237
farms in this study may demonstrate a bench mark for reproductive efficiency in a
low prevalence situation. However, a wide range of other infections could be present. Pathogens such as Campylobacter fetus, bovine herpesvirus-1 and Leptospira
spp. that cause reproductive disorders could be further investigated. However, neither early nor late abortion rates were high in the current investigation. It is therefore
plausible to assume that differences in herd management are of major importance
for the observed variance in reproductive efficiency between the cows that were followed throughout the 2-year observation period. This is also demonstrated by a
significant contribution of the herd effect in the variance component analysis of
calving intervals. Furthermore, no variability in calving interval could be explained
by agricultural section. This may indicate only minor geographical differences
within the study area, with negligible impact on reproductive efficiency.
6 Conclusion
In conclusion, a large potential for increased reproductive efficiency by improving
herd management was identified in the current investigation. Improved availability
of bulls, better care of primiparous animals and higher calf survival in Malawi Zebu
should be prioritised in order to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve
farmers’ economic situation and food security in the region.
Acknowledgement The authors would like to thank the smallholder farmers of Bolero EPA,
Rumphi District, Malawi, who actively participated in this study. We are grateful to Dr. Liveness
Jessica Banda and Dr. Fanny Chigwa, Animal Science Department, Lilongwe University of
Agriculture and Natural Resources, for their help in laboratory analyses. This study was supported
by the project: Capacity Building for Managing Climate Change in Malawi (CABMACC),
Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway. The corresponding author is very much thankful
to Prof. Peter Wynn (Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, NSW
2650, Australia) for his thorough guidance and help in all the research activities.
Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Funding This study was funded by Capacity Building for Managing Climate Change in Malawi
(CABMACC).
References
Asmare K (2014) Neospora caninum versus Brucella spp. exposure among dairy cattle in Ethiopia:
a case control study. Trop Anim Health Prod 46(6):961–966
Delgado J et al (1998) Low sensitivity of peripheral blood smear for diagnosis of subclinical
visceral leishmaniasis in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected patients. J Clin
Microbiol 36(1):315–316
Dixon J, Taniguchi K, Wattenbach H, TanyeriArbur A (2004) Smallholders, globalization and
policy analysis, vol 5. Food & Agriculture Org, Rome, Italy
A Cohort Study of Reproductive Performance, Associated Infections and Management…
farms in this study may demonstrate a bench mark for reproductive efficiency in a
low prevalence situation. However, a wide range of other infections could be present. Pathogens such as Campylobacter fetus, bovine herpesvirus-1 and Leptospira
spp. that cause reproductive disorders could be further investigated. However, neither early nor late abortion rates were high in the current investigation. It is therefore
plausible to assume that differences in herd management are of major importance
for the observed variance in reproductive efficiency between the cows that were followed throughout the 2-year observation period. This is also demonstrated by a
significant contribution of the herd effect in the variance component analysis of
calving intervals. Furthermore, no variability in calving interval could be explained
by agricultural section. This may indicate only minor geographical differences
within the study area, with negligible impact on reproductive efficiency.
6 Conclusion
In conclusion, a large potential for increased reproductive efficiency by improving
herd management was identified in the current investigation. Improved availability
of bulls, better care of primiparous animals and higher calf survival in Malawi Zebu
should be prioritised in order to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve
farmers’ economic situation and food security in the region.
Acknowledgement The authors would like to thank the smallholder farmers of Bolero EPA,
Rumphi District, Malawi, who actively participated in this study. We are grateful to Dr. Liveness
Jessica Banda and Dr. Fanny Chigwa, Animal Science Department, Lilongwe University of
Agriculture and Natural Resources, for their help in laboratory analyses. This study was supported
by the project: Capacity Building for Managing Climate Change in Malawi (CABMACC),
Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway. The corresponding author is very much thankful
to Prof. Peter Wynn (Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, NSW
2650, Australia) for his thorough guidance and help in all the research activities.
Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Funding This study was funded by Capacity Building for Managing Climate Change in Malawi
(CABMACC).
References
Asmare K (2014) Neospora caninum versus Brucella spp. exposure among dairy cattle in Ethiopia:
a case control study. Trop Anim Health Prod 46(6):961–966
Delgado J et al (1998) Low sensitivity of peripheral blood smear for diagnosis of subclinical
visceral leishmaniasis in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected patients. J Clin
Microbiol 36(1):315–316
Dixon J, Taniguchi K, Wattenbach H, TanyeriArbur A (2004) Smallholders, globalization and
policy analysis, vol 5. Food & Agriculture Org, Rome, Italy
A Cohort Study of Reproductive Performance, Associated Infections and Management…