Evaluation of Community-based Animal Health Care Programmes for Pregnant Goats in Ethiopian Highlands: Maternal and Fetal Health Outcomes

Pregnant goats in the Ethiopian Highlands face challenges related to maternal health and fetal development due to environmental stressors such as altitude, climate variability, and limited access to veterinary care. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining questionnaire surveys and clinical assessments to collect data from goat herders and veterinary practitioners. A representative sample of 50 pregnant goats was selected for detailed health monitoring over a six-month period. A significant proportion (38%) of the examined pregnant goats exhibited signs of subclinical disease, with a notable increase in stillbirth rates when compared to historical data (2% vs. 10%). Community-based animal healthcare programmes demonstrated promise in improving maternal health but highlighted critical areas requiring further investigation and intervention. Further research should prioritise the development of targeted interventions for managing subclinical diseases, particularly those affecting fetal viability, and enhancing diagnostic tools accessible to rural communities. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.