Abstract:
The study was carried out to evaluate the reproductive and artificial insemination service efficiency of dairy cows under smallholder farmers’ management in Eastern zone of Tigray, Northern, Ethiopia. The study involved survey to assess dairy cattle management practices, retrospective study to evaluate the efficiency of AI service, and field monitoring to confirm the retrospective study. A total of 128 households (64 AI beneficiary and 64 AI non-beneficiary households) were selected purposively from 4 districts for the study and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire. Retrospective study covered the period 2009-2012 and field monitoring was conducted on 160 cows. Sperm quality was assessed on 80 straws of frozen semen drawn from the AI centre of four districts and sub-centers. This study showed that about 84.38% of the AI beneficiary and 68.75% non-beneficiary households were headed by male. From the AI beneficiary and non-beneficiary households, about 73.44% and 67.19% were literate, respectively. The overall mean cattle herd size per household in the study area was 4.94 of which the number of crossbreds was 1.89±0.30 and 1.23±0.22 for AI beneficiary and non-beneficiary households, respectively. The major feed resources in the study area were crop residue and Atela. However about 90.6% of the surveyed households use green forages and factory by products for supplementation. Distance from AI center, lack of service on weekends and holidays and in adequate heat detection practices were the major constraints of AI service delivery system in the study area. The mean age at first service (AFS) was 30.3 ±0.42 and 39.3±0.49 months for crossbred and local cows, respectively. Breed and production system had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on AFS. However, district had no effect. The mean age at first calving (AFC) was 39.6±0.40 and 48.5±0.48 months for crossbred and local cows, respectively. Breed and production system had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on AFC. However, district had no. Mean inter service interval (ISI) of dairy cows was 27.8±1.21 and 24.6±1.34 days for crossbred and local cows, respectively, and it was influenced (p 0.05). Generally the current study indicated most reproductive performance parameters were low compared to the recommended literatures. The major factor that affected for the reproductive performance parameters was identified feed resource. Lack of herd record, lack of follow up and distance to AI canters were also influencing the AI delivery system. Semen quality was affected due to transportation, poor handling and storage. Therefore, it is advisable to focus on improved forage development and research on feed resource options. Technical improved technologies, such as efficient heat detection and improved husbandry practices should be given attention in adoption to smallholder dairy producers. Quality of frozen semen should be also regularly checked starting from the production and processing centre to the respective AI centres for their handling before insemination.