Application, Utilization and Uptake of Artificial Insemination Technology to Smallholder Farmers in the Traditional Agro-Pastoral Livestock Farming System: A Case of Mpwapwa District in the Central Zone of Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract Cattle breeding in the central zone of Tanzania is largely by unproven homebred bulls, with very limited use of artificial insemination (AI). Hence, beef herds in the region remain largely unimproved, with relatively low genetic merit and productivity. An outreach program was developed by the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI) to pilot AI service delivery to smallholder farmers in the central zone of Tanzania, with the objectives of: identifying the processes required to develop an AI service; and improving farmers’ understanding of the potential benefits to their herds through using AI. Smallholder farmers (100) in the Mpwapwa district of the Dodoma region of Tanzania were recruited into the program. 200 cows were involved in the programme composed of the following breeds: Mpwapwa (100), Tanzania Short-horned Zebu (70) and Boran (30). The AI bulls used were from Mpwapwa and Boran breeds kept at the National Artificial Insemination Centre (NAIC) in Tanzania, selected based on pedigree information and growth performance. All cows were synchronized prior to AI using a prostaglandin (PG)-based programme. Of the 200 cows, 110 cows were inseminated following oestrus observed after 1st PG, with 90 non-responding cows receiving a 2nd PG injection at day 11 with fixed time AI (FTAI) 72 hours later. Of the 200 cows, 110 (55%; 95%CI 48-62%) became pregnant to AI. Bulls were introduced into the herd for 60 days, starting 60 days after FTAI, with 80/90 cows (89%; 95%CI 81-94%) which did not get pregnant to AI becoming pregnant during this period. For widespread uptake of AI, the following issues need to be addressed: (i) the inability of farmers to accurately detect oestrus, probably necessitating use of low-cost whole herd FTAI programs; (ii) the dearth of trained AI technicians; and (iii) low background fertility of cows.