Reproductive Performance of Zebu Cattle Following Artificial Insemination (AI) in Adamawa State, North-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Reproductive Performance of Zebu Cattle Following Artificial Insemination (AI) in Adamawa State, North-Eastern NigeriaThe precarious supply of animal products to Nigerian populace may worsen if livestock production is still based on the use of multipurpose indigenous cattle breeds with genetically low productive potentials.The main objective of this study was to determine the reproductive performance of Zebu cattle in an AI program in The Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Livestock Farm, Adamawa State, North-Eastern Nigeria.Twenty (20) female Zebu cattle comprising heifers and cows were selected at random from the cattle herds, February to March, 2016.The insemination was performed via recto-vaginal technique following estrus synchronization, using prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α).The results of the study showed animal age ranging from three (3) to ten (10) years old with parity from 0 to 5. The body condition scores of the animals vary from 2.0 to 2.5 indicating poor nutrition and management practices at the period.There was 100% estrus detection rate since all animals displayed signs of heat and were turned in for insemination.The findings showed a low success rate of 25% with higher failure rate of 75%.It was concluded that, Ayrshire and Brahman crossed Zebu female cattle through AI, though gave low fertility rates at the first attempt, is still the rapid means of improving milk production and reproductive efficiency of the combined adaptability and hardiness of the Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) with the genetically high reproductive and milk yield potentials of the exotic breeds (Bos taurus).There is still room for an in-depth future study of the effects of upgrading indigenous Zebu cattle crossed with exotic bulls to maximize production.This is important in realizing the goal of increasing the production and reproductive efficiency of the indigenous crossbred cattle in the country.This would also ensure sustainable food security in the North-East and Nigeria as a whole.