Abstract

Background:
Repeat breeding is a major reproductive disorder in dairy cows, resulting in extended calving intervals, increased insemination costs, and reduced milk production. In Indonesia, particularly among smallholder farms in Cendana District, Enrekang Regency, repeat breeding remains poorly studied despite its high prevalence and limited reproductive efficiency.

Aim:
To examine the prevalence and risk factors of repeat breeding in dairy cows in Cendana District, Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Methods:
This study used 163 pluriparous dairy cows with normal reproductive cycles and managed under a traditional system based on an intensive farming approach. The characteristic data of repeat breeding were studied at the individual and farmer levels. Data were collected from 48 farmers through a questionnaire and direct farm observation. The percentage of repeat breeding was analyzed descriptively, followed by a chi-square test and odds ratio to determine the association between the prevalence of repeat breeding and associated risk factors.

Results:
The results showed that the percentage of repeat breeding at the cow and farmer levels was 28.8% and 60.4%, respectively. Despite the high proportion at the farmer level, the variables associated with knowledge and management practices were not related to the prevalence of repeat breeding. At the cow level, milk yield, herd size, and history of reproductive disorders were significantly related to the prevalence of repeat breeding. Cows producing less than 10 L of milk per day were 6.71 times more likely to experience repeat breeding than those producing 10–20 L of milk per day. Meanwhile, cows in herds with fewer than 10 cows had 3.57 times greater odds of repeat breeding than those in larger herds. Cows with a history of reproductive disorders had a 3.03 times higher chance of repeat breeding than those without a history of reproductive disorders.

Conclusion:
Repeat breeding of dairy cows in Cendana District was prevalent at both the cow (28.8%) and farmer (60.4%) levels. Although no significant associations were found at the farmer level, the occurrence of repeat breeding was significantly associated with low milk yield, small herd size, and a history of reproductive disorders at the cow level. These findings highlight the importance of improving cow-level management practices to reduce the incidence of repeat breeding in smallholder dairy farms.

Key words: Dairy cows; Enrekang regency; Repeat breeding; Risk factors.