Assessment of Breeding Practice and Statues of Estrus Synchronization and Mass Insemination Conception Rate of Dairy Cattle in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia


 BackgroundAssisted reproductive biotechnology like oestrus synchronization mass insemination(OSMI), and artificial insemination (AI) are the most important bio techniques for improving the reproductive and productive performance of dairy cattle including enhancing overall profit in Ethiopia. In North Shewa zone different study were conducted. However, there is no study conducted on breeding practice, and status of OSMI conception rate of dairy cattle. Therefore the aim of this study to assess breeding practice, and status of OSMI conception rate of dairy cattle in North Shewa zone.MethodsOut of 27 districts, three district and 135 respondents were selected purposive followed by random sampling techniques per each district. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and Ms-Excel (2010).ResultMilk yield, High growth rate, body weight, fertility and udder size were the major traits perceived by farmers. Breed preference of the respondents were HHFC and HFC in Basonaworena and Angolelanatera ranked first. Breeding objective and rearing system of cattle were milk production with sale of calves and all cattle categories reared together except HHFC and lactating cows respectively. Most of the respondents were used AI mating system due to rapid genetic improvement. HHFC and HJERC bulls breed were not available in the study area as a result alternative strategies taken by the respondents was take cows in other kebele. Reproductive performance of dairy cattle per district and breeds were statistically significant. 86.6% of respondents were not maintained mating and pedigree records due to lack of awareness. Heat detection problem and AIT efficiency were the major factor that affect CR in OSMI program. The perception and satisfaction of farmer on CR of OSMI (34.4%) was not good and (67.1%) not satisfied respectively. The selection criteria of cows for OSMI program (58.9%) of respondents were not aware. The status of CR and NSPC per district, breed and year were vary (p<0.05) in table16 in OSMI program.ConclusionIn conclusion that the status of CR was increasing starting 2013/14-2015/16 in OSMI. In addition creation of farmer’s awareness on breeding aspects as well as OSMI is mandatory. Finally empowering the AI technician efficiency and procurement of the necessary facilities should be in place before implementing an OSMI.


Introduction
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as oestrus synchronization, super ovulation and arti cial insemination (AI) are some of the important bio techniques for improving the reproductive and thereafter the lifetime productivity of the cattle thereby enhancing the overall pro t from cattle farming (Webb et al., 2003). Oestrus synchronization involves manipulating the oestrus cycle of females, so they can be bred at approximately the same time, thereby saving both time and logistics (Rick and Gene, 2013). This bio technique also involves regulating the follicular development thereby inducing oestrus cycle (Rasby and Deutche 2013). Synchronization programs are selected from several predesigned protocols which have been scienti cally/clinically proven to regulate the follicular development (IAARD-IJAVS-2015). Oestrus synchronization and mass insemination(OSMI) under smallholder context can be used as a tool to effectively use the natural resources when available abundantly to parturates healthy calves and also to evade the period when there is shortages of feed and fodder (Azageet al,2016) . In addition, synchronization of oestrus contributes to optimizing the use of time, labour, and nancial resources by shortening the calving season (Kefyalew and Addis, 2015).
Oestrus synchronization assists in the accomplishment of faster livestock improvement programs such as xed time arti cial insemination (FTAI) and super ovulation of cows, thus minimizing the costs, time and labour required for oestrus detection in cows and does away with buying superior dams and sires.
However the wide application and success of OSMI across the developed world and its success in Africa and other developed country is still low owing to technical ine ciencies besides managerial and other infrastructure related issues (Azage et al., 1995). It has been reported by Dekeba et al. (2006) the e ciency of the AI service is declining due to inconsistent service especially among the small holder livestock production system of Ethiopian highlands. This could also be related to controlling of oestrus especially under conditions of small holder management and in many cases they are unable to identify the signs of oestrus (Woldu et al., 2011).
The qualities of the semen, its storage across different stages of handling besides the skill of the inseminators play important roles in the success of the whole program (Gebremedhin, 2005). This could further in uence the e ciency of the oestrus OSMI process especially under the management of smallholder farmers (Woldu et al., 2011). Detection of oestrus is usually faulty as many of the farmers are not aware of its signs and also there are cases of silent oestrus in the zebu cattle (Tsadik et al, 2008, Jane et al., 2009). In many cases, the oestrus occurs during the night hours and therefore di cult to access especially at the late night hours and by the time the inseminators are informed and they respond to the call, (Mukasa Mugerwa, 1989) but in ideal world strategy of calving interval is "One calf per year per cow", in order to achieve this strategy in the country, the calving interval need to be optimized (Perez et al. 2012). As a result to solve those problem OSMI technology is the key point. On this program different studies were performed in different parts of Ethiopia , in Amhara region (Yeshimebt et. al., 2017), Oromia region (Bainesagn, 2015), and SNNP Region (Debir, 2016) and Tigray regions (Destalem, 2015) with the conception rate of 59.6%,59.16 % , 42.2% and 36.12% respectively.In this context, OSMI as reproductive management tool was initiated in 2013 in north Shewa zone of Amhara region as a pilot scale by the Bureau of Agriculture in Siyadebrnawayu, Tarmaber, Angolelanatera, Debre Birehan town, and Basonaworena districts. Records till 2017 indicated that in those districts of North Shewa zone 9097cows were synchronized and 5074 dairy cows inseminated by the Bureau of Agriculture. However in this study areas, they did not see the status of OSMI conception rate (CR) with related to breeding practice by detailed comprehensive assessment analysis (BoZLFDA, 2013(BoZLFDA, -2017. As a result the present study was initiated to perform detailed comprehensive assessment of the overall breeding practice and, status of OSMI, s CR, in dairy cattle with the following speci c objectives To determine breeding practice of dairy cows

Sampling Procedures
Based on number of synchronized dairy cows, AI practice, attitude of farmers to adopt OSMI technology, accessibility of infrastructure out of 27 districts three districts were selected namely Siyadebrnawayu, Basonaworena, and Angolelatera. Thereafter 9 kebeles from the selected districts, were selected using multi-stage strati ed purposive sampling followed by random sampling technique. The number of farmers involved in the OSMI was identi ed from districts record data and from these farmers 405 total respondents were selected randomly. Based on the Yemane (1967) sample formula with 95% con dence level.

Data Collection method
Data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaire. Interview was done by the enumerators together with researcher and supervisor. Focus group discussion was also organized in each selected kebeles.
Secondary data was collected from zonal, districts and kebeles agricultural administrates documents three consecutive year recorded data.

Data Analysis
After all the data were collected fed to Ms-Excel (2010) and transferred to SPSS thereafter analyzed by SPSS version 20 and Ms-Excel (2010). Quantitative data was analyzed by using one way ANOVA. Whereas qualitative data analyzed by chi-square using cross tabulation. Ranking also analyzed by using Ms-Excel (2010).
The reproductive performance of the dairy cows as computed the following formula: Where CR: conception rate, NSPC =number of service per conception rate Where, Rn = the last rank (example if the last rank is 5 th , then Rn = 5, Rn-1 = 4, R1 = 1). Cn = percent of respondents in the last rank, C1 = percent of respondents ranked rst The nding pertaining that the source of cattle being used as a replacement in the herd in Table 1.In Basonaworena (B) district the replacement cattle are generally upgraded followed by those which were home bred. The results further show that at Siyadebrnawayu (S) district the replacement stock was generally get from house while at Angolelanatera (A) district the replacement was from upgrading using house herd.   Index=the sum of (5 times rst order + 4 times second order +3 times third order + 2 times fourth order + 1times fth order) for individual variables divided by the sum of (5 times rst order + 4 times second order +3 times third order + 2 times fourth order + 1 times fth order) for all variables, JERC= Jersey cross, HFC=Holstein Frisian cross, HHFC, higher Holstein Frisian cross (>75% exotic blood level).

Selection Criteria and trait preference of dairy cattle in the study area
The selection criteria of cattle based on preferred traits are presented in Table 3, 4 and 5 for the three districts. The respondents from B district preferred to select cattle based on their milk yield followed by their High growth rate and body weight. The ndings also indicate that the respondents from S district preferred selecting cattle based on their High growth rate, followed by bodyweight and milk yield. The study further shows that the respondents from A district indicated that the cattle were selected based on their High growth rate, milk yield and body weight in ranking. Index=the sum of (5 times rst order + 4 times second order +3 times third order + 2 times fourth order + 1times fth order for individual variables divided by the sum of ((5 times rst order + 4 times second order +3 times third order + 2 times fourth order + 1times fth order )) Index=the sum of (5 times rst order + 4 times second order +3 times third order + 2 times fourth order + 1times fth order for individual variables divided by the sum of ((5 times rst order + 4 times second order +3 times third order + 2 times fourth order + 1times fth order )) The breeding objective of cattle were presented in Table 6. The ndings show that respondents reared their cattle for milk production followed by sale of calves and cattle. The study further indicates that all age categories of cattle was reared together; however HHFC breed and lactating cows are reared separately so that management is better for them.   Table 8 shows that respondents get different breeding bulls for mating purpose. The overall percentage (94%) of respondents did not get HHFC and HJER breed bull. While 19 and 6% of respondents were obtained HFC, JERC and HHFC, HJER breeding bull respectively. Keeble's breeding bulls (24.7%), use any available bull (7.6%), extend for the next estrus, (5.63%), use AI by calling for AITs or take a cow in their station in long distance (21.5%), goes to research center (24%), use their bull (3.2%), use AI (8.17%) and use communal bull (5.2%) of respondents in the study areas (Table 9). About 40% of the respondents in Siyadebrnawayu district take their cows to AI center in long distance this might be one of the mechanism conception failure due to pass of insemination time (Table 9).

Factor Affecting Conception Rates of OSMI in Dairy Cows
The overall percentage of respondents agreed that heat detection problem (13.38% ), AI technician e ciency (14.57%), distance of AI center (11.61%), absence of AIT ( 7.897% ), disease problem (4.94), service charge (0.99), time of insemination (14.8%), semen quality (11.34%) body condition of the cows (9.873%) and communication 10.6% are the major factors that in uence the successful CR of OSMI in the study areas (Table   12).

Perception and satisfaction of Farmers towards the OSMI Technology
The results revealed that 34.4% of respondents agreed that OSMI is not good While 32.3% and 33.3% of respondents agreed that very good and good respectively with positive circumstance (Table 13). On the satisfaction of outcome of OSMI 67.1% not satis ed reported by respondents.

Respondents Selection Criteria of Cows and Heifer for OSMI
The present study showed that the main selection criteria of cows and heifers for OSMI application about 58.9% of farmers had no their own selection criteria of cows. As a result provide any type of cows and heifers for OSMI whether emaciate or none fertile cows then selected by AITs while 37% of respondents were provide their cows with animals with optimum body condition for OSMI (Table 14). According to the respondents from B and A districts availability of improved genotypes and presence of milk union in the area were the major one.
While, the respondents in S district opined that the herds were well managed, feed was available year around in the area besides the farmers had accepted the OSMI program with open heart. show that numbers of services per conception (NSPC) did not vary across the years. The study also shows that the status of OSMI per Years and per district was slightly varied. Regarding districts indicated that the conception too varied across the studied locations with lowest conception rat was recorded among the cattle reared in Siyadebrnawayu district. The status of OSMI CR was signi cantly increases per Years. The conception rate per breed, of cross breed was higher as compared to native breed.  Smith, 1997). This is all the more true when the cattle are inseminated arti cially. Thus, a proper recording system has to be put in place a copy of which has to be in hand with the rearers themselves. Proper recording system is usually lacking in the tropical countries and Ethiopia being no exception (ICAR, 2000; Philipson and Rege, 2003). Respondents need to be made aware of the same and simple yet effective recording system needs to be put in place.

Traits preferred in selection of cattle in the studied locations
The results as pertaining to the traits preferred by the respondents across the studied locations are more of less similar. Milk yield of the cattle was preferred which is in close accordance with those of Bainesaign (2016) in Oromia Region. This is because of established milk processing units in the vicinity except S district. The High growth rate of the cattle are associated with its fertility and the trait as a whole is lowly heritable. Thus, selection of this trait is closely associated with the management of the cattle and the nutrition available. Inclusion of High growth rate as a selection criteria have also been reported by (Godadaw et al., 2014). This trait is closely associated with the lifetime calf crop production which in turn is also associated with the lifetime milk yield of the cattle (Debir, 2016). The inclusion of body weight as a selection criteria as indicated in the study are also correlated with the above two traits. Cattle with optimum body weight usually have a better reproduction ability and also milk yield (Karume, 2013). However, higher body weight of cattle is also correlated with high maintenance requirements and there of high feed requirements (karume, 2013). Thus, cattle with low maintenance requirements will be those which are favourable under small holder farmers in the Ethiopian scenario (Philipsson and Rege, 2003).

Breeding objective and rearing system of cattle in the study areas
In Table 6 is indicative that most of the native cattle are rared for milk followed by those of sale of calves and oxen for fattening purposes, the ndings are in close agreement with those of (Destalem,2015). The sale of native bull calves as oxen purposes too have been reported by Zewdu, (2004) this is primarily for agrarian purposes and thereafter for beef purposes (CSA, 2016/17). The results pertaining to the objectives for rearing the HFC cattle indicate that they are raised for milk production, sale of calves, the ndings too are in close agreement with those of (Destalem, 2015). The HFC crosses are high yielders and therefore preferred by the farmers all over the country (Azage, 1989). The crossbred calves are in high demand by the investors in urban and peri urban locations as the numbers of crossbreds are usually less in the country as a whole (FAO,2010). The ndings also show that most of the farmers in Ethiopia depend on organic manure for agrarian purposes (Bainesagn, 2015). The study also shows that most of the higher Holstein Friesian crosses are raised for milk purposes which too is in close agreement with the ndings of (Alemshet,2014; Destalem, 2015 ). However the numbers of HHFC are very few and most of them are females.

Matting Systems
The ndings pertaining that the participants use AI and natural mating interchangeably, this is in accordance with the ndings of (LeeKim, 2014) from Asela town of Oromia Region and (Getie et al. 2015 ;Destalem 2015). This may be because of the fact that sometimes the AI technicians may not be available which may force the respondents to revert back to natural mating of their cattle (Destalem, 2015). It has also been reported in several studies that at times cattle which do not conceive using several AI do so under natural mating (Destalem, 2015). This is ascribed to the fact that many times cattle develop allergy towards the chemicals used in semen preservations especially ethylene glycol and thus impair fertilization and many times the growth of the embryo (Generose et al.,1988). The study further indicates that the participants under the project usually select the bulls based on prede ned criteria set up by the project o cials. It has also been reported that some of the participants also select bulls based on traditional methods which basically comes with experience.
The participants were also aware of the fact that genetic improvement through AI is quite rapid vis-a-vis that of the natural mating. Moreover, many of the respondents were aware of the slow genetic progress ascribed to inbreeding (Alazar et al., 2015). The study also shows that many of the respondents were forced to revert back to natural mating of their cattle, primarily based on poor conception and lack of AI technicians, these observations are in close accordance with those of (Desalegn, 2008; Destalem, 2015). It has been reported in several studies that one of the biggest drawbacks of success of AI in Ethiopian scenario is the lack of proper oestrus detection and consecutively improper timing of insemination (Azage et al., 2012). This leads to poor conception rate and thereafter the respondents have no other option but to revert back to natural mating.

Availability of breeding bulls per breed in the study areas
The nding show that most of the rearers are well experienced in phenotypic traits associated with a good breeding bull; this may be fallout of their experience in cattle husbandry and also trainings received under the OSMI project.
The results also show that most of the respondents complained that the availability of crossbred bulls are wanting in all the studied locations, which is in close accordance with those of (Gatew et al. 2017). It has been reported that in AdisAbeba of Ethiopia that one of the major hindrances in development of dairy industry of the country is lack of crossbred bulls in the country (Yilma et al., 2011). The study further indicates that semen of HFC bulls are available by cost which too is in close accordance with those of (Tadesse, 2010) and (Desalegn, 2008) who reported that the AI is provided by public sector o ce. Similarly the current study further indicated that the cost of inseminating the cows with the HHFC bulls was expensive which may at times be out of reach from the small holder farmers. It has been reported that the higher crosses need special care and may not be possible for the small holder farmers to manage (Aynalem et al., 2009;Guatam et al., 2010). Hence, it is advisable to provide the HHFC or higher crosses of Jersey only to farmers who have the resources to manage them. The farmers rearing higher crosses should be so selected who have adequate provisions for feed resources and veterinary care, besides those who are nancially capable to provide the emergency necessities for rearing higher blood levels of the crossbreds. This would prevent the cattle from succumbing to tropical degeneration and hence the producing and reproduction capability of the cattle are maintained. 5.1.7 Alternative strategies when breeding bulls are not available Table 9 is indicative of the fact that in absence of the facilities of arti cial insemination the respondents search for good bulls in the nearby vicinity and when not available try to get their cattle covered with any bulls available at hand. These observations are in close accordance with those of (Azage et al., 2010) who reported that the farmers in Ethiopia have no other choice but to get the cows covered with any bulls at hand. This often leads to negative selection among the herd which is detrimental to the development of cattle husbandry in the region. It has also been reported that the scrub bulls are usually of poor parentage and may be responsible for trans missing many venereal diseases within the herd/s (Thomas, 1999).
Travelling long distance with cattle in estrus too is not preferred as such cattle usually are stressed (due to the estrus itself and travelling) and many times have poor conception (Fitsum, 2017). It has also been reported that many times the respondents from A district take their cows (in oestrus) to the nearby research centre, these observations are in close accordance with those of (Alemshet, 2014). This is preferred over covering them with the scrub bulls, however the respondents need to plan the same in advance so that the appropriate time of mating is not lapsed and also that records are maintained so that inbreeding can be avoided

Maintaining of records among the herds
The ndings in Table 10

Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cattle across the Three Districts of North Shewa Zone
The overall estimated average age at rst service (AFS) of native dairy cows is presented in Table 11. The AFS of the native cattle too varied across the locations which can be ascribed to both their genotype and the management (Shiferaw et al., 2003;Perera, 1999). It has also been reported that if the management of the cattle are good the heifers mature early. Cattle with low AFS usually have high calf crop production and ultimately higher lifetime lactate yield. The AFS as recorded in this study area in close agreement with those of (Debir, 2016). However, AFS of the native cattle as observed lower than those of reported by Mulugeta and Belayneh (2013) from Angolelanatera woreda.
The AFS of HFC and HHFC cattle indicated variations across locations, which is may also be attributed to the management and feed available to

Factor Affecting Conception Rates of OSMI in Dairy Cows
The major constraints pertaining to the success of OSMI program in the study areas presented in

Perception and satisfaction of Farmers towards the OSMI Technology
The perception of the respondents in the study area pertaining to OSMI show that except for respondents from A district the remaining two district's most respondents were disappointed the outcomes of the OSMI CR. These are in close accordance with those of (Destalem, 2015; Ahmed, 2017). As indicated ahead the success of the OSMI program is a fallout of several factors and unless the factors are met with there are very less chances that the program will accomplish its goals .Another foremost criteria for the project to meet its goal is to select the cattle with average body condition besides, should be free from any reproductive disorders (Azage et al., 2016).
In case of crossbreds the maintenance requirement is high therefore; nutrition has to be provided appropriately otherwise there are chances that there can be adverse effect on the nutrient balance of the cattle. Under such condition the overall bene ts from OSMI program may not be achieved, hence the respondents need to be appraised.

Respondents' Selection Criteria of Cows and Heifer for OSMI
There were (in most of the cases) no prede ned criteria for selecting the representative cattle under the program, the ndings are in close agreement with those of (Azage et al., 2016). It is imperative that the cattle included in such program be properly screened for any physical and gynecological defects, the respondent's be made aware of the pros and cons of the project. The respondents should be also appraised regularly by the experts from the Research station/s and Universities so that the cattle are properly managed and fed on balanced diet (Short et al., 1990;Destalem, 2015).Care also has to be taken to ensure that the cattle receive proper veterinary care both during and after pregnancy (Short et al., 1990;Miller, 1991 Findings also indicate that at S district in spite of having plenty of feed, lack of crossbreds and milk union needs to be addressed so that the advantage pertaining to the feed availability can be properly utilized. Establishment of feed processing unit too need to be set up so that the available feed can be properly carried out throughout the year. 5.7. Status of OSMI per Years, Districts Breeds, CR, and NSPC The status of OSMI in years, breed conception rate and NSPC presented in Table 16 indicate that there were differences across the year's districts and breeds. This may be ascribed to the non-genetic factors associated with the same; the ndings are in close agreement with those of (Destalem, 2015).

Summary And Conclusion
The most important preferred traits and selection criteria perceived by farmers were milk yield, High growth rate, body weight, in order of importance.
The main objective of dairy cattle breeding was for milk production to generate cash income, while the least was for milk consumption. HFC and HHFC were the major breeds preferred by farmers in the study areas and their major source of replacement stock was through raised at home with upgrading their cattle.
Regard to breeding practice, AI is the major mating system in North Shewa zone. The opportunities for AI and mass synchronization of dairy production in the study area were presence of veterinary service, availability of improved breeds, and availability of milk receiver union, the presence of trained man powers and extension service. Generally, Trends of oestrus synchronization and mass insemination in the last 3 years was on CR increased slightly starting to 2013/14-2015/16 in the study areas.From the present study, concluded that the status of estrus synchronization and mass insemination technology gradually farmers accept if properly done. The results further indicated that the overall reproductive performance across all the breeds and Districts was sub-optimum.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Creation of farmers' awareness on management practice of dairy cattle and also it avoid misunderstanding of different managerial and breeding aspects which are practiced by farmers traditionally.
Limited number of AI technician and their e ciency is the major problem in the study area; as a result the number of AITs could be increased per kebele and give training for AITs so as to satisfy farmers demand.
Participatory and sustainable breading strategy could be undertaken through incorporating indigenous knowledge of farmers and by including trait preference of the dairy owners to improve productivity of dairying.
In the study areas, insemination was carried out only at the third days after hormone injection. However, some cows come to oestrus after three days and hence farmers have not access to AITs at that time. As a result it is better to AITs to wait until three up to eight days after hormone injection in their kebele.
To improve e ciency of dairy cattle productivity and practicing OSMI: Improving oestrus detection method, time of insemination, management practice are mandatory.
Semen handling, providing full inseminator equipment, improve AITs e ciency of detected oestrus and appropriate animal selection should be considered before implementing OSMI program. Declarations 1. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Before any attempt to collect sample, the protocols were checked and approved appropriately and