Dairy village: the role of veterinary services in unlocking dairy industry potential through assisted reproductive technologies

Abstract

The “Dairy Village” concept was designed to overcome the constraints of estrus synchronization and AI particularly associated with eletion of the breeding animals and subsequent management of estrous cows in Ethiopia. All necessary inputs, including sexed semen, were acquired before the fieldwork. The knowledge and skill gaps were identified and addressed with the active involvement of veterinarians and AI technicians who underwent specialized training to ensure proper physical and gynecological examinations during the selection of cows and heifers. Accordingly, a refresher training was delivered on topics of reproductive anatomy and physiology, assessment of ovarian status, semen handling, and insemination at the optimal time to establish pregnancy. Besides, awareness creation seminars were held every year on topics of benefits of reproductive technologies and management of breeding cows to 99 smallholder dairy farmers. Only 578 cows/heifers were found fit for breeding out of the 1262 cows/heifers that were brought for evaluation; including 81 animals that spontaneously showed estrus. A total of 497 cows/heifers were synchronized using a single IM injection of Lutalyse. Animals responding to the treatment (404 cow/heifers) and those spontaneously in estrus (81cows/ heifers) were inseminated using sex- sorted HF semen 18-24hrs into the standing estrus. Pregnancy rate was 80% (388/485) and 287 calves were born (96% female). Results of this project indicate that rigorous gynecological examination during the selection of cows prior to estrus synchronization and judicious application of hormonal treatments can yield improve the success of ES/AI projects under field conditions. Furthermore, the dairy village approach to enhanced milk production through efficient use of sex-sorted semen has generated replacement heifers from superior breed that will substantially improve the livelihoods of village farmers.