Status of On-Farm Artificial Insemination Services and Effectiveness of Oestrus Synchronization in Dairy Cattle Under Small-Scale Dairy Farming System.

BACKGROUND

Hormonal synchronization of oestrous has been an available technology to improve the efficiency of field artificial insemination (AI) in the dairy sector.

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed at investigating the breeding practices, status of AI and effectiveness of oestrus synchronization (ES) on small-scale dairy farming in selected districts of the Wolaita Zone.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey and retrospective data on the oestrus synchronization were collected and analysed. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and indexed ranking procedures were applied to summarize the study data.

RESULTS

The predominant mating system practiced by dairy farmers was AI (55.6%), and 73.5% of farmers apply controlled mating. The highest response rate to PGF2α administration was obtained for cattle of Sodo town (89.5%), followed by Boloso Sore (78.8%). A 30%-45.2% pregnancy rate was obtained across the study districts. Crossbred cattle have shown significantly (p > 0.001) higher response (87.1%) and pregnancy rates (47.9%) than the local animals. Likewise, 9.6%-18.5% of the birth rate was obtained from this study. Farmers' overall perceptions and desire to continue using oestrus synchronization were improving as a result of their application experiences over time. Moreover, shortage of AI inputs and AI technicians, heat detection skills, and inconsistency of the AI service during festivals, holidays, and weekends were reported as the major challenges prevailing in the study districts.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provided insights on improving input supply, accurate heat detection and intensified cattle management are necessities to enhance field AI services and increase pregnancy rates in synchronized animals.