Assessment of estrus detection and insemination efficiency of AI workers in buffaloes through plasma progesterone profile under field conditions.

摘要

This study was carried out during the breeding season in 225 normal cyclic buffaloes selected from 3 villages of Anand district in Gujarat to evaluate the progesterone profile at the time of insemination in relation to fertility status and to assess whether inseminations were done at the right time under field conditions. Nearly 70% of the buffaloes were inseminated when they had circulatory P4 profiles less than 0.5 ng/ml, whereas 18.22 and 12.45% were inseminated with P4 values of 0.6-1.0 and >1.0 ng/ml. Most of the buffaloes (56%) which had basal (<0.1 ng/ml) P4 profile at the time of insemination conceived, whereas none of the 28 buffaloes inseminated with P4 levels >1.0 ng/ml conceived. The first AI conception rates were 25.40, 37.83 and 31.37% based on 63,111 and 51 inseminations performed by the 3 inseminators, respectively. The corresponding percentages of incorrect inseminations (plasma P4 >0.5 ng/ml) performed by 3 inseminators were 33.33, 23.42 and 43.13. The first service CR was 32.88%, and incorrect inseminations occurred in 30.67% buffaloes, which included 12.44% luteal phase (P4>1.0 ng/ml) inseminations. The mean plasma progesterone concentration at fertile oestrus was significantly lower than the infertile oestrus for all the 3 village centres, with the overall mean of 0.26.0.02 vs. 0.97.0.13 ng/ml. However, an insignificant variation was observed in the P4 values at oestrus/AI among the 3 centres. Pregnancy occurred in animals having low or basal progesterone levels at AI, whereas those that failed to conceive with higher progesterone profile at AI suggested that they were not in true oestrus when inseminated. The village-wise results indirectly reflected the oestrus detection and insemination efficiency of the 3 inseminators. These findings suggested the immediate need of imparting quality practical training and periodical assessment of performance of lay inseminators to improve their skill and knowledge of oestrus detection and insemination. Otherwise, they would add significantly more man-made infertility to the already existing problem under field conditions.