Improving Dairy Production Through Biotechnology Assisted Crossbred Heifer Production in Tigray Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Adigrat-Mekelle milk shade (Ganta Afeshum and Kilteawlaelo Districts) with the objective of evaluating the effect of prostaglandin on Estrus synchronization of dairy cattle and to increase the availability of crossbred heifers through combined use of Artificial insemination service and Estrus synchronization techniques. Six potential peasant associations (three from each district) were selected to conduct biotechnology assisted reproductive management on dairy cow and heifers. Animal handling facilities were already established in almost all the selected areas. A technical team was established from researchers, veterinaries, and AI technicians. Higher officials of ILRI at Ethiopian Meat and Milk Development Institute (EMMDTI) provided training to the technical team for 15 days. About 230 dairy cows and heifers were presented for synchronization. Local cows (Arado), HF and their crossbred were screened using parity (2-5), body condition (2-4), and reproductive history (cyclic). Only 199 (87%) dairy cows and heifers were injected with 5 ml PGF_2α (Lutalyse hormone) intra muscular. Six (3%) cows aborted due to the hormone effect as they were at early pregnancy. About 193 (97%) of the total synchronized dairy cows and heifers were presented for final insemination. 15 (8%) of the inseminated dairy cows and heifers were lost for insemination and 178 (92%) were inseminated at fixed time of 48 and 72 hours after the hormone treatment. Fates of the final inseminated cows and heifers were abortion 5%, infection 8%, repeated 12%, died 1%, and sold 9%. Only 145(82 %) of the total inseminated cows and heifers were presented for final pregnancy diagnosis 3 months later through ovarian palpation. The response to the administration of PGF_2α was 100% with mean proportion of 61% pregnancy rate.

Keywords: Dairy cows, Synchronization, prostaglandin, Heat estrus and Pregnancy rate