COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCES

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION AND ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION

SERVICES ASSESSMENT AT SMALL HOLDER DAIRY FARMS IN
AND AROUND DEBRE BERHAN, AMHARA REGION

SENIOR RESEASRCH PROJECT PROPOSAL

BY:

NEGESE GETAHUN

ADVISOR: ABDU ESMAEL (MSc)

JUNE, 2024

WOLAITA SODO, ETHIOPIA

 WOLAITA SODO UNIVERSITY
College of Agriculture
Department of Animal Sciences

APPROVAL SHEET
Senior research project proposal submission form

Program of study: BSc/ Animal Science

Research title: Assessment of Artificial Insemination and Estrus Synchronization

Services at Small Holder Dairy Farms in and around Debre Berhan

Submission date: June, 2024

Conditions of Proposal Approved by:

Advisor: Abdu Esmael Sign ______________

Student’s Declaration: I certify the following conditions of authorship:

 I am responsible for the work submitted in this research project proposal, and that the
original work is mine.

Student name Signature

Negese Getahun ______________

I
II
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all, I would like to thank my almighty God who allows me to reach this learning status
and complete the overall activities with the help of his intervention. I am also thankful to my
advisor Abdu Esmael for his unreserved advices, suggestion and comments and in entire
work of my research work.

III
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents page

APPROVAL SHEET....................................................................................................................ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.............................................................................................................iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS..............................................................................................................iii

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABREVIATIONS.........................................................................v

LIST OF TABLE..........................................................................................................................vii

ABSTRACT.....................................................................................................................................viii

1.INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................1

1.1. General Background.........................................................................................................................1

1.2. Statement of the Problem..................................................................................................................2

1.3. Objectives.........................................................................................................................................3

1.3.1. General objective.......................................................................................................................3

1.3.2. Specific objectives.....................................................................................................................3

1.4. Research Questions...........................................................................................................................3

1.5. Significance of the Study..................................................................................................................3

2. LITERATURE REVIEW...........................................................................................................4

2.1. Cattle Genetic Resources in Ethiopia................................................................................................4

2.1.1. Indigenous Cattle Breeds...........................................................................................................4

2.1.2. Exotic Cattle Breed....................................................................................................................4

2.2. Cattle Breeding Methods in Ethiopia................................................................................................5

2.2.1. Natural Mating...........................................................................................................................5

IV
 2.2.2. Artificial Insemination (AI).......................................................................................................5

2.3. Techniques of AI..............................................................................................................................7

2.4.1. Semen collection via artificial vagina............................................................................................8

2.5. Estrus Synchronization in Cattle.....................................................................................................12

2.6. Current operational system of AI in Ethiopia..................................................................................12

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS..............................................................................................13

3.1. Description of the Study Area.........................................................................................................13

3.2. Study Design...................................................................................................................................14

3.3. Sample Size Determination and Sampling Procedures....................................................................14

3.4. Method of Data Collection..............................................................................................................14

3.5. Data Analysis..................................................................................................................................14

4. RESULT AND DISCUSSION..................................................................................................15

4.1. Socio- Economic Characteristics of Studied Households................................................................15

4.2. Herd composition and number........................................................................................................19

4.3. AI Service Accessibility.................................................................................................................21

4.4 Estrus Detection by Farmers............................................................................................................24

4.5. Response of Dairy Cows for Estrus Synchronization and AI..........................................................25

4.6. Natural Mating and AI Service Seasons...........................................................................................26

4.7. Dairy Cattle Productivity Improvement Plan..................................................................................27

4.8. Farmers Perception Towards AI....................................................................................................28

4.9. Demand for Artificial insemination................................................................................................29

x4.10. Constraints of Artificial Insemination.........................................................................................30

X5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION......................................................................32

6. REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................34

7. APPENDIXES..........................................................................................................................36

V
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABREVIATIONS

AI Artificial Insemination
ARLREA Amhara Region Livestock Resources Extension Agency
ALRDEA Amhara Livestock Regional Development Extension Agency
ART Assisted Reproduction Technology
AV Artificial Vagina
CSA Central Statistical Authority
0
E East
EASE Ethiopia Agricultural Sample Enumeration
EARO Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization
ES Estrus Synchronization
ET Embryo Transfer
FOA Food and Agricultural Organization
GOs Governmental Organization
Km Kilo meter
m.a.s.l meter above sea level
MGA Melen Gestrol Acetate
MOA Ministry Of Agriculture
0
N North
NAIC National Artificial Insemination Center
NLDP National Livestock Development Project
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
RABs Regional Agricultural Bureau
SAS statistical Analysis system

VI
LIST OF TABLE

VII
 ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to assess the status of estrus synchronization and artificial
insemination (AI) services for dairy cows in Debre Berhan town, North Shoa zone, Amhara
National Regional State. The study was conducted using field survey by administering semi-
structured questioner and informal group discussion with owners. A total of 70 households male
(58) and female(12) households were selected purposively for the study to gather information
like herd size, type of breed, number of cows synchronized and inseminated, number of cow
pregnant, season of mating, the demand for ES and AI, challenges of accessing ES and AI etc.
The result showed that farmers use AI regularly about 20 (46.51%) and not use regularly
23(53.49%) of the surveyed households were male headed. Among the farmers who uses AI
regularly, about (32.56%) were literate (at least able to read and write), which is a good
potential for adoption of improved technologies in dairy husbandry. farmers that use AI
43(61.43%) and 27(38.57%.) ; 60 (85.71%) are not use ES and 8 (14.28% ) farmer are use the
service. The overall average (mean±SE) cattle per household were 0.45±0.11. The results of the
studies showed that farmer breeding methods significantly shifted to AI, but estrus
synchronization is very low. The demand of AI is high 43(61.43%) and the demand for ES is 51
(72.14%). Even if the demand is very high the supply is low supply for AI 10(14.71%) and ES
2(3.92%). However, availability, regularity and effectiveness of the service is below the
expectation of the farmers. Estrus synchronization is not well adopted by farmers. The result
obtained from this study showed that the major constraints of AI were lack of awareness about
AI (57.14%), management problem (61.43%), heat detection problem (21.43%), diseases
(28.57%) and unskilled technician (37.14%).

Key words: AI, Constraint, Dairy Cattle, Estrus Synchronization.

VIII
1.INTRODUCTION

1.1. General Background

The total cattle population for the rural sedentary areas of Ethiopia is estimated to be 54 million
cattle of which 55.41% are female. Out of the total female cattle population 98.95% are local
breeds and the remaining are hybrid and exotic breeds (CSA, 2014). Dairy production is an
important component of livestock farming in Ethiopia. Smallholder farmers in high potential
dairy areas usually use local cows with low productivity and reproduction efficiencies. In
addition, the farmers generally follow a traditional system where there is no appropriate heat
detection method; low quality genetic material when AI is practiced; poor AI service by
extension agents; and shortage of liquid nitrogen and related AI equipment. The AI service will
support smallholder farmers and private commercial farms in upgrading the genetics of the
existing indigenous and crossbred dairy cows with genetically superior and proven semen. The
huge and diverse livestock population, varied and favorable agro-ecology for dairying,
increasing demand for dairy products in urban and peri-urban areas, long-standing culture of
dairy products consumption, and favorable policy are indicators of the importance and potential
of dairying in Ethiopia.

There are many technologies to improve our dairy cattle production, like AI, ES, ET and other
technology. Among these technology AI and ES are basic for our improvement of dairy cattle.
Artificial Insemination (AI) is a procedure that involves the collection of sperm from a male bull,
which is then processed, stored, and artificially introduced into the female reproductive tract for
the purpose of conception (Webb, 2003). The semen collected from the bull is deep-frozen and
stored in a container with Liquid Nitrogen at a temperature of minus 196 0C and made for use
(Desalegn, 2009). AI makes available bulls of high genetic merit allowing breed improvement to
take place much more quickly than with natural mating. The process also lessens the risk of
transfer of disease because there is no direct contact between the bull and the cow Exotic blood

9
of 50% is more advisable at a smallholder level, but in some cases, up to 75% exotic blood might
be economical depending on the farm condition.AI and ES are play a significant role in the
Agriculture development and significantly increase each and every farmers must use these
service to develop our country. Reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination (AI)
and estrus synchronization have technically feasible and commercially utilized in dairy cattle
many years ago (Maxwell and Evans, 2006 ). It is more difficult to implement and efficiently
maintain field AI service activities. Because AI service requires adequate financial resources,
technical skills and instruments.

Modern livestock breeding is basically dependent on the proper use of semen for artificial
insemination (AI) of females and of other reproductive biotechnologies such as the production of
embryos in vitro for embryo transfer. All these techniques have made possible not only the wide
dissemination of genetic material onto breeding populations but also enhanced the selection of
best sires, owing to the development of better diagnostic techniques for sperm function and of
preservation of seminal material over time (ARLDEA, 2005). Artificial Insemination is
important techniques for the genetic improvement of farm animals. It has been widely used for
breeding dairy cattle as the most valuable management practice available to the cattle producer
and has made bulls of high genetic merit (Webb, 2003; Bearden et al., 2004).

1.2. Statement of the Problem

One of the major problems hindering smallholder farmers from participating in milk production
and marketing is lack of access to and high price of improved dairy animals. Hormonal estrus
synchronization under smallholder context could be used, among others, to produce large
number and dairy animals in a short period of time to match calving with feed availability and
market demand for dairy products and to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of AI
service(Azage et.al., 2012). The efficiency of the service in Ethiopia however, has remained at a
very low level due to infrastructure, managerial, and financial constraints, as well as poor heat
detection, improper timing of insemination and embryonic death (Shiferaw et al., 2003). In the
study area there is no information about demand and status of AI service.
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 1.3. Objectives

1.3.1. General objective

 To assess the status of artificial insemination (AI) and estrus synchronization

services in the study area.

1.3.2. Specific objectives

 To assess the demand for AI and estrus synchronization of dairy cattle in the study area

 To identify the level of AI and estrus synchronization in the study area.

1.4. Research Questions

In order to improve these dairy cattle in and around Debre Berhan town solve the following
question:-

1. What is the major challenge of AI and estrus synchronization?

2. How can detect the estrus/heat of dairy cattle?

3. How could farmers practice breeding program in their farm land?

If these question is properly solve the problem may be decrease the problem of failure of
artificial insemination.

1.5. Significance of the Study

The findings of the study will serve as a direction for the students and other researcher’s
person and helps to provide information for decision makers in formulating appropriate policy
for management and implementation of AI and ES.
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 2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Cattle Genetic Resources in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has diversified topographic condition with altitude ranges from extreme high land to
extreme low land.

2.1.1. Indigenous Cattle Breeds

Ethiopia have different indigenous breed such as Boran, Barka, Fogera, Horro, Sheko and
crosses of 50% and 75% Holstein-Friesian indigenous breeds. From the total semen produced,
the major share is from Friesian (75.3%), followed by Jersey (10.5%).The NAIC at kality, is
serving as the main semen collection and preserving center; the satellite AI centers to be used
for service, and then the Holetta bull/ dam farm, was the base for nucleus bull producing,
testing and rearing farm (Gashaw, 2001). The indigenous livestock breed/ population of
Ethiopia have the capacity to cope with the harsh environmental condition of the country
where they breed and play a significant role in rural economics of their respective areas. They
often have special adaptive traits for disease resistance, heat tolerance and ability to use poor
quality feed which they have acquired through natural selection over hundreds of generations.
They therefore need relatively less environmental modification to achieve increased
productivity (Desalegn et al., 2009). Besides there were no well defined selection program in
country (MOA, 1997) and the information description of breed in the country is either lacking
or is not adequate to be utilized for sound programs of livestock’s conservation, selections and
improvements.

2.1.2. Exotic Cattle Breed

Exotic breed characterized by high production of milk, long lactation period, short calving
interval, age at first calving short, not easily managed, low in disease resistance and harsh
environmental adaptation (ALRDEA, 2005). The temperate livestock breeds, although they have

12
the genetic capacity for higher production, their performance under the existing environment is
not that attractive and they are often not viable. The focus of breed improvement in Ethiopia so
far has been through cross breeding of the local stock with exotic breed. Different initiatives
have been made to promote crossbreeding scheme. These include: establishment of National
Artificial Insemination Center (NAIC);establishment of cattle, sheep and poultry breed
improvement and multiplication centers, with the major aim being to be distributed improved
animals to smallholder (Desalegn et al., 2009).

2.2. Cattle Breeding Methods in Ethiopia

2.2.1. Natural Mating

Natural mating is using a bull and bull is half of a herd. So, higher attention needs to a be give
while selecting breeding bull. Bull is allowed to when it is two and above years. If the bull
well managed, it can serve 30-40 heifers/cows. However, frequency of services depends on
age, body condition,individually, hormonal balance .Abnormal and well managed bull can
give 2-3 times/weeks and 100-150 times per year (ARLDEA, 2005). Bulls for natural service
remains wide spread even in areas where artificial insemination has proven to be efficient.
Many farmers believe that pregnancy rate is higher when bull is used. The use of natural
service may be indicate when personnel are inefficient to perform tasks associated with heat
detection and the techniques of AI, when long term genetic gain and of great importance and
when local conditions do not provide.

2.2.2. Artificial Insemination (AI)

Artificial insemination (AI) is the manual placement of semen in the reproductive tract of the
female by a method other than natural mating. It is one of a group of technologies, commonly
known as “assisted reproduction technologies” (ART), whereby offspring are generated by
facilitating the meeting of gametes ART may also involve the transfer of the products of
conception to a female, for instance if fertilization has taken place in vitro or in another

13
 female. The use of AI as a tool to enhance production efficiency in cattle (Holm et al., 2008)
and the successful use of artificial insemination (AI) as a means of animal breeding relies
upon three major premises: firstly, that spermatozoa can survive outside the body; secondly,
that they can be reintroduced into the female genital tract in a way that results in an acceptable
conception rate; and thirdly, that the fertile period of the female can be identified (Arthur,
2001; Holm et al., 2008; Manafi, 2011). Artificial insemination offers several potential
advantages over natural service, of these, the reason most commonly advocated is as a means
of genetic improvement and others include cost effectiveness, disease control, safety
breeding, flexibility, and fertility management (Ball and Peters, 2004). It is the most
commonly used ART in livestock, revolutionizing the animal breeding industry during
the 20th century (Wani et al., 2007).

Advantage of AI

AI helps prevents the spread of infectious or contagious diseases that can be passed onwhen
animals are in close contact or share the same environment. The rate of genetic development
and production gain can be increased, by using semen from males of high genetic merit for
superior females. It enables breeding between animals in different geographic locations, or at
different times (even after the male´s death). Breeding can occur in the event of physical,
physiological or behavioral abnormalities. AI is a powerful tool when linked to other
reproductive biotechnologies such as sperm cryopreservation, sperm sexing. AI can be used in
conservation of rare breeds or endangered species (Roca, et al., 2006).

Disadvantages with AI

AI has many advantages but also some disadvantages. A well functional AI-breeding system
requires a thorough and well-functioning heat detection of females. To accomplish this,
education, training and breeding management is needed. Artificial insemination can, if not
managed in a correct way, because wide spreading of diseases and genetic defects (Althouse
2007). Before insemination, the female animal has to be separated from the herd and
14
 restrained which requires some kind of crush. The insemination process also requires well
trained and technically skilled personnel, using relevant equipment. Essential for a well
operated AI-breeding is a thorough recording system. This is to avoid inbreeding, to calculate
birth dates, know when to expect repeat breeders (Parkinson, 2009).

Pre-Requisites for AI

Pre-requisites for AI include a supply of semen, reliable methods for heat detection in the Female
and a means of inserting the semen into the female reproductive tract.

2.3. Techniques of AI

There are differences between species in the site of semen deposition during natural mating.

In ruminants and primates, semen is deposited in the vagina whereas in cattle, pigs, dogs,
camels and horses, semen deposition is intrauterine. In most cattle, it is possible to pass an
insemination catheter through the cervix, thus enabling semen to be deposited in the uterus
during AI. Exceptions are sheep and goats, where the tightly folded nature of the cervix does
not permit easy passage of an insemination catheter.

2.4. Collection of Semen

There are three commonly-used techniques for collecting semen: use of an artificial vagina,
digital manipulation, and electro ejaculation. Semen is most commonly collected from bulls in
bull studs using an artificial vagina, as described below.

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2.4.1. Semen collection via artificial vagina

Semen collection from bulls using an AV requires three people: one to handle the teaser
animal, one to control the bull and one to collect the semen. It is important that the collection
area have non-slip flooring to avoid injuries and because ejaculation may be inhibited if the
bull is nervous about his footing. Bulls are heavy and should have regular hoof care. Poor
hoof condition can inhibit the bull from mounting or cause pain when dismounting. A steer is
most commonly used as a teaser and mount animal. Female teasers are not recommended
because of the potential risk of intromission and spreading of venereal disease. The teaser
should be a calm animal of the appropriate size for the bull being collected. The back and rear
quarters of the teaser are washed with a disinfectant every collection day. It is also common
for the rear quarters to be clipped routinely. The bull's preputial hair should be clipped in
preparation for using the AV. These sanitary precautions are intended to minimize microbial
contamination of the semen being collected. For collection, the teaser is positioned straight in
front of the bull for mounting. Oftentimes, it helps to arouse the bull if the steer is led around
the collection arena with the bull behind, then stopped abruptly, similar to the behavior of a
cow in estrus. The artificial uses thermal and mechanical stimulation to stimulate ejaculation.
The liner of the AV is filled with water at 42-48 degrees Celsius, and the inner surface is
lubricated with something like K-Y jelly. An insulating cone is placed over the end from
which the collection tube protrudes to avoid subjecting the semen to temperature shock.

False mounting is an effective way to sexually stimulate the bull. Providing two false mounts
with two minutes of active restraint and one additional false mount maximizes sperm cell
numbers. Final preparations are made to the AV between the second and third false mounts.
Proper construction of the AV is important to avoid damaging the bull's penis and to avoid
stressing sperm cells.

Successful semen collection with an AV depends on the bull being comfortable around
people, and they need to be trained to use the AV. However, bulls are big and dangerous, and
personnel safety should be emphasized constantly. Most bulls in artificial insemination

16
centers have a nose ring installed as a valuable and humane means of physical control. Bulls
undergoing semen collection should be haltered and one should never tie a bull up by their
nose ring - if startled, then can rip it out which is not only quite traumatic but yields an animal
that may be exceptionally difficult to control. During collection, the person handling the AV
must remain aware of where their feet are relative to the bull. As the animal ejaculates, it is
common for him to jump forward. To avoid foot injury, collectors should wear boots with
steel toes.

In artificial insemination centers, bulls are typically collected 2 or 3 times per week, with 2 or
3 ejaculates per collection day. The technique used depends on the species being collected and
the disposition of the individual male. Several methods of obtaining semen have been
developed. The artificial vagina method is most widely used today for the collection of bull
semen. The bull is allowed to mount a teaser cow and ejaculates when the penis is directed
into the artificial vagina. The artificial vagina consists of a firm cylindrical tube with a thin-
walled rubber lining. The jacket formed is filled with warm water. A rubber funnel connected
to a collection receptacle is attached to one end of the cylinder. When the jacket is properly
filled and the artificial vagina lubricated and properly applied, this method of semen
collection is highly successful. Cleanliness must be practiced to avoid contamination and
deterioration of semen quality. Proper and careful treatment of the bull is essential to bring
about adequate pre-collection stimulation which will increase quantity and quality of semen
obtained. Obviously the collection of semen from a bull is a specialized skill and should be
attempted only by those with the proper equipment, training and experience. Adequate
facilities for controlling the bull and teaser animal must be maintained so that danger of injury
to personnel as well as the animals is minimized. Ction tube protrudes to avoid subjecting the
semen to temperature shock (Padubidri, 2011). The artificial vagina consists of a lubricated
liner inserted into an outer jacket, the space between the two being filled with warm water.
The pressure can be increased by adding air. The ejaculate is deposited into an insulated
collecting vessel attached to one end of the liner.

17
 Electro ejaculation is an alternative method used with bulls that cannot mount or are too
fractious for easy handling (e.g. range bulls). Finally, semen can be collected by message of
the seminal vesicles and ampullae per rectum.

Semen Processing

Preservation of semen for AI is well advanced and provides semen of good quality for AI on
Commercial basis, despite we still struggle in trying to understand how spermatozoa lose their
capacity to remain fertile upon freezing and thawing. Seminal plasma plays such an important
role in activating spermatozoa and in the Female reproductive tract, it is detrimental to long-
term sperm survival outside the body.

Under physiological conditions, spermatozoa are activated by seminal plasma at ejaculation and
then swim away from the site of semen deposition in the female. It is only during in vitro
storage that spermatozoa become exposed to seminal plasma long-term. Thus it is customary to
add a semen extender to the semen, to dilute toxic elements in seminal plasma, to provide
nutrients for the spermatozoa during in vitro storage and to buffer their metabolic by- products.
The addition of extender also permits the semen to be divided into several semen doses, each
containing a specific number of spermatozoa that has been determined tobe optimal for good
fertility in inseminated females (Pellicer-Rubio and Combarnous., 1998).

Semen Preservation

Semen is used either immediately after collection (“fresh”) for example turkeys, human beings;
after storage at a reduced temperature (“stored”) for example horses, pigs, dogs; or after freezing
and thawing (“cryopreservation”) for example, bulls(Wishart, 1985).

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Fresh Semen

In contrast to animal species, human semen is not extended prior to process and is not usually
kept for more than a few hours before use. Poultry semen cannot be extended as much as is
customary for other species since the spermatozoa are adversely affected by increased dilution.
Goat semen cannot be kept at 37°C because an enzymatic component of the bulbo-urethral gland
secretion hydrolyses milk triglycerides into free fatty acids, which adversely affects the motility
and membrane integrity of buck spermatozoa (Pellicer-Rubio and Combarnous, 1998).

Stored Semen

Semen must be stored at temperatures below -112 °F at all times. Semen can be permanently
damaged by even very short exposures to elevated temperatures. By maintaining storage
conditions of consistently very low temperatures, bull semen can be stored indefinitely. Semen
storage tanks are large vacuum-sealed metal bottles. They are extremely well-insulated. These
tanks can maintain internal temperatures of -320 °F (liquid nitrogen temperature) as long as they
contain at least 2 inches of liquid nitrogen. The amount of time that a semen storage tank can
hold adequate quantities of liquid nitrogen before needing to be refilled varies. Many older tank
models must be refilled every 6 to 8 weeks. Newer, more technically advanced tanks may have
nitrogen holding times as long as 6 to 9 months. It is critical to schedule timely nitrogen fills to
maintain both semen and tank integrity. Make sure the nitrogen is refreshed before transferring
semen to the tank. Tank nitrogen supplies may also need refreshing after extensive use from
insemination sessions. Keep semen storage tanks in locations where they can be viewed daily.
Make sure that tanks lids are secured, and closely monitor the amount of liquid nitrogen. Flexible
plastic measuring sticks are available for this purpose. Wooden yardsticks may also be used to
determine nitrogen depth in the bottom of a tank. Frost or sweat on the outside of the tank (often
at the neck and vacuum fitting) indicates that tank vacuum insulation has been lost. Liquid
nitrogen evaporates rapidly when this occurs. In this situation, semen must be transferred to a
good tank immediately before nitrogen amounts drop too low to maintain acceptable semen
storage temperatures. Semen in tanks that have gone dry is likely not viable and should be

19
evaluated before use or discarded. To protect the tank from corrosion, keep it elevated above
concrete or wet floors. Boards and pallets work well for this. Storetanks in sheltered area should
be away from blowing rain, winds, drafts, and direct sunlight. Drafts can cause excessive
nitrogen evaporation. However, adequate ventilation is important for preventing possible
suffocation of people or animals caused by breathing excessive nitrogen gas in the air. Make sure
tanks are safe from tampering by children or vandals (Oconnor et al., 2003).

2.5. Estrus Synchronization in Cattle

Synchronizing estrus is simply manipulating the bovine estrous cycle to cause the majority of
cows to show standing estrus around the same time. Because a cow’s estrous cycle is 21 days,
she only has one chance to become pregnant every 21 days of the breeding season. However,
cows that are synchronized to cycle at the start of the breeding season have an additional
opportunity. Estrus synchronization (ES) programs have been available for the past 25 years and
have enjoyed success as a tool to make artificial insemination more practical. A number of
products and protocols are available and all have advantages and disadvantages. All
synchronization programs require good management, cows having regular estrous cycles, and in
good body condition. With attention to detail and adequate feed, these programs can work well.
However, please recognize at times that failures in synchronization and artificial insemination do
occur for known and unknown causes. Estrous synchronization also can decrease the labor
associated with artificial insemination and can increase the proportion of cows that become
pregnant early in the breeding season, resulting in more calves born earlier in the calving season.
Some estrous synchronization protocols have the ability to induce cows to initiate estrous cycles
and shorten the anestrous postpartum interval.

2.6. Current operational system of AI in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, National Artificial Insemination Centre (NAIC) is directly accountable to the office
of the State Minister for Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. In line with the policy
of the Government, the role of NAIC had somewhat changed during the last five decades. Thus,

20
NAIC's mandate had been mainly limited to production and distribution of semen with liquid
nitrogen, importation of semen and bulls, bull management, AI technician's trainers training,
organizing workshops, mainly A technicians training for the newly emerging regional states
(Tesfaye, et al., 2002).NAIC provides semen to the Regional Agricultural Bureau (RABs) free of
charge and threads operate AI services under partial cost recovery arrangement (FAO, 2008).
These services are mainly focused in urban and peri-urban areas. The regional bureaus had taken
the major role of expansion of AI services, providing AI technician training, distribution of
frozen semen & liquid nitrogen within the region, and monitoring and evaluation of AI service
program. There are various shortcomings reported on the current AI delivery system in the
country. These included lack of appropriate collaborations and communications among the
NAIC, regional agriculture bureaus and other stakeholders, lack of functionally effective
responsible bodies at the respective regional and Worde levels to coordinate the AI services, lack
of proper mechanisms of controlling indiscriminate insemination/breeding (NLDP, 2001;
Dealing, 2008; FAO, 2008). The efficiency of the service in the country, however, has remained
at a very low level.

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1. Description of the Study Area

The study will be conducted in and around Debre Berhan town, North Shoa zone, Amhara
National Regional State from May 2024 to December 2024. Debre Berhan town is located at 130
km away from Addis Ababa at an elevation of 2,840 m.a.s.l.(https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Debre_Berhan). The geographical location of Debre Berhan is 9°41'N 39°32'E latitude and
9.683°N 39.533°E longitude. The study area receives mean annual rain fall 927.10mm and
characterized by a uni-modal rain fall pattern. With maximum (293.02 mm) and minimum
(4.72mm) peaks in August and December respectively. The average annual temperature is
17.8°C and 8.83°C during day and night, respectively. The mean monthly maximum and
minimum temperature 18.60C and 8.20Crespectively. The total land coverage has 14.71km.The
21
mean relative humidity is estimated to be 70.9% (https://www.meteoblue.com). The area is
characterized by two seasons, the wet season from June to September and dry season from
October to May. The farming system in the area is crop-livestock production system (DBAO,
2023).

3.2. Study Design

A cross-sectional type of study supported by questionnaire survey, observation, focus group

discussion carried out from June 2024 to December 2024.

3.3. Sample Size Determination and Sampling Procedures

There are 23 kebeles in the area out of this five kebeles purposively selected based on the
potential of AI and estrus synchronization. From each kebeles 15 households will be selected by
systematic random sampling techniques. Finally a total of 75 households will be used for this
study.

3.4. Method of Data Collection

The list of available small dairy farms (which posses 3 cows) in the town and the surrounding
kebeles will be obtained from the respective livestock and fishery development departments.
Semi structured questioner will be prepared and Informal discussions with the owners or
responsible person and direct observation will be made on all over the whole dairy husbandry
activities. If available, secondary data on artificial insemination, estrus synchronization and
related activities will be collected from each farm.

3.5. Data Analysis

22
 The data obtained from questioner will be record in Microsoft excel and subjected to work
descriptive statistics using Microsoft excel in frequency and percentage. Finally the results will
be presented in table forms.

4. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1. Socio- Economic Characteristics of Studied Households

As indicated in table1below, the majority (27.15%) of the house hold heads were in age range of
41-50 years old; followed by 30-40 years old that accounts for (26.16%) of the total respondents.
Majority (82.86%) of the respondents households were males while the rest (17.14%) of were
females. In contrast to Aregawi (2013), the percentage of male headed AI user households of the
current study were higher than the male headed non-user households. According to Aregawi
(2013), (76.56%) and (23.44%) were headed by male for AI and non- user respectively.

Educational level of the households was assessed to reflect the level of technology adoption.
Thus, about (5.71%) of AI user household heads were illiterates, (27.14%) can lliterates (at least
read and write), (32.56%) had primary school education (grade 1-8), (24.29%) had secondary

23
school education (Grade 9-12) and the rest (10.00%) had collage and above. According to
Belayneh (2012),about (32.82%) of the AI not user household heads were illiterates, (51.56%)
can read and write, (14.06%) had elementary school (grade 1-8) and (1.56%) had secondary
school (grade 9-12). Participation of educated smallholder farmers in dairy production was found
better in AI user than in AI not user. This might be a good opportunity for adoption of improved
technologies such as artificial insemination, estrus synchronization, heat detection.

Table 1: Socio economic characteristics of the respondents

Characteristics Age group Frequency Percentage

<30 11 15.72

30-40 19 26.16

41-50 19 27.15
Age of respondents

51-60 16 22.87

>60 5 7.15

Sex Male 58 82.86

24
 Female 12 17.14

Total 70 100

Figure 1: Educational level of the households

4.2. Herd composition and number

Average livestock herd size by herd composition are presented in Table 2. Herd structure show
that there were no bull kept at individual level especially bull exotic breed because of
management problem no one was interested. This was attributed to management and feed cost .
The overall mean of cattle holding per household were 0.45±0.11(Mean+SE). Cross bred cattle
were than other exotic and local breeds. Cross bred milking cows 0.96+ 0.11 were not
significantly (p>0.05) different from number of indigenous milking cow 0.40+0.11 but
significantly different from number of indigenous dry cow 0.21+0.11, indigenous female calf
0.20+ 0.11.

25
Table 2: Average livestock composition in the study districts

Number of cattle Mean with grade letter

NOCBCM 0.96 +0.11 a

NOIS 0.93+0.11 ab

NOECP 0.89 + 0.11 abc

NOECM 0.76 + 0.11abcd

NOCBFC 0.67 +0.11abcde

NOCBCM= Number of cross breed milking cow; NOIS =
bcde
NOCBCP 0.64+ 0.11 Number of indigenous steer; NOECP= Number of exotic
pregnant cow; NOECM = Number of exotic milking cow;
NOCBFC= Number of cross breed female calves; NOCBCP
NOCBH 0.61+ 0.11cdef = Number of cross breed pregnant cow; NOCBH =
Number of cross breed heifer ;NOCBMC = number of cross
NOCBMC 0.61 +0.11cdef breed male calves; NOEH= number of exotic heifer;
NOEFC = number of exotic female calves; NOICM =
number of indigenous milking cow; NOICP= number of
NOEH 0.54 +0.11defg indigenous pregnant cow; NOEMC= number of exotic
male calves; NOCBB= number of cross breed bull; NOIH =
NOEFC 0.47 + 0.11defgh number of indigenous heifer; NOCBS= number of cross
breed steer; NOEB= number of exotic bull; NOCBCD=
number of cross breed dry cow; NOIMC= number of
NOICM 0.40+ 0.11efghi indigenous male calves; NOICD= number of indigenous dry
cow; NOIFC= number of indigenous female cow; NOIB=
number of indigenous bull; NOES= number of exotic steer;
NOICP 0.39+0.11efghi NOECD= number of exotic dry cow; Means with different
superscripts (abcdefghi) within the same column are
NOEMC 0.37+ 0.11efghi statistically different (at least p<0.05).

NOCBB 0.33+0.11 fghi

NOIH 0.31+0.11 fghi 4.3. AI Service Accessibility

NOCBS 0.31+0.11 fghi

NOEB 0.26+ 0.11ghi Among the studied farmers, (85.71%)

reported that as they did not get enough
NOCBCD 0.24+ 0.11ghi
AI service while (14.29%) reported
hi
NOIMC 0.23+ 0.11 enough AI service as they need. The
NOICD 0.21+0.11 hi

NOIFC 0.20+ 0.11 hi

26
hi
NOIB 0.17+0.11

NOES 0.16+0.11i

NOECD 0.10+0.11i
interviewed farmers also expressed their willingness to pay for AI service if they can get regular
service.

Table 3 AI Service Accessibility

FRECUNCY PERCENTAGE

not get enough AI service 60 85.71

enough AI service 40 14.29

Dairy cattle keeping practices and AI service delivery system were assessed in the study area in
the as (Table 3) below. Majority of the AI user (61.43%) interviewed reported that they get AI
service on time and regularly, while about (38.57%) indicated that they did not get the service
regularity due to lack of communication with AI technicians, distance from the AI center, and
lack of service on weekends and holidays. When compare this result Bainesagne (2015), it has
large difference with communication with AI technician.

Table 4 The use AI service in the study area

AI Delivery system Frequency Percent H

o we
Use of AI Yes 43 61.43%
v service er,
No 27 38.57%

Get AI service Yes 20 46.51%

regularly as
required No 23 53.49%

Reason not AI service not available 2 9.52

service
regularly Shortage of AI technician 19 80.96
27
shortage of inputs 2 9.52
 there is shortage of AI technicians to deliver effective AI service without interruption in the
study area. About (80.96%) reported shortage of inputs like liquid nitrogen (9.52%), semen
and other AI equipment almost ,similarly with Tegenu and Feyera less nitrogen and semen
(7.2%) in puts in the area. If AI technicians absent to give AI service, (58.14%) of farmers use
natural bull mating in (37%) wait for next 21 days Regarding way of accessing AI service;
(11.63%) took their cow to the station (86.05%), farmers called AI technician when they were
in need of the service, while (2.33%) reported that they were visited by A technicians
regularly. When compare this result Bainesagne (2015), it has large difference with
communication with AI technician, visit by AIT (2.8%), calls service (36.7%), service at AI
station (60.5%).

Table 5 Artificial Insemination service delivery system of the study

Variables No Response Percentage

Farmers did not get service 37 53.49

regularly

Farmers get service regularly 33 46.51

Mode of
AI services access
Lack of service on 0 0
weekends and holidays

Use bull in the absence of 25 58.14

technician

Wait for next 21 days heat 16 37

AI Technician visit daily 1 2.33

28
 Communication calls AI technician when they 37 86.05
for AI service need

We took their cows to the 5 11.63

station

4.4 Estrus Detection by Farmers

Heat detection is an important task in dairy production. In this study, most farmers were
(91.43%) practicing heat detection regularly, and mostly twice a day in the morning and evening
(40.63%). It is has a greater value when compare with Belayneh. According to Belayneh (2012),
about (77.5%) of dairy producers in North Shoa zone use regular follow up during morning and
night to detect cows in estrus. It was also reported that most of the AI use regularly (89.06%)
bred their cows within 8-12 hours after onset of estrus signs. In the study area, majority of the
farmers (61.43%) inseminate their cows/heifers which showed heat in the afternoon by next day
in the morning and the rest (38.57%) inseminate the same day in the afternoon. Whereas when
the cows and heifers show heat in the morning, (94.29%) of the farmers inseminate their animals
in the same day afternoon.

Table 6: Proportion of farmers by Time of AI

Cow and heifer Time of insemination Frequency percentage

show heat at
afternoon Next day in the Morning 43 61.43

The same day in the afternoon 27 38.57

Cow and heifer The same day afternoon 66 94.29

show heat at
morning The same day in the morning 4 5.71

4.5. Response of Dairy Cows for Estrus Synchronization and AI

29
AI and synchronization was introduced in the study areas to synchronized and inseminate the
dairy cow for genetic improvement so as to increase milk production. The service was started at
many years ago. The AI service provided to inseminate the dairy cow through veterinarian and
for the a few month trained AI technician the service of ES is not much applicable because of
the service is not available and expensive .

Table 7: Average number of cows/heifers synchronized and inseminated

Item Minimum Maximum Mean

Number of synchronized cows 0 5 0.27+0.09

Number of cows inseminated 0 12 3.7+0.74

4.6. Natural Mating and AI Service Seasons

In the study area, (70%) of the respondent had not specific season for mating or getting the AI
service, so that they bred their dairy cow when they can to estrus or heat. But the rest (30%) have
been preferred the winter (71.43%) and summer season for breeding their cow (28.57%). The
reason behind the winter season to be preferred was at the weather is hot and there is sufficient
amount of feed than summer. Disagree with to Ashebir (2016), most of the cow and heifers did
not come in heat during dry season of the year. The limited grazing land and the non-availability
of good quality feeds influence the reproductive performance of cow. Majority of cows remain
anestrous during the long period of the year ‘ winter’(66.11%). A few may come in heat but this
is mainly silent heat which become difficult to detect ‘summer’(33.89%). By having this result in
this area there is a difference in season. With in line Mathelon et al. (1998), indicated that
season significantly affected all semen traits in young bulls but did not significantly affect semen

30
volume and spermatozoa concentration in mature bulls. They reported that semen traits were
better in winter than in summer.

Table 8: Preference of season f or mating or mating AI service

Is specific season for Frequency Percentage

mating or mating AI
services Yes 21 30%

No 49 70%

Season preferred Summer 6 28.57%

Winter 15 71.43%

4.7. Dairy Cattle Productivity Improvement Plan

As indicated in the table 9 the majority (61.43%) of the respondents had a plan to improve their
dairy cattle productivity and the rest of the respondents (38.57%) did not have a plan to improve
dairy cattle productivity. The respondents were used to improve their dairy productivity mainly
by using AI (37.50%) and by natural mating (33.33%) the rest of the respondent have been used
both AI natural mating and the rest of the respondents were used to improve dairy cattle only by

31
using AI (29.17%).The house hold that had a plan to improve dairy cattle productivity by using
AI were due to the lack bull to breed their dairy cattle plan of respondents.

Table 9 dairy cattle productivity improvement plan of respondents

Response of the respondent Frequency Percentage

Plan to improve dairy cattle

Yes 43 61.43

No 27 38.57

Method used to improve

Natural mating 16 33.33

AI 18 37.50

32
 Both AI and natural mating 14 29.17

4.8. Farmers Perception Towards AI

Farmer awareness on the importance of appropriate timing of AI was assessed through their
common practice of heat detection and AI. Nearly ( 94.29%) of the respondent reported that they
seek insemination of their cows in the same day afternoon heat time were observed. Similarly
when heat sings were detected in the afternoon, 61.43 of farmers seek AI services in the next day
afternoon. This could indicate lack of awareness among farmers as the right time for effective AI
would be within 8-14 hours after standing heat is manifested. This is because ovulation occur 10-
14 hours after cessation of behavioral signs of estrus (Debir, 2015).

Table 10: Farmers practice of timing AI in the study area

Cow and Time of insemination Frequency percentage

heifer show heat at
afternoon Next day in the Morning 43 61.43

The same day in the afternoon 27 38.57

Cow and heifer The same day afternoon 66 94.29

show heat at
morning The same day in the morning 4 5.71

33
4.9. Demand for Artificial insemination

In the study area there are high potential of dairy cattles were found. Because of this the demand
of AI 43(61.43%) and the demand for ES is 51 (72.14%). Even if the demand is very high the
supply is low supply for AI 10(14.71%) and ES 2(3.92%). Farmer satisfaction with the current
AI services is high as compare with Debir (2015). About (27.14%) of farmers interviewed in
Debre Berhan were not satisfied with the services, whereas (72.86%) of the respondents
expressed satisfaction. Similarly, as a result of dissatisfaction with delivery of AI service and low
conception rates, (33.33%) of the respondent preferred to use natural mating rather than AI
service in the study area. However, most of the farmers surveyed in the areas (66.67%) were
satisfied with the current AI service in the study area.

Table 11: demand and supply of AI and ES in the study area

Frequency Percentage

Demand of AI 43 61.43

Demand of ES 51 72.14

Supply of AI 10 14.71

Supply of ES 2 3.92

x4.10. Constraints of Artificial Insemination

The result obtained from cattle owners revealed that the major constraints of AI were lack of
awareness about AI (57.14%), management problem (61.43%), heat detection problem (21.43%),
diseases (28.57%) and unskilled technician (37.14%). AI failure according to different farming
systems shows that the highest failure was observed in extensive management system (52%)
followed by semi intensive (38.4%) and intensive (9.6%). According to result response for the

34
 major constraint for AI success (20%) of each respondents thinks management problem,
management problem and lack of awareness were the major problem in the study area. On the
other hand, the most common problem for AITs to deliver AI service were lack of awareness
(57.14%), and lack of AI service in (30%). In general, failure of AI due to different constraints
affected the production and productivity of dairy farms. Therefore, awareness should be created
among animal owner and attendants through training and extension programs about proper
management of dairy farms in the study area.

Table 12: Major constraints for the failure of AI in Debre Berhan town

Constraints Response Frequency Percent

Management problem Yes 43 61.43

No 27 35.57

35
 Heat detection Yes 15 21.43
problem
No 55 78.57

Yes 26 37.14
Low technician
experience No 44 62.86

Diseases problem Yes 20 28.57

No 50 71.43

Lack of awareness Yes 40 57.14

No 30 42.86

lack of AI service in Yes 30 42.86

their vicinity
No 40 57.14

X5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Generally, the current study indicated that most of the frames has interest to use artificial
insemination and estrus synchronizations in the area. Among the studied farmers, (85.71%)
reported that as they did not get enough AI service while (14.29%) reported enough AI
service as they need. Most farmers has satisfaction with the current AI service. About
(27.14%) of farmers interviewed were not satisfied with the services, whereas (72.86%) of the
respondents expressed satisfaction. Similarly, as a result of dissatisfaction with delivery of AI
service and low conception rates, (33.33%) of the respondent preferred to use natural mating
rather than AI service in the study area.

36
The interviewed farmers also expressed their willingness to pay for AI service if they can get
regular service system, in most dairy owners did not have a good knowledge of estrus signs,
even when they do, did not bring their animals at the right time for insemination. The fact that
insemination centers are mostly at highest distance from farmers of the surrounding AITs has
also contributed to delay in the proper timing of insemination. Hence, in the used of AI
delivery system of the study area, it can be concluded that the key problems to the success of
AI program are attributed to poor estrus manifestation and improper timing of insemination.

The result obtained from cattle owners revealed that the major constraints of AI were lack of
awareness about AI (57.14%), management problem (61.43%), heat detection problem
(21.43%), diseases (28.57%) and unskilled technician (37.14%). Although the need for estrus
detection has been removed, owners still had the role of bringing the animals within the
optimal period for insemination. In this regard, owners experience still had a significant role
as clearly shown in their difference of pregnancy success between cows owned by those with
good awareness and those without. Those linked to the difficulty of procurement of semen
and liquid nitrogen (9.52%), lack inseminators skill (37.14%), lack of logistics needed to
carry out a smooth AI delivery to far located extension workers, repeat breeding and prevalent
reproductive health problems.

Based on the above highlighted conclusions, the following recommendations are forwarded

 Creation of awareness on feeding management to cattle owners through extension

programs.

 Improving estrus detection methods, subsequent proper timing of insemination and

pregnancy diagnosis is required to improve efficiency of the AI program.

 Besides the stationed AI service, increase the accessibility of AI to the small holders.

 Awareness creation for farmers on the importance of AI and ES.

37
  The government should give priority to address AI and ES services.

 Improving the logistics required for a smooth AI delivery system is important.

6. REFERENCES

Amhara Region Livestock Resources Extension Agency (ARLREA) (2005). Dairy cattle
genetic improvement and management. A training manual for smallholder farmer, Bihar Dar,
Ethiopia. Pp 2-31 and extension in Ethiopia. In proceeding of the 4 th Annual conference on the
Ethiopia.
Althouse, G. (2007). Artificial Insemination, In Schatten, H. and Constantinescu, G.M. (Eds.)
Comperative Reproduction Biology. 159-169. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Anzar, M., Farooq, U., Mirza, M. A., Shahab, M. and Ahmad, N. (2003). Factors Affecting the
Efficiency of Artificial Insemination in Cattle and Buffalo in Punjab. Pakistan Veterinary
Journal, 23:106-113.

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Azage, T., Lahlau- Kassi, A and Mukasa- Mugrewa, E, (1995). Biotechnology in animal
production. Development opportunity in livestock Agriculture proceeding of the
second annual conference of Ethiopian society of animal production, 26-27 May,
1993 Addis Ababa Ethiopia Pp,49.
Azage Tegegne, Awet Estifanos, Asrat Tera, Dirk Hoekstra (2012).Technological options and
approaches to improve smallholder access to desirable animal genetic material for dairy
development: IPMS Experience with hormonal estrus synchronization and mass
insemination in Ethiopia Tropentag, September, 19-21.
Central Statistical Agency (CSA) (2014). Agricultural sample survey 2013/14 Report on
livestock and livestock characteristics. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 2(573).
Climate January (2017).DebreBerhan.https;//www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/forcast/modelclia
te/Debre-Berhan_ethipia_339734.
Desalegn Gebre Medihn, MergaBekana, Azage Tegegn and Kelay Belihu. (2009). Status of
artificial insemination service Ethiopia. A paper presented at the 17 th Annual
Conference of the Ethiopian Society of Animal Production (ESAP), September
24- 26, 2009,held at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR),Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia Pp. 87-104.
Ethiopia Agricultural Sample Enumeration (EASA) (2003). Statistical report on farm
management practice, Livestock and farm implements Economy, 1995. Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia.
Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (2008).Designing of
breeding program for genetic improvement and conservation of Borana, Fogera,
Horro and Begait cattle breeds of Ethiopia.
Funston, R. N., Larson D. M. and Vonnahme k. A. (2009). Implications for beef cattle
production effects of maternal nutrition on conceptus growth and offspring performance:
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Iftikhar, A.A., Usmani, R.H., Tunio, M. and Abro, S.H. (2009). Improvement of Conception
rate in Crossbreed Cattle by using GnRH Analogue Therapy. Department of Agricultural
Science. Islamabad. Pakistan Veterinary Journal, 29: 93-94.

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Maurice, P., Boland and Lonergan (2003). Effect of nutrition on fertility in dairy cows.
Advanced dairy technology, 15: 19.
Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) (1997). National Livestock Development program Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia.
National Livestock Development Project(NLDP),(2001). Plan for artificial breeding
services, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
O’Connor, M. and J. Peters (2003). Reviewing Artificial Insemination Technique. UD015.
College of Agricultural Sciences. The Pennsylvania State University. State College,
PA.
Parkinson, T. (2009). Artificial insemination. In: Noakes. D.E., Parkinson, T.J. & England,
G.C.V. (Eds.) Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics. Ninth edition, 765-806.
Elsevier Ltd.
Pellicer-Rubio, M., Combarnous, Y. (1998). Deterioration of goat spermatozoa in skimmed
Milk based extenders as a result of oleic acid released by the bulb urethral lipase
BUSgp60. J Report Fertile, Vol. 112, pp. 95–105.
Location: Debre Berhan. January (2017). (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debre_Berhan).
López-Gatius, F. (2011). Feeling the ovaries prior to insemination. Clinical implications for
improving the fertility of the dairy cow, Theriogenology, 76: 177–183.
Roca, J., Vazquez, J.M., Gil, M.A., Cuello, C., Parrilla, I., Martinez, E.A. (2006). Challenges in
bull Artificial Insemination. Report Dom Anim, Vol. 41 (Suppl. 2), pp. 43–53.
Shiferaw, Tenhage.B.A, Bekanaty and Kassa. J, (2003). Reproductive performance of cross
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Wani, N.A., Billah, M., Skidmore, J.A. (2007). Studies on liquefaction and storage of semen.
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18:287-295.

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Wishart, G.J. (1985). Quantization of the fertilizing ability of fresh compared with frozen and
thawed fowl spermatozoa. British Poultry Science, Vol. 26, pp. 375–380.

7. APPENDIXES

7.1. Questionnaires Used for the Formal (Diagnostic) Survey of the Study Area.

I. General information of the areas.

Region ___________Zone________________Wereda_______________Kebele__________

II. Characteristics and socio economic profile of the respondent

1. Sex of respondent A. male B. female

2. Family size______ A. male_____ B. female______

3. Gender of household head Age of household head _________

4. Educational status A. Illiterate B. Read & write C. Primary school

D. Secondary school E. collage/university

5. What is your dairy production system? A. complete stall feeding

B. grazing system C. both

6. Cattle herd structure

41
Type of status Number o Cross breed High level Tota
cattle f Cross breed l
indigenou
s

Cow Lactating
cow

Dry cow

bulls

heifer

Male
calves

Female
calves

total

Part III. AI Delivery System

1. Did you use AI service to breed your dairy cattle? A. Yes B. No

2. Do you get the AI service regularly as required? A. Yes B. No

3. If your answer to question no. 2 is No, what is the reason for this?

A. Because the service is not available on weekends & holidays

B. Because there is shortage of AI technicians

C. Because there is shortage of inputs (liquid nitrogen, Semen)

42
4. Is there a specific season you prefer to take your cow for mating or getting AI service?
A. Yes B. No

5. If your answer is yes, which season do you prefer? A. winter B.

Summer

6. What will you do when you do not get AI service on time?

Wait for another 21 days B. Use natural mating C. Others

7. What is the breed of bull you want to use for natural mating? A neighbor

B. communal C. unknown

8. Do you have your Owen breeding bull? A. yes B. No

9. If no what is your source of breeding bull? A. yes B. no

10. Do you face breeding bull shortage A. yes B. no

11. How much do you pay for? A. One bull service B. one AI service

12. How do you communicate with AI technicians?

A. AITs visit us daily B. We call AITs when we need them

C. We take our cows to the AI station D. other

13. Did you have interest to use ES service to breed your dairy cattle? A. yes B. no

14. If you say no, why? A. service not available B. Not reliable C. expensive
D. I do not know about it

15. Do you get the ES service regularly as required? A. yes B. No

16. How much can you pry if you get? A. AI service regularly B. ES service
regularly

17. Do you encounter problem of repeat breeding after the animals are being inseminated?

43
A. Yes B. No

18. If your answer to Q17 is yes, how many times your cows inseminated before the last
conception?

2 times B. 3 times C. 5 times D. 6 and above times

19. For which breed of cattle you usually use ES & AI service?

A. Indigenous breeds B. Cross breeds C. Exotic D. All of them

20. Do you think that there is a difference in success of AI between the breeds?

A. Yes B. No

21. Did you observe differences between ES & AI technicians in efficiency of conception of
inseminated cows? A. Yes B. No

22. Do you think that the number of AI technicians in the woreda is enough to effectively
deliver the AI service? A. Yes B. No

Part IV. Reproductive management practices (Heat detection and Breeding System)

1. Do you regularly monitor estrus of your cows to be inseminated?

A. yes B. No

2. How many times each day you monitor heat of the animals?

A. Once per day B. Twice per day C.Three times per day D. Four times per day

3. When should your cow be inseminated, which came in heat in the afternoon?
_______________________________________________________________

4. When should your cow be inseminated, which came in heat in the morning?
_______________________________________________________________

5. Do you take animals in heat for mating to the AI center or you call AI technician?

44
6. In relation to the above answer, what do you do if the AI technician comes too late for
insemination?

A. Get the service any way B. Reject the service and wait for another 21 days
C. Use Natural mating

7. Have you ever get any training in relation with heat detection and time of Insemination?

A. Yes B. No

8. If yes, who provides the training?

A. Research institutes B. NGOs C. Any other

9. Do you have any traditional knowledge to bring animals into heat?

A. Yes B. No

10. Do you keep record of date of AI and other records?

11. Is there a management problem in the area? A. Yes B. No

12. Is there a disease problem in the area? A. Yes B. No

13. Is there a feed problem in the area? A. Yes B. No

14. Is there a lack of experience AITs in the area? A. Yes B. No

15. Is there a lack of awareness in the area? A. Yes B. No

16. Number of cow synchronized……………………………………………………………

17. Number of cow inseminated --------------------------------------------------------------

18. The demand and supply of AI and ES in your area?

45