DECADES OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION: BITTERSWEET EXPERIENCES ON CATTLE BREEDING IN BHUTAN

Abstract

The main objectives of the study were to determine the number of inseminations performed and progenies born between 1987 and 2016, compare Artificial Insemination (AI) performance in different regions, among districts and AI Outreach Stations (AIOSs), and estimate contribution of AI program to total milk production and national economy. Data was collected in 2016, covering 20 districts and 106 AIOS. Establishment of 106 AI Out Reach Centre in 20 districts provided uninterrupted AI services, enabling AI performed to exceed 160,070, resulting in birth of 50,808 improved calves since 1987. Western region had the highest number of progenies born (35%). East Central Region had the lowest with 15% of total calves born in the region. Among 20 districts, Paro was the best performer with 16,360 inseminations done with 5,829 progenies born. Gasa district performed poorly with 24 progenies born out of 73 inseminations performed. The average number of inseminations per month and corresponding progenies born was highest for AIOS located at Veterinary Hospital (VH) in Paro, followed by Veteninary Hospital (VH) in Tsirang, Extension Centre (EC) in Chaskhar, VH in Thimphu and EC in Deothang. VH in Gasa, EC in Tashiding, EC in Bjemina, EC in Goshi had less than one insemination per month. At the national level, the average number of AI performed was about seven times per month but only 50% of the AIOS exceeded this minimum recommended number of AI to be performed per AIOS. The national average success rate was 37% and the corresponding total progenies born should have been 56,910. However, due to lack of proper recording, the number of progenies born stands underestimated by 14.2%. The study concluded that, for higher output of National AI Program, there is a need to improve progeny recording system, improve skills of AI Technicians, train community AI Technicianss, relocate or close under-performing AIOS and take joint ownerships by all stakeholders at national, regional and district level.