Abstract:
Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination technologies in Abergelle Goat at Station and On-farm conditions of Waghemira zone, Ethiopia
Bekahegn Wondom1,2, Mengistie Taye1, Kefyalew Alemayehu1, Aynalem Haile3, Mourad Rekik4
1Animal Production and Technology, Collage of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Bahir Dar University: PO. Box 5501, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
2Sekota Dry land Agriculture Research Center (SDARC), PO. Box 62, Sekota, Ethiopia
3International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA), PO.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
4International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA), PO.Box 950764, Aman, Jordan
Reproductive bio-technological tools are important to suit kidding time with better forage availability and accelerate improved genetics in the selective breeding programs. The study was conducted from 2018 - 2019 to investigate the effect of different estrus synchronization protocols on estrus response and conception rate of Abergelle goats with fixed time artificial insemination (AI). The protocols evaluated were: 1) Pregnant mare serum gonadatropins (PMSG+Enzaprost®), 2) single, and 3) double injection of prostaglandin (PGF2α). Semen characteristics of Abergelle bucks under station and CBBP management conditions were also investigated. The perception of farmers on the reproductive technologies was assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 335 (station = 92 and CBBP site = 243) Abergelle does were used for the experiment. For the on-station experiment, 25 does were distributed for each of the treatment groups and 17does were allocated as a control group. For the on-farm experiment, 73 does for PMSG+Enzaprost®, 58 does for PGF2α single injection, 72 does for PGF2α double injection and 40 does for control groups were allocated. For the AI and semen analysis experiment, five bucks from the station and 18 bucks from the CBBP villages were used. At the station, does were allowed to graze for about 8hrs daily followed by supplementation of mixture of 300-350g cowpea hay and wheat bran per day for about one month before the commencement of the experiment. Similarly, bucks were kept by separate attendant and allowed for grazing for about 4 hrs dally followed by supplementation of the above-specified ration for about one and half month prior to the actual experiment. For the on-farm experiment, does used in the trail were separated from farmers flock and kept by separate attendants, allowed to graze as usual practice by farmers followed by supplementation of similar ration as the on- station per day for about one month before the actual experimental time. Bucks were kept also by separate