Survey of Bovine Reproductive Surgical Emergencies at Jalingo Veterinary Hospital, Taraba State

Reproductive surgical emergencies in cattle represent critical events in livestock production, and their timely management determines dam survival and herd productivity. This survey documents the types, frequency, management, and outcomes of bovine reproductive surgical emergencies at the Jalingo Government Veterinary Hospital, Taraba State, North East Nigeria, over a three-year period from 2021 to 2024. Hospital records of 143 bovine reproductive emergencies were reviewed. Cases were categorized into dystocia requiring surgical assistance, uterine prolapse, vaginal prolapse, and retained fetal membranes with surgical intervention. Dystocia was the most common emergency, comprising 52% of all cases, with feto-pelvic disproportion as the leading cause. Uterine prolapse accounted for 29% of emergencies and was associated with the highest case fatality rate at 24%. Cesarean section was performed in 38 dystocia cases, with a dam survival rate of 81%. Retained fetal membranes requiring manual or surgical removal constituted 14% of cases. Delayed presentation beyond 12 hours significantly increased mortality risk across all categories. Inadequate obstetric training among local livestock farmers and para-veterinary workers was identified as a primary system-level barrier to timely intervention. The study recommends intensified farmer and community health worker training in recognizing parturition emergencies and establishing faster veterinary referral pathways in North Eastern Nigerian livestock communities. Keywords: bovine reproductive emergency, dystocia, uterine prolapse, Taraba State, cesarean section.