The effect of assisted reproductive technologies on cow productivity under communal and emerging farming systems of South Africa

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the effect of assisted reproductive technologies on cow productivity. The study was conducted with organized cattle farmers under communal and emerging farming systems from three provinces, namely; Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. Cow parameters evaluated were breed type, body frame size, parity, age, body condition score and lactation status. An ovsynch protocol was used during the oestrous synchronization process. All experimental cows were artificially inseminated with frozen-thawed Nguni semen. The study recorded a calving rate of 48%. The dominant cattle breed types were the Bonsmara, Brahman and Nguni. Chi-Square Test of Independence were computed between calving rate and individual factors. The data were further modelled using logistic regression model for SAS, modelling the probability for success. Calving rate was not independent of provinces, districts and body condition score (P < 0.05). Cows in Mpumalanga had more chances to calve than those in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. Nguni cattle breed had more chances to calve down than Brahman (P = 0.815), but less chances than Bonsmara cattle breed (P = 1.630). It is recommended for rural farmers to farm with small framed animals because of their higher chances to calve down compared to other cattle breed.

Keywords

• Artificial insemination
• calving rate
• oestrous synchronization process