Open Veterinary Journal, (2024), Vol. 14(12): 3355-3362

Research Article

10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i12.20

Critical risk factors influencing reproductive disorders in Bali cows: A comprehensive study on age, parity, and body condition score in smallholder farms of South Sulawesi

Musdalifa Mansur^1,2, Abd Latief Toleng³, Muhammad Yusuf^3*, Jasmal A. Syamsu^3,4 and Hasrin Hasrin⁵

¹Graduate School, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

²Animal Husbandry Study Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang University, Sidenreng Rappang, Indonesia

³Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

⁴Research and Development Center for Livestock Resources and Tropical Animal, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

⁵Faculty of Vocation, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

*Corresponding Author: Muhammad Yusuf. Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia. Email: myusuf [at] unhas.ac.id

Submitted: 30/08/2024 Accepted: 12/11/2024 Published: 31/12/2024

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Abstract

Background: Reproductive efficiency is a critical factor in the productivity and profitability of cattle farming, especially within smallholder systems prevalent in regions like South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Bali cattle (Bos javanicus domesticus) are a local beef cattle breed originating from Indonesia, specifically from the island of Bali Indonesia. These cattle are known for their high adaptability to tropical environmental conditions and minimal feed requirements, making them ideal for small-scale farming systems. In terms of usage, Bali cattle are primarily utilized to produce high-quality beef. Reproductive disorders can lead to substantial economic losses due to reduced fertility, increased calving intervals, and higher veterinary costs. Identifying the prevalence and causes of these disorders is crucial for developing effective management strategies.

Aim: The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the incidence of reproductive disorders in Bali cows kept under smallholder farms in South Sulawesi.

Methods: The study was conducted on Bali cows aged over 2 years that were raised traditionally on smallholder farms in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. A total of 283 Bali cows were selected as sampling randomly. The location selection was carried out purposively with the consideration that there were Bali cows at that location.

Results: The results of this study showed that 70.3% of Bali cows had normal reproductive status and the remaining 29.7% of cows suffered from reproduction disorders. A trend is observed in the proportion of Bali cows experiencing reproductive disorders compared to normal Bali cows in relation to age, parity, and body condition score (BCS). For age and parity, there is a tendency for similar proportions between reproductive disorders and normal Bali cows. Thus, there is no significant relationship between these two factors and the occurrence of reproductive disorders. On the other hand, for BCS, a different trend is observed between Bali cows experiencing reproductive disorders and normal Bali cows. Therefore, BCS influences the occurrence of reproductive disorders in these Bali cows.

Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of reproductive disorders within a sample population. The results underscore the importance of continued study in this area to enhance our understanding of reproductive health issues.

Keywords: Age, Bali cow, Parity, Reproductive disorder, Smallholder farm.

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Introduction

Reproductive efficiency is a critical determinant of success in cattle farming, particularly in smallholder systems where economic sustainability depends heavily on optimal livestock productivity. In South Sulawesi Indonesia, Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) are extensively relied upon due to their adaptability, disease resistance, and high-quality meat yield, which contribute to the economic resilience of smallholder farms. Bali cattle are prized for their excellent carcass yield, with an average of 56%, and their ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions, making them an integral component of Indonesia’s livestock sector (Gunawan et al., 2011; Mohamad et al., 2011; Widiati and Widi, 2016; Dairoh et al., 2021; Sukandi et al., 2023).

However, despite Bali cattle being known for their good fertility and low mortality rates (Hermawan et al., 2022), reproductive disorders remain a serious threat that can undermine productivity and the sustainability of cattle farming (Yusuf et al., 2020). Reproductive disorders such as anestrus, dystocia, and retained placenta are among the most common issues encountered, and their prevalence is often exacerbated by poor nutritional management, suboptimal breeding practices, and inadequate veterinary care (Sahatpure et al., 2016; Kumar et al., 2019). To address this challenge, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), including artificial insemination have emerged as a potential solution to enhance cattle reproductive efficiency (Gororo et al., 2017). Several studies have shown that the reproductive efficiency of Bali cattle can reach up to 91%, a significant achievement (Hasman et al., 2021). Additionally, crossbreeding strategies, such as with Simmental cattle, have been considered to boost Bali cattle productivity in certain regions (Sutarno and Setyawan, 1970). However, alongside this potential, concerns have arisen about the negative impacts that may occur, such as the decline in genetic purity and productivity of local cattle due to excessive crossbreeding.

South Sulawesi, with its smallholder farms serving as the backbone of the cattle industry, requires a deep understanding of the reproductive health of Bali cattle. Reproductive disorders not only reduce fertility but also prolong calving intervals and increase veterinary costs, ultimately leading to significant economic losses. Therefore, identifying the prevalence and causes of these disorders is crucial for formulating effective management strategies (Kumar et al., 2014; Sahatpure et al., 2016).

This study focuses on an in-depth exploration of the incidence of reproductive disorders in Bali cattle on smallholder farms in South Sulawesi. By analyzing factors such as age, parity, and body condition score (BCS), therefore, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced and offer practical solutions. Through this study, we hope to contribute to the sustainable development of the cattle farming industry in Indonesia by addressing one of its biggest challenges: maintaining the reproductive efficiency of Bali cattle, which are the economic backbone of smallholder farmers, in which reproductive disorders in Bali cattle is one of the problems that must be paid for attention.

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Materials and Methods

Study area

This study was conducted from June 2023 to February 2024 in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, as shown in Figure 1. Bali cattle kept under smallholder farms in South Sulawesi is an important aspect of agricultural activities in the region. These farms usually operate on a smaller scale, managed by individual families or small communities. Kept under smallholder farms in South Sulawesi usually employ extensive or semi intensive farming practices. This includes grazing livestock on communal land or integrating it with food crop farming systems, such as rice fields.

Animal and sampling

This study used 283 Bali cows aged over 2 years that were raised traditionally on smallholder farms in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The cows were randomly selected in the region based on the presence of farmers and their animals. The location selection was carried out purposively with the consideration that there were Bali cows at that location.

Clinical examination of Bali cows

All Bali cows were subjected to clinical examinations following the procedures performed by Gautam et al. (2009) and Yusuf et al. (2011). Before the clinical examination, all Bali cows were scored for their body condition individually (score 1-9) following the procedure of Herd and Sprott (1986). Clinical examinations in Bali cows were conducted both vaginoscopy and palpation per rectum following the procedures performed by Yusuf et al. (2024). Trans-rectal palpation and/or ultrasound examination of the reproductive organs were performed to assess the condition and structure of the ovaries.

Parameters of the study

The parameters measured in the study are as follows:

The incidence rate of Bali cows that suffered from reproductive disorders on smallholder farms in South Sulawesi;

The trend in the proportion of Bali cows experiencing reproductive disorders in terms of age, parity, and BCS.

Data analysis

All data obtained in this study was tabulated in the Excel for Windows program and analyzed using SPSS software. The chi-square test was used to compare the proportion of normal cows and those experiencing reproductive disorders. Descriptive analysis of the proportion of Bali cows experiencing reproductive disorders in terms of age, parity, and BCS.

Ethical approval

Not needed for this study.

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Results

Proportion of reproductive disorders in Bali cows

This study provides an overview of the reproductive status of Bali cows on smallholder farms in South Sulawesi. Figure 2 shows the distribution of reproductive status among Bali cows on smallholder farms in South Sulawesi. Of the total cows observed, approximately 70.3% had normal reproductive status, while the remaining 29.7% experienced reproductive disorders.

Fig. 1. Geographic location of the study area: Bali cows kept under smallholder farms in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Fig. 2. Reproductive status of Bali cows in kept under smallholder farms.

Table 1. The status of Bali cattle experiencing reproductive disorders.

These results indicate that the majority of Bali cattle traditionally raised on smallholder farms in South Sulawesi have normal reproductive status, suggesting that under certain conditions, Bali cattle can maintain good fertility levels. This high fertility aligns with previous studies showing that Bali cattle are among the breeds with good reproductive rates and low mortality rates in smallholder farming systems.

However, the fact that nearly 30% of the cattle experienced reproductive disorders highlights a serious challenge that needs to be addressed promptly. These reproductive disorders can significantly impact livestock productivity, extend calving intervals, and increase veterinary costs. Ultimately, this situation could lead to substantial economic losses for smallholder farmers. The status of Bali cows experiencing these disorders can be seen in Table 1. The study findings indicate various reproductive disorders in Bali cattle, with different proportions of disorders. Anestrus is the most common disorder, found in 26.1% of the total observed cows. Meanwhile, the disorder of pyometra was detected in 1.4% of the cattle, indicating a serious risk that can affect the health and productivity of livestock. Additionally, ovarian cysts and inactive ovaries occurred in 0.7% of the cattle each. Metritis, which is also an important reproductive disorder, was found in another 0.7% of the cattle.

Trends in the occurrence of reproductive disorders on age, parity, and BCS

The trend in the proportion of Bali cows experiencing reproductive disorders compared to normal Bali cows in terms of age, parity, and BCS can be seen in Figure 3.

Distribution based on Age (Fig. 3a)

Bali cows aged 3–6 years show a relatively high percentage of normal reproductive status, peaking at 4 years of age. After 6 years, there is a consistent decline in the percentage of cattle with normal reproductive status, followed by a slight increase in cattle over 10 years of age. The chi-square test result with a p-value of 0.178 indicates no statistically significant relationship between the age of Bali cattle and the proportion of reproductive disorders at the significance level of 0.05.

Distribution based on parity (Fig. 3b)

Cattle with a parity of 0 (never calved) to 2 calvings exhibit a high percentage of normal reproductive status, with a significant decline starting from parity 3 and beyond. This suggests that the frequency of calving correlates with an increased likelihood of experiencing reproductive disorders. Despite the observed differences, the chi-square test (p=0.419) shows no statistically significant relationship between parity and reproductive disorders in Bali cattle at the conventional significance level of 0.05.

Distribution based on body condition score (Fig. 3c)

Bali cows with a BCS of 3–4 demonstrate the highest percentage of normal reproductive status, indicating that an optimal body condition significantly contributes to reproductive health. Conversely, cattle with a BCS of 1 and 6 show a significant decline in normal reproductive status, suggesting that cattle that are either too thin or too overweight are at higher risk of reproductive disorders. The incidence of reproductive disorders increases in cattle with a BCS of 1 and 2, decreasing at higher BCS levels, with the exception of BCS 6, where there is a slight increase.

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Discussion

The reproductive status of Bali cows raised on smallholder farms in South Sulawesi reveals a significant insight into the fertility dynamics within this population. The finding that 70.3% of the observed cattle exhibit normal reproductive function underscores the overall health and fertility of Bali cows in this region, which is consistent with previous studies highlighting the high reproductive performance of Bali cattle in smallholder systems characterized by favorable reproductive rates and low mortality (Hoglund et al., 2014; Elly et al., 2019). However, the 29.7% incidence of reproductive disorders presents a considerable challenge that could impede the productivity of these farms, necessitating targeted interventions to enhance reproductive health (Hersom, 2014; Silva et al., 2023).

The average age of the cows in this study was 5.2 years, with a majority falling within the prime reproductive age of 3–6 years. This age range is critical for optimal reproductive performance, as younger cows typically exhibit higher fertility rates (Silva et al., 2023). It is noteworthy that Bali cattle are primarily raised for meat production, which aligns with the observed low milk yield of approximately 1–2 l per day, primarily utilized for calf feeding rather than commercial sale (Elly et al., 2019; Silva et al., 2023). The housing conditions on these smallholder farms, while modest, provide essential protection from harsh weather, although they may lack advanced features that could further enhance animal welfare and productivity (Hersom, 2014; Elly et al., 2019).

Fig. 3. Distribution of normal reproductive status and reproductive disorders in Bali cattle based on three factors: (a) age, (b) parity, and (c) body condition score (BCS).

The study identified anestrus as the most prevalent reproductive disorder, affecting 26.1% of the cattle. Anestrus is often linked to inadequate nutrition, stress, or underlying health issues, which can significantly affect reproductive performance (Hersom, 2014; Mimoune et al., 2021). To mitigate this condition, enhancing the nutritional status of the cows through the incorporation of protein-rich supplements and hormonal treatments such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone is recommended (Hersom, 2014; Borş and Borș, 2021). Additionally, the presence of pyometra in 1.4% of the cattle highlights the need for effective management practices, including improved hygiene during artificial insemination and postpartum care, to prevent such infections that can severely impact reproductive health (Mimoune et al., 2021; Silva et al., 2023).

Other reproductive disorders, such as ovarian cysts and inactive ovaries, were observed in 0.7% of the cattle each. The management of these conditions often involves hormonal therapies to induce ovulation and nutritional interventions to improve energy balance (Borş and Borș, 2021; Mimoune et al., 2021). Metritis, found in 0.7% of cows, requires a combination of antibiotic treatment and enhanced postpartum nutrition to prevent its onset (Mimoune et al., 2021; Silva et al., 2023). Previous research results have reported the incidence of reproductive disorders (Budiyanto et al., 2016) reported reproductive disorders in Bali cattle were maintained by an integrated cattle and oil palm system. In dairy cows, cases of reproductive disorders have also been found (Mansur et al., 2020). Reproductive disorders caused by reproductive organ abnormalities were 36.4%. Cases of repeat breeding in dairy cows are 41.6% (Ramadhanty et al., 2020), and delayed puberty in heifers is 44% (Fausiah et al., 2020).

The statistical analysis indicated no significant relationship between age and parity with reproductive disorders, which may be attributed to the specific management practices on these farms or the relatively small sample size (Hersom, 2014; Silva et al., 2023).

Body condition score emerged as a critical factor influencing reproductive health, with cows maintaining a BCS of 3–4 exhibiting the highest normal reproductive status. This finding reinforces the established understanding that optimal body condition is essential for reproductive efficiency, as both under-conditioned and over-conditioned cows displayed higher incidences of reproductive disorders (Hersom, 2014; Silva et al., 2023). Ensuring balanced nutrition tailored to the reproductive cycle is vital for maintaining optimal body condition and minimizing reproductive issues (Hersom, 2014; Silva et al., 2023).

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Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the reproductive health of Bali cattle on smallholder farms in South Sulawesi, revealing that while a majority of the cattle exhibit normal reproductive status, a significant portion still suffers from reproductive disorders, with anestrus being the most prevalent. The findings underscore the importance of effective reproductive health management, particularly in addressing issues such as poor nutrition and inadequate farm management, which are critical factors influencing the occurrence of reproductive disorders.

The analysis also highlights that age, parity, and BCS play crucial roles in the reproductive efficiency of Bali cattle. While older cattle and those with higher parity may be more susceptible to reproductive disorders, optimal body condition is associated with better reproductive outcomes. This emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, including improved nutrition, regular health monitoring, and the application of assisted reproductive technologies to reduce the incidence of reproductive disorders.

Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of reproductive challenges in Bali cattle and suggests that with proper management strategies, the reproductive efficiency of cattle can be maintained or even improved, ultimately supporting the sustainability and productivity of smallholder farming systems in Indonesia.

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Acknowlegment

The first author is a doctoral student and supported by Beasiswa Pendidikan Indonesia (BPI) No. 2021011222685 Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology and Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) Ministry of Finance, Republic of Indonesia.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this manuscript.

Funding

Supported by Beasiswa Pendidikan Indonesia (BPI) No. 2021011222685 Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology and Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) Ministry of Finance, Republic of Indonesia.

Authors’ contributions

M. Mansur has contributed in conception and design the study, collecting and data analysis, and drafted the manuscript; A.L Toleng supervised the experiments, and drafted the manuscript; M. Yusuf collecting and data analysis, and drafted the manuscript; J.A. Syamsu have contributed in conception and design the study; Hasrin have contributed in collecting and data analysis and improvement of the manuscript.

Data availability

All data are provided in the manuscript.

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