Analysis of Breeding Techniques and Evaluation of Efficiency of Artificial Insemination after Estrus Synchronization in Dairy Cattle

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to evaluate breeding practice and examine the efficacy of estrus synchronization in dairy cattle in Lemo and Misha district smallholder production systems. In addition, 65 local and 55 crossbred were selected using random sampling and treated with a single dose of prostaglandin. Estrus induction, conception rate, and services per conception were evaluated in the study. Result indicated that both natural mating   and artificial insemination (AI) were being in the study areas. According to respondent, AI adoption rate ,comparative success rates of methods, or farmers attitudes, significant traits given attention in the selection of breeding animals were high milk yield, fast growth rate, disease resistant, and good body condition. Reproductive performance was evaluated using age, body condition, and parity. However, the AM/PM rule was applied in timed artificial insemination, whereby animals showing estrus in the morning were inseminated the same evening, and those seen in the evening were inseminated the following morning. The protocol enabled insemination to occur 8-12 hours after observation estrus onset.  Thereby maximizing conception rate, following a single injection of prostaglandin, the reproductive performance recorded revealed that 54.2% (n=65/120) of synchronized cows were pregnant, as confirmed through rectal palpation 90days post-insemination. Conception was higher in the action research group, requiring fewer services per conception (1.8 ± 0.4) than routine practice (2.5 ± 0.6; p < 0.05). The study conclude that its successful estrus synchronization and breeding program depend on improving AI technician efficiency, semen quality, and overall herd management practices.