Reproductive status following artificial insemination in Sanga cows in the Accra Plains of Ghana

2008

English

The reproductive performance records of 126 Sanga cows bred through artificial insemination (AI) at the Amrahia Dairy Farm from January 1998 to December 2007 were assessed. The reproductive performance records of 126 Sanga cows bred through artificial insemination (AI) at the Amrahia Dairy Farm from January 1998 to December 2007 were assessed.The intervals from calving to first AI service, calving to conception and calving interval were prolonged. They averaged 158.8 ±8.9 days, 177.5 ± 9.5 days and 517.9 ± 13.5 days respectively. These parameters were not affected (P>0.05) by season of calving preceding AI, season of insemination or sex of calf. The conception rate at first AI service and for all inseminations were low 42.6 % and 46.0% respectively. They were not affected (P<0.05) by the season of insemination. Gestation length averaged 281.6 ±1.4 days. The mean birth weight of calves was 25.7 ± 0.3 kg. Male calves had higher birth weights than female calves (26.9 ±0.4 versus 24.5 ± 0.5 kg; P<0.05). Improving the nutritional status of the cows through strategic supplementation coupled with effective heat detection mechanisms and appropriate timing of AI, as well as efficient methods of storage, transport and handling of semen should improve the reproductive performance of cows.

Obese, F. Y.; Darfour-Oduro, K. A.; Bekoe, E.; Hagan, B. A.; Gomda, Y.