Assessment of the Status and Farmers’ Attitude on Estrous Synchronization and Mass Artificial Insemination in West Arsi and East Shewa Zones of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Assessment of the status of the Estrous synchronization and mass artificial insemination (OSMAI) program was conducted at East Shewa and West Arsi Zone of Oromia region, Ethiopia. The assessment was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 220 respondents were randomly selected from 12 Kebeles and 4 districts where the OSMAI project was initiated. Ninety-one percent of the respondents said they use mass artificial insemination and estrous synchronization. PGF2α injections caused 92.4% of the animals to display symptoms of heat overall; 87.9% of these animals were fed artificial insemination, while the remaining 12.1% were served by a bull. The overall rate of conception in the research region is 68.9%, and there is no discernible variation in the conception rate of the animals. The AI technicians made the majority of the decisions about the selection of the cattle that were included in the program. The majority of responders (68.4%) said they had no idea what breeds their animals' sires were. Across the research area, AITs determine 99 percent of the breed and blood type of sire used in crossbreeding. According to the results, 36.5 percent of calves born were of breeding age, and 65.2%, 17.4%, and 13% of calves were served by native bulls, crossbred bulls, and AI, respectively. The results showed a substantial variation in respondents' levels of satisfaction, with 50% of respondents saying they were dissatisfied with the service they received from OSMAI and 51% saying they thought that residents in and around their village were somewhat happy with the OSMAI services provided there. Out of the respondents, 59.5 percent said the program must be continued and expanded, while 22.6 percent said it must be continued in its current form. However, 17.9% of those surveyed said that the program's success was a failure and that it ought to be discontinued. Programs for improving breeds must be implemented with farmer participation, as farmers must be informed and involved for the program to be successful. Farmers must be informed about the breed and blood type of animals that their animals crossbreed with, and they must be given the opportunity to choose and make this decision.

Keywords: Estrus mass synchronization and artificial insemination, Conception rate, Perception

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/16-1-03

Publication date: May 31^st 2026