  Characteristics of peri-urban dairy herds of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso); Boly, Hamidou  ; et alin Tropical Animal Health and Production (2004), 36(1), 95-100 Peri-urban dairy cattle farms within 50 km of Bobo-Dioulasso were studied to assess herd type, disease incidence, management, feeding and breeding strategy. Out of 417 cattle farmers, 42% had dairy ... [more ▼] Peri-urban dairy cattle farms within 50 km of Bobo-Dioulasso were studied to assess herd type, disease incidence, management, feeding and breeding strategy. Out of 417 cattle farmers, 42% had dairy objectives and were studied. Among these peri-urban dairy farmers, 60% were settled, 36% semi-settled, and 4% transhumant. In total, they held 4558 dairy cows, of which 32% lactated during the study. The prevalence of mastitis (55%) increased (p<0.05) with herd size. Advanced strategies for supplementary feeding and breeding were most frequent in small herds (< 30 cattle). None of the large herds ( > 60 cattle) had advanced breeding strategies. Bulls and cows were culled at younger ages in herds with better breeding strategy. Overall, this resulted in higher individual milk offtake in small herds (2.46 L/day) compared with large herds (1.25 L/day). Pure breeds were rarely used, and the presence of Bos taurus baoule naturally selected for trypanotolerance was low. The prevalence of trypanosomosis (40%) in herds dominated by Bos indicus zebu and Mere (Zebu x Baoule) is an argument for maintenance of biodiversity and selection of Baoule for milk production. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 18 (2 ULg) Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein concentrations during pregnancy and the postpartum period in Azawak Zebu cattleMelo de Sousa, Noelita ; ; et alin Theriogenology (2003), 59(5-6), 1131-1142 Specific RIA systems were developed and used to measure pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) concentrations during gestation and the postpartum period in Azawak Zebu cows. Twelve females were palpated ... [more ▼] Specific RIA systems were developed and used to measure pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) concentrations during gestation and the postpartum period in Azawak Zebu cows. Twelve females were palpated per rectum and diagnosed as pregnant. Blood samples were taken at 5-10-day intervals from approximately Week 8 of gestation until Week 10 postpartum (pp). One Zebu cow (Z15) initially diagnosed as pregnant showed PAG concentrations lower than the assay sensitivity (<0.20 ng/ml) and did not calve. Another cow (ZSand) showed abnormally high PAG concentrations during gestation and was excluded from the general PAG profile. The 10 other Zebu cows exhibited a very similar PAG profile. In these animals, concentrations increased progressively from Week 8 to 35 of gestation (from 6.0 +/- 4.2 to 196.0 +/- 34.8 ng/ml), remaining relatively constant until Week 39 (210.8 +/- 74.8 ng/ml), when they increased sharply to reach their highest level (1095.6 +/- 607.2 ng/ml) at around parturition. After delivery, PAG concentrations declined significantly (P < 0.05) until Week 2 postpartum (348.4 +/- 85.6 ng/ml) and slowly until Week 10 postpartum. Our results revealed that the PAG pattern in Zebu cattle was similar to those of taurine breeds during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, but differed in the peripartum period. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 28 (1 ULg) |
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