Article Sidebar
Published:
Sep 20, 2024Keywords:
Article Details
For all accepted articles, authors will be requested to complete, a RJAS publishing agreement. An email will be sent to the corresponding author confirming receipt of the manuscript together with the journal publishing agreement. Copyrights for articles published in our journals are retained by the authors, with first publication rights granted to the journal. The journal/publisher is not responsible for subsequent uses of the work. It is the author's responsibility to bring an infringement action if so desired by the author. The findings, interpretations and conclusions reached in the report do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor and /or the Editorial Board of RJAS.
Main Article Content
Factors affecting the success rate of artificial insemination in smallholder dairy production in selected regions of Rwanda
Abstract
Accessibility of improved dairy genetics in Rwanda is still limited, mostly, by poor success rate of artificial insemination (AI) and dairy management practices. The present study was conducted to assess factors affecting the effectiveness of AI in smallholder dairy production systems in Gicumbi, Nyanza, and Rwamagana districts. A total of 257 cows and heifers from 234 farmers were assessed and recruited for artificial insemination. Information on health and production statuses of the animals was recorded and a trans-rectal ultrasonography was used to test conception rate (CR) from 60 to 80 days after artificial insemination. Collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 26. Factors with Chi-square, and p-value ≤ 0.05 were included in multiple logistic regression to identify factors with higher association with CR. Results showed that average AI success rate in the study area stands at 45.1%. Age between three to six years (p-value 0.002) and natural estrus (p-value 0.000) showed higher conception rate in this study. Similarly, the presence of three estrus signs and time for artificial insemination showed a positive association with conception rate. The findings of this study showed that natural heat detection, age of the cow, proper time for insemination, heat signs management, and breeds would be taken into consideration in breeding programs to increase AI success rate.
