IMPROVING REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY OF NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS CATTLE BREEDS USING PROGESTIN-BASED PROTOCOLS FOR TIMED ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

Abstract

Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) using progestin-based protocols is an effective means of improving reproductive efficiency in Nigerian indigenous cattle breeds. Progestin protocols, when combined with other hormones, can produce synchronization of oestrus and ovulation, thereby enhancing conception and pregnancy rates as well as reducing the necessity of oestrus detection. An experiment was designed to compare the protocols of the 5-day Controlled internal drug release (CIDR), J-Synch and 7&7 Co-Synch protocols for synchronization of oestrus in respect to indigenous Zebu cows (n = 60) before FTAI with conventional semen. The hormonal levels and conception rates with respect to synchronized Zebu indigenous cows were also investigated with respect to an artificial insemination (AI) scheme in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, by means of standard methods. The success of conception was achieved both vaginally and by transrectal palpation, and a threshold level of progesterone was determined post-insemination. A greater proportion of cows exhibited oestrus (P = 0.01) before FTAI to7 & 7 Co-Synchprotocol (80 %, 16/20) as compared to the 5-day +CIDRand J-Synch protocols(60 %, 12/20). Across the protocols, body condition score (BCS) affected (P = 0.05) the degree of oestrus expression, with the greater proportion of cows exhibiting oestrus before FTAI found at comparable higher BCS. The pregnancy rates to FTAI were obtained from cows treated with the 7 & 7 Co-Synch (18/20) than the 5-day +CIDR and J-Synch protocols (11/20). The 7 & 7 Co-Synch resulted in a higher proportion of Zebu cows expressing oestrus before FTAI, increased conception and pregnancy rates to FTAI with conventional semen. Consequently, we would recommend FTAI with the 7&7 Co-Synch protocols for the synchronisation of oestrus periods for the FTAI in the Zebu Nigerian indigenous cattle breeds.