ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN COWS

By Penjani Nzima

THE livestock sub sector has the potential to create employment as well as increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

And to make sure that this part of the agriculture sector thrives, the government will endeavor to promote and increase livestock production by focusing on stocking and restocking, Artificial Insemination (AI).

THE IMPORTANCE OFARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AI)

Artificial Insemination (AI) is one of the most important techniques ever developed for the genetic improvement of farm animals. The greatest advantage of this procedure is that there is maximum use of superior bulls which does not happen with natural service.

On the other hand, the danger of spreading infectious genital diseases is also reduced since exposure of sires to such ailments is curbed. Through AI, one can also detect early infertile bulls, use old or disabled bulls and it eliminates the danger of handling unruly bulls.

And according to Elias Mwanza an Artificial Insemination (AI)technician who is based in Mkushi noted that AI is a good procedure as it helps to bring out the pedigree of real breeds.

CAUSES OF AI FAILURE IN COWS

Asked as what could be some of the causes of AI failure in cows Mr. Mwanza indicated that the failure can come as a result of both human and animal factors.

THE FARMER

Mr. Mwanza said the failure by most farmers to detect the animal when it’s on heat is the most frequent cause of reproductive failure in herds that are bred artificially.

“As a farmer, the knowledge of heat cycle changes and keeping of accurate breeding records are essential in minimising AI failure. To enhance chances of conception, the farmer needs to avoid inaccurate reporting of heat especially the time when the cow started showing signs of standing heat,” he explained.

Mr. Mwanza disclosed thatstanding heat is the period when a cow stands to bemounted by others or moves forward slightly as it is being mounted.

He further said apart from the real risk of fertilisation failure,breeding either too early or too late allows an aged sperm or an aged egg tointeract at the site of fertilisation and will result in poor conception due toembryonic deaths.

Furthermore, he advised the livestock farmers to safe keep the breeding records such as last calving and last heat helps a farmer to accurately predict the likely dates of the next heat signs.

THE INSEMINATOR

Mr. Mwanza said the other failure in AI is due to work done by an incompetent or unskilled inseminator. This really contributes to the failure due to improper semen handling and incorrect insemination techniques or procedure.

He added that the spermatozoa that is contained in the semen can be destroyed through improper handling, exposure to sunlight or contact with either water or blood.

“The use of dirty equipment, failure to dry semen straws in warm water after thawing and injury to reproductive tract during insemination will hamper spermatozoa survival.  Frozen semen needs to be thawed well before insemination. Thawing practices such as rolling of straws between hands or placing under the armpit are wrong,” he explained

Mr. Mwanza pointed out and stressed strongly that for proper fertilisation and conception to occur, semen has to be deposited precisely within the uterus at the right time which needs a properly qualified AI technician.

ANIMAL FACTORS

Mr. Mwanza said poor nutrition, on the other hand, causes the cow to fail to show clear signs of heat. This makes it difficult to know the right time for insemination.

“Feeding the cows with a balanced ration and maintaining the same plane of nutrition before and after breeding is crucial. Keep your cattle free of internal parasites and provide adequate amounts of feeds containing the necessary nutrients, especially energy, protein,” he said.

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