PRACTICES AND EFFECTIVENESS OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN CATTLE AT KALIAKOIR UPAZILLA, GAZIPUR

Abstract

Artificial insemination (AI) was the first great biotechnology applied to improve reproduction and genetics of farm animals. It has had an enormous impact worldwide in many species, particularly in dairy cattle. To get more meat, milk from dairy cow, AI play an important role to develop different breeds across the country. This study was conducted from May 2018 to April 2019 at upazilla livestock office, Kaliakoir, Gazipur to determine the effectiveness of Artificial insemination in cattle. A total of 150 cows were selected to identify the potential risk factors such as breed, age, body condition score (BCS) & season on conception rate. The study showed that overall pregnancy rate was 55.33%, The highest pregnancy rate (59.52%) was observed in Sahiwal cross, which was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of Friesian cross (47.92%) cows. Cows of 2< - <4 years of old revealed a significantly (p<0.05) higher pregnancy rate (56.47%) than others. The higher pregnancy rate (63.08%) in cows of BCS 3.5 than lower 2.5 BCS (29.17%) cows showed significantly (p<0.05) higher pregnancy rate (71.05%) when AI was done in spring (March-April) compared to winter (November-February) calving cows (58.14%). Good BCS significantly enhances the pregnancy rate in cattle. The study suggested that the spring (March-April) may be the best season for good fertility of cattle in Bangladesh.