M. M. R. Howlader

A retrospective study of calf mortality and morbidity on smallholder traditional farms in Bangladesh.

Abstract A retrospective study of calf mortality and morbidity was made on 58 upazila veterinary hospitals and 4350 smallholder traditional farms. Out of 15 840 clinical cases treated at the hospitals between January 1986 and June 1987 (both months inclusive) 52% of all diagnoses were of gastro-enteritis. No specific disease was found to be of overriding importance. On-farm calf mortality up to 12 months of age was 9% with no clear peak mortality related to age. A higher mortality was observed in the monsoon months, in Bos indicus/B. taurus cross-bred calves, and male vs. female calves Malnutrition is argued to be the probable major cause of calf mortality. The results are discussed in relation to previously-observed inconsistencies in the age/sex structure of the national herd.

IMPACT OF DIETARY RESTRICTION ON FOLLICULAR WAVES IN CATTLE WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO ANOESTRUS

Reproductive failure (anoestrus) is a one of the major problem in cattle production of Bangladeshdue to under feeding and unavailability of balanced ration. This study was conducted for a period from July 2009 to June 2010 to determine the nutritional impact on the follicular growth using blood hormone assays and the rate of anoestrus in cows following dietary restriction and to develop a feasible feeding technique concerning the available feed ingredients in local market. A uniform group of 2-3 years old 15 heifers were selected and were grouped randomly into three named T1(60% feeding restriction), T2(40% feeding restriction) and T3 (standard feeding). Body condition score (BCS) and body weight were measured by standard method. Hormonal assays were analyzed to determine the impacts of restricted feeding on the ovarian follicular cycle using blood sera. The average BCS and body weight was decreased significantly (p<0.01) in the animals of T1 and T2 compared to control T0. The average values of estrogen and progestrogen was decreased significantly (p<0.01) in restricted feeding heifers (T1& T2) than that of standard feeding heifers (T3). About 50% heifers showed irregular estrus and 50% showed anoestrus signs in the animals of T1 group. In addition, a total of 60% animals showed irregular estrus and 40% showed anoestrus condition in animals of T2 group.. On the other hand, the animals of control group showed regular estrous cycle with good hormonal assays. Standard feeding could improve the cattle production efficiency by overcoming the reproductive failure using available feed ingredients.

Point seroprevalence of rinderpest antibody in cattle in Bangladesh

A serological point prevalence survey for rinderpest (RP) antibody was carried out on 1337 cattle from 20 locations in Bangladesh between March 1987 and April 1988. The seroprevalence was 8.5% but varied from 0 to 36%, depending upon the area from which cattle were sampled. Additionally, there was a significantly (P<0.01) higher number of seropositive animals in cattle over 3 years of age than in cattle between 3 months and 3 years of age. The importance of the results in relation to national and regional rinderpest control programmes is discussed. If seronegativity indicates susceptibility, these results show that the immune status of the national herd is inadequate to prevent a major epidemic.