PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN BHUTAN

ENHANCING EFFICIENCY OF AI SERVICE DELIVERY

Abstract

Artificial Insemination coverage and performance trends in cattle was assessed over the years using annual repository data maintained on AI performance at the national level from 2011 to 2020. One sample T-test was applied and the results are interpreted based on the number of inseminations, progeny born and available breedable cattle population (BCP) in different communities. The total number of AI performance recorded for the 10 years was 83,357, with average AI coverage in total BCP of 8.7±1.1% at the national level. BCP inGewogs with AI facility and BCP accessible to AI facilities stand at 14.5±4.4% and 35.3±7.1%, respectively. Among the BCP accessible to AI facility, the maximum AI coverage was recorded in west-central region with 43.7±8.7%, followed by east-central, eastern and western region with34.9±5.5%, 34.6±9.1% and 33.8±3.5%, respectively. A total of 30,172 progenies born were recorded with estimated national average AI success rate (AISR) of 36.1%. The average number of AI services rendered was estimated at 75/centre/year at the national level. The average number of AI recorded at the regional level was 69±8, 74±10, 84±37 and 78±16 AI/AIC/year forthe western, west-central, east-central and eastern region, respectively. The annual average AISR recorded were 37.7±5.8%, 36.6±5.7%, 37.2±6.4% and 34.5±4.0% for the western, west-central, east-central and eastern region, respectively. At the Dzongkhag level, only Tsirang Dzongkhaghad achieved the national average AI and AISR. Among the operational AICs, only 21% of AICs had achieved both the national average AI and AISR. Up-scaling and engagement of Community AI Technician to deliver AI services, wider application of sexed semen technology, building human resource capacity, creation of awareness on AI among farming communities and regular monitoring of AI performance remains crucial for the success of AI technology. Further, clustering of AICs is suggested to reduce wastage of scarce breeding inputs such as Liquid Nitrogen and imported frozen semen to ensure resource efficient AI services delivery for accelerated breed improvement and rural livelihood enhancement.