Evaluating milk production performance of crossbred dairy cows in Ethiopia: a systematic review

Dairy cattle production is a key component of the livestock sector and plays a vital role in ensuring nutritional security in Ethiopia. This systematic review synthesized available evidence on milk production performance traits specifically lactation length (LL), daily milk yield (DMY), and lactation milk yield (LMY) of improved dairy cows across the country. A comprehensive review of 19 peer-reviewed studies published between 1983 and 2025 was conducted, covering various regions of Ethiopia. Data were extracted and synthesized using descriptive and narrative approaches without quantitative meta-analysis. The synthesis of findings indicated that the reported mean values for improved dairy cows were 335.9 ± 41.29 days for lactation length, 7.15 ± 3.25 L for daily milk yield, and 2180.2 ± 600.7 L for lactation milk yield. The shortest reported lactation length was observed in pure exotic bloodlines (278.7 ± 30.8 days). Considerable variation in daily milk yield and overall lactation performance was documented among different exotic and crossbred dairy cattle bloodlines across the reviewed studies. These variations were largely attributed to differences in genetic composition, management practices, and production environments under Ethiopian conditions. The findings underscore the importance of genetic improvement strategies alongside enhanced management interventions. Improving feed availability and quality, strengthening veterinary and extension services, enhancing disease prevention and control, promoting balanced ration formulation, and improving heat detection and artificial insemination services are critical measures to enhance the productivity of crossbred dairy cows in Ethiopia. Despite its contributions, this review was limited by the relatively small number of large-scale peer-reviewed studies available in the country and the heterogeneity of study designs. Furthermore, variations in agro-ecological zones, production systems, management practices, and environmental factors such as feed quality, seasonal fluctuations, and disease burden could not be fully accounted for. Future research incorporating these contextual factors through well-designed longitudinal and region-specific studies is recommended to better inform dairy development strategies in Ethiopia.