, 2008). 
Belay et al. (2012), Gebeyehu et al. (2005) and Demeke et 
al. (2004) reported 1.56, 1.62 and 1.73 NSPC for cross 
breeds in Jimma, Andassa ranch and Holeta Research 
Center Ethiopia, respectively
In summary, NSPC for native (2.2), Horro- Jersey (1.8) 
and Horro (2.1) are not with in normal range. However, 
for Borana (1.6), Fogera (1.28), Friesian x Zebu (1.56) was 
with in normal range. According to the authors number of  
services per conception between 1.3 and 1.7 is considered 
as normal range. This might be due to different breeding 
system and it is higher under uncontrolled, natural 
breeding than hand mating and Artificial Insemination 
(AI) and Values of  NSPC greater than 2 should be 
regarded as poor.Therefore, the number of  NSPC for 
native 2.2 and Horro (2.1) is poor as compared to other.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Reproductive performance of  dairy cattle under different 
production system was reviewed. The reproductive 
performance parameter of  dairy cattle like age at first 
serves (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval 
(CI), Day opens (DO) and number of  service per 
conception (NSPC) under different production system 
is quite different. Age at first calving (AFC) in pastoral 
and agro-pastoral and intensive dairy production system 
were 43.5±1.5months and 33.2 months, respectively. 
Days open (DO) in pastoral and agro-pastoral, small 
holder dairy production and urban and dairy production 
for local cows were 141±7 days, 185±51.2days and 
199.8±11.60 days, respectively. Similarly, for cross dairy 
cows in intensive dairy production system was157.8 
days.85 to 115days considered as optimum for dairy 
herd, 116 to 130 days indicate slight problem, 131 to 
145 days moderate problems. Thus, indicated that days 
open is different in all production system. The calving 
interval (CI) were in pastoral and agro-pastoral, small 
holder dairy production system, urban and pre-urban for 
local cows were 14.63±10 months, 14.36± 1.03 months 
and 22.17± 0.79 months, respectively. Whereas in urban 
and pre-urban and intensive dairy production for cross 
dairy cows were 12.42±5.9 months, 15.820±.41months 
and 14.56 months, respectively. NSPC for Horro x 
Jersey (1.8) and Horro (2.1) are not with in normal 

range, But for Borana dairy cows (1.6), Fogera (1.28), 
Friesian x Zebu (1.56) were with in normal range. The 
difference might be due to poor management in terms 
of  nutrition, health care, housing, heat detection, timely 
insemination and breed as well as environmental factors. 
It could be concluded that proper management in terms 
of  nutrition, health care, housing, heat detection, timely 
insemination would improve reproductive performance 
under different production system. Thus, coordinated 
works of  all concerned bodies should be in place to boost 
the production and productivity and thereby enhance 
the livelihood of  the dairy farmers. Based on the above 
conclusion the following the recommendation were 
forwarded

To improve the reproductive performance of  
dairy cows under different production there should be 
improved nutrition, Proper heat detection, health care, 
timely insemination 

There should be proper management of  postpartum 
reproductive problems, early growth of  heifers and use 
new reproductive technology.

To minimize voluntary waiting period after calving, 
establish well planned breeding policy and standard 
record keeping practice should be applied.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors are extraordinarily obliged to the researchers 
conducted their research on Reproductive performance, 
dairy production system and related topics, because their 
findings are the pillar of  this review paper. 

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