Reproduction is a key parameter determining the level of production and profitability in a dairy herd. Low fertility leads to productivity losses which can be directly translated into economic loss of great magnitude, and it is also the major reason for involuntary culling of dairy cows. The project focuses on cows in the period around calving, a time associated with health disturbances that are decisive for the economy of dairy producers. Metritis, inflammation of the uterus, is common after calving with consequences for the cow’s future fertility and milk production level. The main cause is lacking management and nutrition in this critical time period. Better knowledge of risk factors for metritis and their economic consequences is necessary for the motivation of farmers to adopt preventive measures. Farms will be visited for gathering of information about management routines around calving. Newly calved cows will be examined for diagnosis of metritis. Practical recommendations will be suggested, adapted to prevailing circumstances. The aim is to keep the cows healthy through the calving process, during the transition from non-lactating to lactating state, for future successful breeding, optimized milk production and longevity. Capacity-building activities like teaching of university staff (veterinarians) in diagnostic tools like gynecological ultrasonography for diagnosis of reproductive disorders will be performed. A course will be run for farmers on connection between nutrition and reproduction and management of the cow around calving. Workshops for researchers and stakeholders will be arranged.

1. Assoc Prof Renée Båge
Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science
Reproductive
health management
in dairy cows
in Uganda
Photo: Camilla Eklundh
The SLU Global Food Security Research Symposium
12-13 June, 2013

2. 3 elements:
1. Field study
Factors affecting resumption of sexual functions after calving
2. Capacity building
Diagnostic tools for monitoring of cow reproduction
Teacher/researcher/advisor competence
3. KAP study
The use of artificial insemination – a study of knowledge,
attitude and practices
Reproduction is a key function
determining production efficiency
and profit in a dairy herd

3. Co-workers
• PhD student Benon Mbabazi Kanyima, MAK
• Research assistant Theodoros Ntallaris, SLU
• Professor Lennart Söderquist, SLU
• Master/MFS student Camilla Eklund, SLU
• Drs. David Owiny and Maria Nassuna-Musoke, MAK
• Associate professor Renée Båge
Photo: Markus AbrahmsénPhoto: Sandra Björk
Photo: Renée Båge
Photo: Renée Båge

4. 1. Field study, reproductive health
Husbandry factors affecting resumption of sexual functions after calving in
dairy cows under open and zero-grazing farming systems
Principal findings:
• Normal resumption of sexual cyclicity (<56 days after calving)
in most cows (81%), according to milk progesterone profiles
• Banana peel diet and limited water access in zero-grazed
system was associated with low body condition
• 1 full manuscript, under preparation (part of doctoral thesis)
• 3 abstracts in international conferences (ICPD, ESDAR)

5. 2. Capacity building
• Educate ”educaters!”
• Bilateral!
Photo: Renée Båge
Photo: Markus Abrahmsén Photo: Theodoros Ntallaris

6. • Gynecologic ultrasound
• Milk progesterone ELISA assay
2. Diagnostic tools
For refined, objective monitoring of reproductive functions in teaching,
research and in herd health advisory service
Photo: Markus Abrahmsén Photos: Theodoros Ntallaris

7. 3. KAP - Artificial insemination
Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices
Interviews with farmers, AI technicians, semen vendors
Photo: Lennart Söderquist
Photo: Sandra Björk
Photo: Lennart Söderquist

8. Results, artificial insemination study
Lacking …
• …knowledge among famers on herd management, nutrition
and heat detection
• …knowledge among AI technicians on sperm handling, AI
technique and hygiene
• …reporting of AI data to a central database
• …national breeding regulation authority to register and
manage technicians and AI administration
Photo: Theodoros Ntallaris
• 1 Master’s thesis
• 1 abstract, international conference (ICPD)

9. Summary
• Despite the prevailing, low-input production systems in Uganda there is
potential for shortened calving intervals and higher lifetime production and
profitability if cyclic cows are identified and mated earlier after calving and if
nutritional requirements of zero-grazed cows are met
• In order to improve AI-services in Uganda and improve pregnancy rates, we
propose further farmer education and refresher courses for AI technicians
• An operational herd recording system is necessary to guarantee the quality of
the insemination service delivery by authorized and registered AI technicians and
semen vendor units
• Further research is needed on reproductive health management of dairy cows
in Uganda, e.g. on how different cattle breeds cope with the conditions
The three subprojects form a basis for improved reproductive health
management in dairy herds and increased production efficiency,
thereby contributing to food security

11. Photo: Camilla Eklundh