Challenges and Opportunities on Estrus Synchronization and Mass Artificial Insemination in Dairy Cows for Smallholders in Ethiopia

Abstract

In this paper, the potentials and constraints on estrus synchronization (ES) and artificial insemination (AI) practice for dairy cattle producers were overviewed. Compared to other African countries, Ethiopia has large numbers of dairy cattle population. However, the self-sufficiency in milk production is not yet attained due to the presence of a lot of limitations that hamper the success of ES and mass AI practice in many parts of the country such as improper selection of cows/heifers, inseminating a large number of cows/heifers in one day at a specific place (which creates stress for both AI technicians and female animals), absence of a data recording system, lack of clearly defined share of responsibilities among stakeholders, poor communication and collaboration among stakeholders, lack of motivations and skills of AI technicians, lack of support and readily available inputs, feed shortages, improper heat detection by smallholders and time of insemination, and lower reproductive performances of both indigenous and crossbred cows which consequently contributed to the unsuccessfulness of the technology.

Efficiency evaluation of two estrus synchronization protocols in estrus response and conception rate of dairy cows in the Dalocha district, Ethiopia

“…Most of the time, smallholder farmers can evaluate the efficacy of ES followed by AI service technology; solely via conception rate and calf production. A more realistic estimate of 50–55%, on the other hand, is more accurate [ 4 , 14 ]. Recently, the Ethiopian government and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been working on improving dairy productivity through breed development initiatives through the use of ES and AI technology [ 15 ].…”

“…In Ethiopia, only a little research has been conducted on the efficacy of ES employing single and double-shot PGF2 alpha-based protocols followed by AI application. Hence, it is insufficient to verify that the causes of failure as expected by farmers are either due to method synchronization or artificial insemination methods, farmers' perception of estrus detection, semen quality, dairy herd management systems, and breed types [ 14 ]. Moreover, there has been no investigation done to know the efficacy of single and double shot injections of PGF2 alpha-based protocol followed by AI application on level of pregnancy in dairy cows in the study district so far.…”

Assessment of Constraints of Artificial Insemination Service in Smallholder Dairy Cattle Keepers in Kacha Bira District of Southern Ethiopia

“…Tere was a limitation in AI service provision and its efciency is poor in diferent parts of Ethiopia, thus it has not been successful to improve the reproductive performance of the dairy cattle and the country's diary sector [1,15,16]. However, there were no published works on the causes and challenges for the poor efciency of AI service in this study site.…”

Entrepreneurial Production Technology and Growth of Smallholder Dairy Enterprises in Kenya

“…Breeding technologies like artificial insemination (AI), have introduced farmers to further benefits from technologies like multiple ovulations, embryo transfer and use of sexed semen which accelerate genetic gains. This notwithstanding, smallholders face challenges identifying the exact time when cows are ready for service, leading to improper timing of insemination and low conception and low reproductive performance (Abebe & Alemayehu, 2021). Birth weight, growth rates, mature weights and milk production are individual genetic factors.…”