Evaluation of two methods of estrus synchronization of cattle in Chad

Abstract

The results of an artificial insemination experi-ment carried out in the suburban area of N'Dja-mena are here reported. Two methods of syn-chronization (Norgestomet combination/estra-diol/PGF 2α /PMSG and PGF 2α only) were used with Chadian zebu and crossed breeds in 2007 and 2008. Females were inseminated after in-duction of estrus with semen of French Nor-mand breed. The fertility rate was low with PGF 2α (29.41%). The results obtained with the combi-nation of several hormones were better (66.66%). The survival rates of crossbreeds were particu-larly low, 40% in 2007 and 33.33% in 2008, main-ly due to the traditional management of the herd and the lack of technical support. The insemina-tion cost of a cow was 39,550 F CFA in 2007 with PGF 2α and 59,200 F CFA in 2008 with the method consisting of combining of four hormones. The cost of producing a calf in those two years was very high, 134,470 F CFA in 2007 and 118,400 F CFA in 2008.