An Investigation of postpartum fertility conditions in imported cows in Elazığ region

40 7. SUMMARY An Investigation of Postpartum Fertility Conditions in Imported Cows in Elazığ Region This study was undertaken to investigate postpartum fertility conditions in Simental and Holstein cows which were imported to Elazığ and its periphery between 1991-1996 years and to evaluate their adaptations to the region. The records of the 216 Simental and 100 Holstein cows which were brought to region pregnant, had been noted during prepartum period. Feeding regimen of the animals, housing and management factor were evaluated. After birth, animals were divided into two groups. Animals in the first group were followed until pregnancy or fifth insemination. The animals of the second group were followed by the blood samples, taken twice a week, between the days 15 and 60 in the postpartum period and ultrasonographic examination was carried out once a week. There was no significant difference between the two group of cows in terms of involution period, calving to first service interval, calving to conception interval and calving interval. The fertility parameters and involution periods in Simental and Holstein cows were correspondingly 46.25±10.80, 45.25±7.68 days; calving to first service interval, 80.47±3.25, 90.42±5.30 days. Calving to conception interval, in 129 Simental and 68 Holstein cow, was found as 136.88±5.22, 132.16±7.86days. Pregnancy rate in the first service in Simental and Holstein cows was 18.31 % and 33.33 %, total pregnancy rate was calculated as 18.91 % and 29.69 % respectively. There was no significant difference in the total pregnancy rate between the two group. However, pregnancy rate in the first insemination of Simental cows was lower and services per conception higher (PO.05). Services per conception was seen as 2.20 in Simentals and 1.78 in Holsteins. Indicence of retained placenta, a disease encountered in postpartum period, was 37.03 % and 19 % in Simental and Holstein cows, respectively. Metritis, Pyometra and cervicitis were seen correspondingly in Holstein cows 21 %, 2 %, 5 % and in Simental cows 25.92 %, 0 % and 4.62 %.41 Ovarian cyst was determined in Simental (15.74 %) and Holstein animals (14 %). Dystocia and abortion rate in Simentals and Holsteins was correspondingly 18.50 %, 4.62 % and 13 %, 2 %. Simental farmers prefer artificial insemination (78.16 %) while Holstein raisers use breeding (bulls) (53.84 %). In the region, sending culling rate in the herd is 30.5 % and 16 % in Simental and Holstein cows, respectively. In conclusion, it is suggested that succession in developing stock-breeding through animal importation is rather difficult unless the farmers are educated sufficiently and adequate experts are provided.