Assessment of Artificial Insemination Conception Rate in Commercial Dairy Cattle and Associated Risk Factors in and Around Sebeta

Abstract

A longitudinal study design was conducted from September 2019 to June 2020 in and around Sebeta. The objective of the study was to assessefficiency of artificial insemination on conception rate and factors limiting the conception rate in commercial dairy farms. Data was collected from farm follow up and supportive questionnaire survey was employed for collecting data from cattle owners. A total of 384 heifers and cows were inseminated and after three months rectal palpation was carried out. Data collected from observations and the questionnaires result was entered into a Microsoft Excel Spread sheet and analysed with SPSS version 20-analysis software. The study resulted 74.7% overall conception rate in artificially inseminated heifers/cows. Among the risk factors, the highest conception rates were observed in cross breed (78%), uniparous from effects of parity on conception rates (80.4 %), those with good body condition scores (81.4%) and heifers/cows with a docile temperament (77.2%). The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in conception rates based on breed, body condition, reproductive health status, timing of insemination, presence of clear vaginal mucus at the time of AI, and semen deposition site (P < 0.005).  In conclusion, breed, body condition score, reproductive health issues, timing, and insemination technique were key factors affecting conception success. Enhancing cow nutrition, ensuring timely insemination, addressing reproductive disorders, and improving the skill of inseminators are crucial for increasing AI success rates in commercial dairy farms.