Repeat breeding syndrome in crossbred dairy cows of Bangladesh: some important characteristics and influential factors

Abstract

Background: Repeat breeding syndrome (RBS), an important reproductive disorder of dairy cattle, results in high economic losses in the dairy industry. The study was conducted to determine the factors of repeat breeding in crossbred dairy cows at selected areas of Bangladesh.

Methods: A total of 592 breedable cows from 34 farms were examined from Mymensingh and Chittagong district. Seventy cows were identified as repeat breeder cows and another 23 cows were randomly selected as healthy control cows for the study.

Results: The number of calving, the interval between first post-partum heat and last service date, number of services failed and consecutive services failed, the number of medications given, and number of suckling were found significantly higher in repeat breeder cows compared to normal healthy cows. Body weight and Body condition score (BCS) were significantly lower in repeat breeder cows compared to normal healthy cows. There were no significant differences in the estrus cycle length and concentrate feeding in both repeat breeder and healthy cows. The lowest occurrence of repeat breeder was recorded in cows fed with a larger amount of green grass. Remarkably, the highest occurrence of repeat breeder was recorded in cows fed with a significant amount of straw.

Conclusion: The identified features of repeat breeding syndrome will help in disseminating awareness on factors affecting the occurrence of repeat breeding syndrome in crossbred cows.