ASSESSMENT OF BREEDING PRACTICES AND EVALUATION OF EFFICIENCY OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION AFTER ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION IN DAIRY CATTLE IN LEMO AND MISHA DISTRICTS, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

This study was conducted to assess the breeding practices and to evaluate AI efficiency after estrus synchronization in dairy cattle in Lemo and Misha districts. The study was conducted at two agro-ecological zones Misha (highland) and Lemo (mid-altitude). Data were collected using semi structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. A total of 120 respondents were randomly selected from the two districts (60 from each) and 6 kebeles (3 kebeles each and 20 household from each kebele). Hundred twenty cows (65 local and 55 crossbred) were injected with single dose of prostaglandin to evaluate the effectiveness based on estrus induction, conception rate and number of service per conception. The dairy cows or heifers were selected from kebeles and households by using random sampling methods. Improvements in facilities, correct time insemination, good management, semen quality and efficiency of inseminators are necessary methods for AI efficiency after synchronization. The survey results indicated that the average age at first service for native and crossbred cows were 45.79±0.86 and 28.00±1.49 months, respectively. The average age at first calving for native and crossbred cows was 55.19±0.88 and 37.35±1.54 months. Both artificial and natural mating system was used comparably in the study areas. The study indicated that the respondents selected animals based on higher milk yield, fast growth rate, disease resistance, good temperaments and good breeding ability. The purpose of undertaking selection based on age, body condition score, and parity was used to increase the fertility of dairy cattle productivity. There was lack of awareness among the respondents in estrus detection, time of insemination, effectiveness and efficiency of AI technicians. Thus, in most of the cases the AM/PM rule for insemination was not followed and most of the respondents assumed that animals were inseminated when the prostaglandin hormone was given. From single prostaglandin hormone injection in the experimental study areas 100% cows responded to PGF2α and 54.2% of them conceived as confirmed by rectal palpation on day 90 post insemination. The average number of services per conception was lower in action research and higher in (OSMI). Conception rate was higher in action research and lower in oestrus synchronization and mass higher insemination that implemented by bureau of agriculture. The conception rate for single dose of prostaglandin was 27.27% and 77.77%, in Misha and 56.25% and 60.71% in Lemo for local and cross breed dairy cows, respectively. Similarly the number of services per conception were 3.66 and 1.28 in Misha, and 1.77and 1.64 in Lemo for local and crossbred dairy cattle, respectively. Finally improvements in facilities that were efficiency of artificial insemination technicians, semen quality and management were necessary issue before implementing an estrous synchronization with AI service program and in turn those will help for designing appropriate breeding strategies of dairy cows. Measurements of estrus detection were, eating behaviour, feed intake, temperature measurements, body weight, sound and motion where as light microscopic were used as evaluations of classical sperm parameters, including sperm concentration, motility, morphology and viability.