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Assessment of Milk Production and Resilience of Girolando Cattle, Reared in

Semi-Improved Breeding System in Benin

Article in Journal of Veterinary Advances · January 2016

DOI: 10.5455/jva.196912310400000000

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 Journal of Veterinary Advances

Assessment of Milk Production and Resilience of Girolando

Cattle, Reared in Semi-Improved Breeding System in Benin

Kassa S. K., Salifou C. F. A., Dayo G. K., Ahounou S., Dotché O. I., Issifou T. M., Houaga I.,
Koutinhouin G. B., Mensah G. A., Yapi-Gnaoré V. and Youssao A. K. I.

J Vet Adv 2016, 6(6): 1269-1281

DOI: 10.5455/jva.196912310400000000

Online version is available on: www.grjournals.com

 ISSN: 2251-7685 KASSA ET AL.

Original Article

Assessment of Milk Production and Resilience of

Girolando Cattle, Reared in Semi-Improved
Breeding System in Benin
1 Kassa S. K., 1Salifou C. F. A., 3Dayo G. K., 1Ahounou S., 1Dotché O. I., 1Issifou T. M.,
1
Houaga I., 1Koutinhouin G. B., 2Mensah G. A., 3Yapi-Gnaoré V. and 1Youssao A. K. I.
1
University of Abomey-Calavi, Polytechnical School of Abomey-Calavi, Department of Animal Health and Production, 01 BP 2009
Cotonou, Benin.
2
Agricultural Research Center of Agonkanmey, National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin, 01 BP 884, Cotonou 01,
Republic of Benin.
3
International Center of Research and Development on breeding in Subhumid area, 01 BP 454 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.

Abstract
Girolando cattle breed was introduced in Benin in order to raise the level of national milk production. In
order to assess the level of adaptation of these animals after a decade of breeding, this study aimed to evaluate
the production of milk and resilience of these cattle in breeding farm of Kpinnou in Benin. Data were collected
on 107 Girolando cattle including 34 cows. These animals were reared in a semi-improved breeding system
based on the use of natural and cultivated pastures as well as an intake of food supplements. The Girolando
cows produced 1485.19 liters of milk over 11-month collection period resulting in 4.82 liters of daily milk
which represents 49.91% of the total daily production. During this period, the lactation increased depending on
weeks with a peak (5.92 liters/day) in the 20th week. The effect of calving season was observed on the daily
milk production (p < 0.05). The average milk collected was 5.32 liters/day for cows that calved during the big
rainy season, 4.72 liters/day for cows that had parturition in the long dry season and 4.31 liters/day for those
calved in short rainy season. Moreover, Kpinnou’s breeding farm is facing various diseases and particularly the
permanent cattle infestation by ticks, which limit the milk production. Faced this situation, commercial dust
mite killers are used against ticks. Antibiotics (Oxytetracycline, Peni-procaine) are administered to cattle in
cases of mastitis or lumpy skin etc. Due to the high cost and the dubious efficacy of these veterinary products in
addition to the probable deposits of drug residues in milk, the use of medicinal plants would be an alternative to
explore. In addition, knowledge of the effect of the season will help to partially improve milk production of
Girolando cow in breeding farm of Kpinnou.

Keywords: Milk, cow, Girolando, Kpinnou, resilience.


Corresponding author: University of Abomey-Calavi, Polytechnical School of Abomey-Calavi, Department of Animal Health and Production, 01 BP 2009 Cotonou,
Benin.
Received on: 17 Apr 2016
Revised on: 06 May 2016
Accepted on: 22 June 2016
Online Published on: 30 June 2016
1269 J. Vet. Adv., 2016, 6(6): 1269-1281
 ASSESSMENT OF MILK PRODUCTION AND RESILIENCE OF …

Introduction cattle is a crossbreed from the Gir cattle breed of

Indian origin and Holstein of Dutch origin.
Sub-Saharan Africa faces many problems Girolando cattle breed is characterized by a convex
related to food security. Thus, nearly 240 million of face profile, hypermetric format and a slender
sub-Saharans or one over people suffer from proportion. The coat is black, speckled, piebald or
malnutrition (Bremner, 2012). The achievement of tan and the hump is rudimentary. The ears are
food security is a Millennium challenge for Sub- droopy and horns are short. Girolando were
Saharan countries (Bremner. 2012). Among the imported from Brazil and put in Kpinnou’s breeding
problems causing this food insecurity; we have the farm for the stage of weather adaptation. After this
lack of animal protein (Fermon, 2013). The request adjustment period, it is necessary to assess their
of animal products is increasing every year by 4% level of production as well as the factors that
in sub-Saharan Africa (Drocourt et al., 2012). This influence them. The evaluation of milk production
finding is explained by the low production of of Girolando cows raised in Kpinnou’s breeding
animal species. In Benin, the national herd consists farm in Benin, is therefore part of this dynamic.
of 2,111,000 cattle, 1,678,000 goats, 842,000 sheep, The purpose of this study was to assess the
398,000 pigs, 16,941,000 poultry, 25,000 leporidae level of milk production, the effect of season and
(rabbits) and 52,000 grass cutter stage of lactation on milk production as well as to
(CountryStat/Benin, 2015). inventory the pathologies challenging milk
However, animal products such as milk production and their respective treatments in
(104.576 tonnes) produced mainly by cattle remain Girolando cows of Kpinnou breeding farm.
low (CountryStat/Benin, 2015). This low
production contrasts with a galloping population Materials and Methods
(38.55% increase) which passed from 7.209 million
to 9.988 million inhabitants from 2004 to 2014 Study Area
(CountryStat/Benin, 2015). In Benin, milk Kpinnou breeding farm is a state owned farm in
consumption is estimated at 11.17 liters/capita/year Benin. It covers an area of 380 hectares and lies
while the standard recommended by FAO is 62 between 0°51'30 "and 1 °53'30"East longitude and 6
liters/capita/year. Considering the low domestic 35'40" and 6 48'40" North latitude (figure 1).
production of milk and the high demand in milk, Located in the Department of Mono, town of
importations of milk passed from 11,879 tonnes in Athieme and district of Kpinnou, it is limited in the
2008 to 19,313 tonnes in 2009, corresponding to north by Kpinnou’s village, South by the villages of
respectively 7, 775, 317, 485 FCFA and 12, 387, Hinde and Zoungbonou, East by Come-Lokossa
762, 671 FCFA (CountryStat/Benin, 2015) and road and in West by village of Gbedji. The average
represent an economic loss for the country. Faced annual temperature is around 29°C and the climate
with this situation, in the Agricultural Sector of the production area of the farm is sub-equatorial
Revival Strategic Plan (ASRSP), Benin’s and four seasons alternate as follows: a great dry
Government has targeted milk sector in the list of season from November to March, a large rainy
privileged agricultural sectors. Thus, the Project on season from March to July, a short dry season from
Livestock Development (Phase III) performed July to August and a small rainy season from
between 2000 and 2006, introduced Girolando August to November. The average rainfall varies
cattle in Kpinnou’s breeding farm in order to raise between 900 and 1100 mm per year.
the level of milk production in Benin. Girolando

1270 J. Vet. Adv., 2016, 6(6): 1269-1281

 KASSA ET AL.

Fig. 1: Map locating Kpinnou’s breeding farm.

Breeding Characteristics dwindling and in addition to this pasture, animals

Kpinnou’s breeding farm has 4 cowsheds built receive crop residues from crop fields, food
of permanent materials with tiled roof and concrete supplements (pellet-Vet Services SA), hay and
floors. Two sheds of 10,000 m² each are used to silage. The dietary supplement is served as follows:
house cows and calves and two others sheds of Lactating cows: 2.5 kg per day;
15,000 m² each are used for bulls, heifers and young Bulls, young bulls and heifers: 1.5 kg per day;
bulls. These sheds are fitted out each of feeders and Calves: 0.5 kg per day.
watering place. The shed has also a dipping tank, a The animals always receive the lick to
toggle for weighing animals. A water tower ensures compensate for the lack of mineral elements.
the permanent water supply of animals. The Finally. Calves are also fed twice daily with cow
Breeding system practiced at the Kpinnou’s farm is milk. The reproduction is organized on Kpinnou’s
semi-intensive. The animals pasture twice a day (7 farm. The dates of mating and calving are recorded.
am to 10 am and 12 pm to 3 pm) and at night they Animal identification is made by a numbered ear’s
are locked in a park where they receive water and loops. The following mating often occurs within 60
lick ad-libitum. During the grazing time, calves less days after calving. The sanitary prophylaxis is
than four months of age are kept in the night park through strict compliance with the hygiene rules
because of their frailty unlike those of more than (permanent and daily cleaning of drinkers and
four months grazing within 50 m on artificial feeders, daily scanning of stabling parks, presence
pastures of Panicum C1 and Brachiaria ruziziensis. of rotuluve and foot bath ...).
After each pasture, cows receive food supplements The medical prophylaxis program is
and are watered before being milked. The feeding characterized by:
of the cows is rationed depending on milk Vaccination against pasteurellosis at the
production, physiological stage and seasons. In beginning and end of the rainy season;
rainy season, diet consists of green fodder (Panicum The trypanosomiasis-prevention every two to
C1, Brachiaria ruziziensis), food supplements three months with Tripadim® and shifted after a
composed of Vet-Services SA granules. In dry week with Tripamidium®;
season, the forage available on pastures is
1271 J. Vet. Adv., 2016, 6(6): 1269-1281
 ASSESSMENT OF MILK PRODUCTION AND RESILIENCE OF …

The fight against ticks (external deworming) data collection was used for each cow. Data
every week with Abotik®; collected were: cow number, the father's number,
Internal deworming against gastrointestinal the number of the mother, the date of calving, the
parasites every three months with 10% Benzal ® or number of parity and the amount of milk produced.
Bolumisole; Milk collection was done once a week per cow.
Vitamin therapy (Stress Vitam) when the Once milk collected, it is measured using a
animals are weak. graduated cylinder and recorded on the data
There are also specific interventions on clinical collection form. The specific observations that were
cases detected. made during the weeks of lactation were mentioned
in the corresponding section of the plug.
Data Collection Pathologies affecting Girolando cow’s milk
Data were collected on 107 Girolando cattle production in Kpinnou’s breeding farm were
including 34 cows in lactation for a period of 11 recorded based on clinical signs from animals.
months. The herd structure is given in Table 1. The
lactating cows were prior identified and a sheet of

Table 1: Numbers of Girolando cow herd of Kpinnou’s breeding farm in 2013.

Categories Number
Cows 34
Heifers 2nd age 4
Heifers 1st age 14
Female calves 14
Bulls 2
Oxen 0
Young bulls 2nd age 5
Young bulls 1st age 11
steers 2
Male calves 21
Total 107

Statistical Analysis over 11 months of lactation with a coefficient of

variation of 34.81%. The minimum total production
SAS software (Statistical Analysis System, for that period was 667.8 liters of milk and the
2006) was used for statistical Analyzes. Proc means maximum was 2,648.94 liters. On average,
procedure was used to calculate the average Girolando cow gave 4.82 liters of milk per day
production of milk. Analysis of variance was representing 49.91% of the total daily milk. The
performed by the procedure of Generalized Linear daily minimum and maximum quantities of milk
Models (GLM Proc) with calving season as collected were respectively 2.17 liters and 8.6 liters.
variation factor. Means were compared in pairs by The Girolando cow’s lactation curve in the breeding
the t test of Student. The Chi-square test was used farm of Kpinnou for a period of 11 months is given
to compare the prevalence of diagnosed pathologies in figure 2. This curve shows the average daily milk
and comparisons made in pairs using bilateral test production collected in Girolando cows per week of
of Z. lactation. The mean quantity of daily milk collected
Results increase from the first (4.16 liters) to the 20th week
where a peak of production was recorded (5.92
Milk Production liters) and then gradually decreases until the 44th
During the evaluation period of milk week (3.40 liters).
production at Kpinnou’s breeding farm, Girolando
cow produces an average of 1,485.19 liters of milk
1272 J. Vet. Adv., 2016, 6(6): 1269-1281
 KASSA ET AL.

Fig. 2: lactation curve of Girolando cows at Kpinnou’s breeding farm.

Effect of Calving Season on the Daily Milk obtained for the total milk collected during the 11
Production of Girolando Cows by Month of months of lactation with respective values of
Lactation 1,602.51 liters, 1,419.6 liters and 1,298.22 liters for
Table 2 shows the average daily milk cows that calved during the big rainy season, in the
production per month and by lactation season of long dry season and during the small rainy season.
Girolando cows. Overall, the daily milk collected In the first month of lactation, the daily average
varied from 3.73 liters to 6.46 liters, 3.24 liters to production was not different from one season to
5.54 liters and 3.54 liters to 5.54 liters respectively another.
for cows calved in large rainy season, large dry By cons, during the 2nd and 3rd months of
season and small rainy season, according to the lactation, the lowest productions were obtained for
lactation month. The highest productions were cows that calved during small rainy season (p <
obtained for the fifth month of lactation for calving 0.05). In the 5th month of lactation, cows that have
of the great rainy season (6.46 liters/day) and small given birth in the big rainy season, had the best (p <
rainy season (5.54 liters/day) and in the 3rd month of 0.05) production (6.46 liters/day) compared to
high dry season (5.54 liters/day). The lowest production (5.54 liters/day) in small rainy season
productions were obtained in the 11th month of and that of the long dry season (5.34 liters/day). The
lactation for calving of the great rainy season (3.73 same trend (p < 0.05) was noted in the 10th month.
liters/day) and the long dry season (3.24 liters/day) The 8th and 9th months of lactation were marked by
and from 8th to 11th month in small rainy season highest productions (4.82 liters/day-4.85 liters/day)
(from 3.54 to 3.84 liters/day). for cows that calved in large rainy season and
The average milk collected was 5.32 liters/day lowest productions (3.54 liters/day-3.85 liters/day)
for cows that calved during the big rainy season, for the calving made in small rainy season (p <
4.72 liters/day for cows that had parturition in the 0.05).
long dry season and 4.31 liters/day for those which
calved in small rainy season. For all the lactation
period, the average daily production for the calving
of the big rainy season was higher than that of the
long dry season (p < 0.05) while the lowest average
daily production was obtained during small rainy
season (p < 0.05). The same differences were

1273 J. Vet. Adv., 2016, 6(6): 1269-1281

 ASSESSMENT OF MILK PRODUCTION AND RESILIENCE OF …

Table 2: Effect of calving season on Girolando cows daily milk production per lactation month
Long rainy season Long dry season Short rainy season
Lactation month
Number Mean (liter) Standard error Number Mean (liter) Standard error Number Mean (liter) Standard error ANOVA
1 30 5.07a 0.68 22 4.86a 0.44 24 3.72a 0.88 NS
2 36 5.6a 0.24 37 5.03a 0.24 28 3.98b 0.37 ***
3 36 5.29ab 0.49 47 5.54a 0.14 28 4.38b 0.21 ***
4 36 5.39a 0.36 46 5.26a 0.29 27 5.01a 0.19 NS
5 36 6.46a 0.37 37 5.34b 0.24 23 5.54ab 0.36 *
6 36 5.96a 0.30 34 5.29a 0.51 16 4.90a 0.88 NS
7 36 5.36a 0.38 33 4.75a 0.27 6 5.02a 2.20 NS
8 36 4.82a 0.23 35 4.40a 0.12 11 3.54b 0.51 *
9 27 4.85a 0.30 32 4.3ab 0.18 19 3.85b 0.29 *
10 21 4.97a 0.58 27 3.67b 0.26 9 3.74ab 0.26 *
11 14 3.73a 1.84 14 3.24a 0.56 8 3.84a 0.65 NS
Daily mean production during 11 months
5.32a 0.60 4.72b 0.59 4.31c 0.89 *
of lactation
Total production for 11 months of
1602.51a 181.65 1419.6b 178.92 1298.22c 267.89 *
lactation
ANOVA: Analysis of variance; NS: Not significant; *: P < 0.05; ***: P < 0.001. Means affected by the differents letters are significativily differents in 5% limen.

Pathologies Affecting Milk Production of Girolando Cows at skin disease characterized by the appearance of nodules on the skin
Kpinnou’s Breeding Farm (figure 3). Trypanosomiasis and streptothricosis with respective
Table 3 presents the pathologies that affect in general and frequencies of 30.10%, 7.77% and 3.88% of the herd. In the 34
specifically Girolando cow’s milk production at Kpinnou’s breeding lactating cows, diseases that specifically affect milk production at
farm. Almost all of Girolando cattle at Kpinnou’s breeding farm have Kpinnou’s farm were: mastitis characterized by a visible inflammation
been infested by ticks and particularly by the species Rhipicephalus (Figure 4) of the udder (3.88%), agalactia (1.94%) and milk fever
microplus. This specie is invasive with an average of 822.42 ticks per (3.88%). No significant difference was observed between these three
animal and all animals were infested. Other pathologies were: lumpy frequent pathologies.

1274 J. Vet. Adv., 2016, 6(6): 1269-1281

 KASSA ET AL.

Fig. 3: Lumpy skin disease in Girolando cow.

Fig. 4: Mastitis in Girolando cow.

Table 3: Diseases affecting Girolando cow’s milk production in Kpinnou’s breeding farm.
Type of pathologies Pathologies Total number Frequency Frequency (%) χ² test
Ticks 107 107 100a
Lumpy skin desease 107 31 30.10b ***
General pathologies of livestock
Streptothricosis 107 04 3.88c
Trypanosomiasis 107 08 7.77c
Mastitis 34 04 3.88a
Specifies pathologies of lactating cows Agalactia 34 02 1.94a NS
Milk fever 34 04 3.88a
Percentages intra-classes in the same column affected by different letters are significativily diffèrent in 5% limen.

Treatments of Pathologies Affecting treated by administering Peni-procaine or

Girolando Cow’s Milk Production at Kpinnou’s Dexaphenylarthrite. Streptopen, Oxytetracycline
Breeding Farm 20% and Peni-procaine were used in the treatment
The table 4 summarizes the various treatments of streptothricosis.
used to fight against diseases that limit Girolando Trypanosomiasis was treated by administering
cow’s milk production. To fight against ticks, the Trypadim or Trypamidium. Regarding agalactia,
animals are dewormed monthly by spraying or bath Oxytocin was used to stimulate the milk production.
using dust mites killer. Protecting cattle against The Oxytetracycline 20% was being used to prevent
these parasites also involves the practice of possible infections. Outside Dexaphénylarthrite and
grassland fire Panicum C1 and sanitation Oxytretracycline (20% 10%), Stress Vitam,
grasslands. As for lumpy skin disease the products Fercobsang and Theracalcium are all drugs used in
used at Kpinnou’s breeding farm are: Peni-procaine, the treatment of milk fever. The dose each product
Zamectin, Oxytetracycline 20% Dexaphenylarthrite used in the fight against these diseases are given in
or motor oil added to Cypertop. Mastitis is also Table 4.
1275 J. Vet. Adv., 2016, 6(6): 1269-1281
 ASSESSMENT OF MILK PRODUCTION AND RESILIENCE OF …

Table 4: Treatments of pathologies affecting Girolando cow’s milk production at the Kpinnou’s breeding farm.
No Pathologies Treatments Dosages
1 Ticks -Fire of Panicum C1 grasses and sanitation of meadows;
-spraying (2-3 times per week);
-dipping (bath) acaricide (Alfapor). -1 ml/liter of water
2 Lumpy skin -Peni-procaine; - 1 to 2 bottles per cow.
desease -Zamectin; -1 ml/50 kg;
-Oxytétracycline 20%; -1 ml/10 kg;
-Dexaphenylarthrite; -20 to 30 ml (1 and 2nd days) 10 ml from 3rd day;
st

-motor oil + Cypertop. -20 ml of Cypertop per 16 liters of water.

3 Mastitis -Dexaphenylarthrite; -20 to 30 ml (1st and 2nd days) 10 ml from 3rd day;
-Peni-procaine. - 1 to 2 bottles per cow.
4 Streptothricosis -Streptopen; -10 ml/cow;
-Oxytétracycline 20%; -1 ml/10 kg ;
-Peni-procaine. - 1 to 2 bottles per cow.
5 Trypanosomiasis -Trypadim; -1 small bag of 125 mg/250 (300 kg).
-Trypamidium.
6 Agalactia -Ocytocine; -3 to 5 ml/cow;
-Oxytétracycline 20%. -1 ml/10 kg.
7 Milk fever - Dexaphenylarthrite; -20 to 30 ml (1 and 2nd days) 10 ml from 3rd day
st

-Oxytétracycline 20%; -1 ml/10 kg

-Stress vitam; -10 ml/cow during 3 days
-Fercobsang; -20 ml/cow
-Theracalcium. -40 to 50 ml/500 kg

Discussion (2013) did not benefit from dietary supplements unlike those of our
study. Moreover Anato (2013) achieved milk collection over a period
Milk Production of Girolando Herd of 36 weeks relatively short compared to ours and part of this period
The average daily milk production obtained from Girolando cow coincided with a drop of Girolando milk production. By cons, this
in this study at Kpinnou’s breeding farm is higher than that (4.63 production is well below that found in the home country (Brazil)
liters/day) reported by Anato (2013) on the same farm. This gap can be which is almost triple (FEK, 2010).
justified by the fact that the Girolando cows evaluated by Anato

1276 J. Vet. Adv., 2016, 6(6): 1269-1281

 KASSA ET AL.

This difference can be explained by the Effect of Calving Season on Milk Production
inadequacy of Girolando cows to their new rearing It arises from the results that the milk
environment. Moreover, this work shows that daily production varies according to calving seasons. The
quantity of milk collected increase in the first week Girolando cows have high (p < 0.05) production
to reach its peak (20th week) before gradually when the calving occurs in large rainy season
decreasing until the 44th week. The same remarks followed by those obtained in great dry season and
are made by Anato (2013) who also carried a small rainy season. This is explained by the fact that
similar study on Girolando cows at the Kpinnou’s the cows that calved during the rainy season fully
breeding farm. However unlike the results obtained benefit from food abundance before crossing first
this author located the peak (5.89 liters/day) of the short dry season and then the short rains. The
Girolando cow’s milk production to 12th week of Girolando cows that calved in the long dry season
lactation and the lowest production (4.99 liters/day) reach the great rainy season during lactation. This
to 9th week of lactation. Moreover the peak obtained trend of production in this case is slightly out of
in this study is higher than that indicated by Anato production obtained in cows of the small rainy
(2013). In contrast, low production of milk obtained season which produce until the great dry season.
in this study is lower than that measured by Anato Therefore, the higher milk production levels are
(2013). recorded for lactations starting in the rainy season
The peak obtained by Anato (2013) would (coinciding with the availability of green fodder)
correspond to the maximum value of the daily while dry season productions are low because the
quantity of milk collected during the period of higher temperatures in addition to the scarcity of
production decay of Girolando cows, while lower fodder constitute an obstacle to the externalization
production reported by this author would be located of production potential (Mouffok and Madani,
at the beginning of strong productions. By analogy 2005; Gbangboche and Alkoiret, 2011). The effect
the lowest production outcome of this research of rainfall is also demonstrated by Gbangboche and
would be a harbinger of declining performance and Alkoiret (2011) that evaluate the milk production of
drying of cows. Djialiri (2013) and Gandonou Borgou cows to 0.8 liter/day when cows calve in the
(2013) also described the shape of the lactation dry season and to1 liter/day in the transition period
curves respectively in Fulani Zebu and Lagune from the dry season to the rainy season.
cows that are compliant with that obtained in this It is 0.7 liter/day for lactations starting in rainy
study. season and 0.8 liter/day in the transition period from
Thus, they recorded the peak of lactation in the rainy season to the dry season. In tropical areas
Fulani Zebu cows (1.73 liter/day) and in Lagune forage availability affects milk production as the
cows (0.45 liter/day) at 13 weeks and between 11th staple food of the cows are grazing; these tropical
and 13th weeks of lactation. These same authors pastures are varied and their quality depend on
indicate that small quantity of milk are recorded in climatic factors mainly rainfall patterns (Doko et
the 3rd week (1.34 liter/day) in the Fulani Zebu cow al., 2012). A study by Boujenane (2003) on
and the 6th week (0.27 liter/day) in the Lagune cow. Holstein and Friesian breeds cows in Morocco
A study by Hounkpèvi (2013) on Borgou cows in shows that the best milk production are recorded
Pilot Farm of Animal production shows that daily when the cow calves in December and January (wet
production increases from the 4th to the 22th week rainy and forage abundance period) with milk
when it reaches its maximum value (1.3 ± 0.43 productions of 15.74 kg/day and 16.07 kg/day
liter). Then a regression of the amount of milk respectively. The productions decrease from
around 0.82 and 0.99 liter. In Azawak cows of February (15.66 kg/day) to May (15.08 kg/day) for
Senegal milk production peak occurs from the 2nd to a slight increase in June (15.33 kg/day) and a
the 6th week after calving (Saidou, 2004). further decline in July (14.92 kg/day); thereafter
from August to November production passed from
1277 J. Vet. Adv., 2016, 6(6): 1269-1281
 ASSESSMENT OF MILK PRODUCTION AND RESILIENCE OF …

15.41 kg/day to 15.98 kg/day (period of a few from Brazil where this tick species is present and
rainstorms). In the same country, Aïssa (2007) also has been characterized by PCR (Adehan, 2009; De
reported the significant effect (p <0.05) of the Clercq et al., 2012). The breeding farm of Kpinnou
calving season on milk production of Holstein and has been the source of expansion of this tick in the
Montbeliarde cows. The effect is more significant in Department of Mono (Amoussou, 2012).
Montbeliarde cows. For both breeds milk Quick reproductive performance and massive
production is better from September to April. Thus, infestation of Rhipicephalus microplus have
Holsteins and Montbeliarde produced 20.58 kg and completely changed the context of tick infestation
18.78 kg of milk per day respectively. During the in Benin (De Clercq et al., 2012). Context
period from May to August the Holstein cows characterized by an important regression of others
produce 20.12 kg per day while Montbeliarde breed tick species. In addition, a study by Dotche (2013)
produced 17.98 kg per day. also showed the importance of diseases that limit
By cons, the studies of Senou et al., (2008) on milk production in the Departments of Borgou,
Borgou cows at the farm of the Okpara showed that Alibori, Collines and Mono. Unlike our study he
milk production did not vary between the rainy emphasized that foot and mouth disease (42.11%-
seasons, dry seasons and mixed dry-rainy season. 100%) and Trypanosomiasis (44.74% -74.36%)
Inhibition of the effect of calving season may be were the most frequent pathologies in the
due to the diet systems to which were submitted the investigated Department. Couacy-Hymann et al.,
cows of their study. Indeed, the production of three (2006) also assessed the prevalence of foot and
(03) cows batches fed respectively on natural mouth disease estimated to 50% in Benin. With
pasture only, natural pasture supplemented with specific regard to the rate of infection with
cottonseed and those with maximum Panicum C1, Trypanosoma congolense, was 28% in Benin
Brachiaria ruziziensis and Aeschynomene histrix in (Vitouley et al., 2013).
addition to cotton seed were all included in their In Burkina Faso specifically in intra-urban
assessment. In the same way, the assessment was cattle farms in Hamdallaye (Ouagadougou) Traore
made in a short period of 60 days and would not et al., (2004) found in addition to mastitis
reflect the effect of calving season. (5,385x103 ± 1,061x103 Somatic Cells Count/ ml),
the presence of brucellosis and tuberculosis with
Prevalence of Diseases Limiting Milk general prevalence of 13.2% and 27.7%
Production respectively. The extent of these pathologies in the
Our study reveals several diseases that limit herds represents a handicap for milk production. In
Girolando cow’s milk production at Kpinnou’s the same way, Belhadi (2010) also detected clinical
breeding farm. Among these diseases we have the mastitis (31.7%) in Algerian dairy farms which is
common diseases of cattle (ticks trypanosomiasis higher than the reported values in our study. In
etc.) and specific diseases of lactating cows addition to this pathology, digestive disorders
(mastitis, agalactia ...). Ticks are the real threat in (12.3%) and retained placenta (9.6%) represent
this farm followed by lumpy skin disease, significant diseases limiting milk production in
trypanosomiasis etc. The animals massively infest Algeria (Belhadi, 2010).
themselves during grazing at the Kpinnou’s
breeding farm. Treatments of Pathologies Limiting Livestock
Previous studies have shown that Milk Production
Rhipicephalus geigyi was the most abundant and Several methods of treatments are adopted in
most common tick in Benin (Farougou et al., this study. The dust mite killers (Alfapor, Abotik)
2007b; Farougou et al., 2007a). Nowadays, and antibiotics (Peni-procaine, Zamectin,
Boophilus microplus (68.12%) is the most abundant Oxytetracycline 20%, Dexaphenylarthrite etc) are
tick (Adinci 2012). According to Madder et al., generally used to fight against ticks and microbial
(2012), this tick specie has been introduced to the infections (mastitis, lumpy skin and streptothricosis
Kpinnou’s farm in 2004 after Girolando importation etc) respectively. The Kpinnou’s breeding farm
1278 J. Vet. Adv., 2016, 6(6): 1269-1281
 KASSA ET AL.

advocates the use of trypanocidal such as extremely expensive. Sarda et al., (2007) reported
Trypamidium and Trypadim to treat not only the high cost of veterinary products but
trypanosomiasis. Other specific treatments are used sometimes their effect on non-target species. The
in particular clinical case. Despite the use of herbal veterinary medicine could be an alternative
miticides, our study reported the presence of ticks. to fight against the various diseases mentioned
The effectiveness of these miticides would be above and other cattle diseases.
questioned. According to Rosado-Aguilar et al., For example Gossypium arboreum associated
(2010a) the permanent use of the main classes of with the bird's nest, the Mitragyna inermis
miticides available on the market causes the associated with Sorghum vulgaris, the Terminalia
resistance of some ticks species. Faced with this glauscenss and cow urine, Tamarindus indica
situation, Adinci (2012) tested the in vitro larvicidal associated with Sorghum sp and desert date
activity of ethanol extracts of the leaves of associated with the Vitellaria paradoxa and the salt
Mitracarpus villosus and Thevetiane reiifolia. He are respectively used in treatments against mastitis,
specified that these extracts are active on the larvae lumpy skin disease, foot and mouth disease and
of Boophilus microplus. Mastitis also persists at trypanosomiasis in Benin (Dotche, 2013). Other
Kpinnou’s breeding farm despite the use of plants such as Dioscorea sp and Parkia biglobosa
antibiotics that could be contaminant to milk (milk are respectively used for healing animals with scab
residues). and brucellosis (Dotche, 2013). In Burkina Faso a
For this purpose in case of clinical mastitis, study of Tamboura et al., (1998) showed the
Descoteaux (2004) recommends the use of fluids utilities of Bombax costatum in treatment of
and electrolytes orally, intraruminal or intravenous retained placenta and Khaya senegalensis for
especially when the disease is in the acute form. In internal deworming (intestinal worms) in cattle.
cases of severe acute mastitis, anti-inflammatory
agents such as glucocorticoids and non-steroidal Conclusion
anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin and ketoprofen)
are administered to cows (Descôteaux, 2004). The The average daily milk production obtained in
treatments indicated in our work to combat lumpy Girolando cows reared in breeding farm of Kpinnou
skin disease are means of prevention of possible is low and must be improved. The seasons (dry
microbial secondary infections that may occur season) of dwindling forage result in lower milk
during this disease. As the lumpy skin disease is a production. Fluctuations could be observed for
viral disease caused by a virus of the family other environmental factors such as the mode of
Poxviridae and gender Capripoxvirus (Diallo et al., feeding, the number of parity and age of the cows.
2010). Furthermore, the presence of disease reflects a flaw
It is incurable and the only precaution is to in the efficiency of the farm prophylaxis plan. This
avoid it by strictly observing the sanitary rules: failure would come from the permanent use of
cleaning, clearing, disinfection etc. The veterinary products which give resistance to
management of this contagious disease listed on pathogens and whose effectiveness would become
List A of the International Organization for Animal doubtful. These are generally expensive drugs with
Health. The European regulations imply risks of stains by milk residues. Ultimately, the
conventional insurance of sanitary measures with determinism of calving season and pathologies
the slaughtering and destruction of susceptible affects milk production. To improve the production
animals, monitoring of neighboring home, create a level of the animals, it is recommended to exploit
protection area and a monitoring area (radius of 3 the effect of calving season on Girolando milk
km and 10 km minimum); these areas are held for at production in the breeding system. In the same way,
least four weeks after the cleaning and disinfection it’s important to determine the effects of other non-
of the infected holding (Diallo et al., 2010). genetic factors (the number of parity, the feeding
Furthermore, for pathology treatment, Kpinnou’s system, the age at calving ...) on milk production of
breeding farm buys veterinary products which are Girolando cows. Apart from Girolando breed, an
1279 J. Vet. Adv., 2016, 6(6): 1269-1281
 ASSESSMENT OF MILK PRODUCTION AND RESILIENCE OF …

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