Assessment of artificial insemination practices, semen quality, and reproductive constraints in dairy farms in Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

Artificial insemination (AI) is a reproductive biotechnology used to improve genetics in dairy cows and other farm animals. The low and variable conception rates following AI significantly impact production efficiency, particularly in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess the semen quality, efficiency, and constraints of AI service in selected districts of the central Gondar zone, northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2024 to November 2024. Data was collected from 373 dairy farmers who utilize AI service through semi-structured questionnaires. Additional data was collected from 18 artificial insemination technicians (AITs) and 34 animal health and animal production professionals. Participant dairy farmers were selected using systematic random sampling, while technicians and professionals were selected using a purposive sampling method. Sixty-two semen samples were evaluated for motility, viability, and morphological defects. Field practices of AITs, as well as conditions for semen handling and storage, were also observed. The data was analyzed using STATA (version 17) software and summarized using descriptive statistics. A chi-square test was also used to estimate the association. Dairy farmers did not use AI regularly; only 59% (220/373) used AI services frequently, while the rest 153 (41%) used natural mating. Evaluation of semen quality revealed 48% (± 4), 47% (± 4.86), and 71% (± 6) individual progressive motility, viability, and normal sperm cell percentage for frozen bull semen, respectively. Improper semen storage was observed. Sperm motility and sperm viability were significantly (p < 0.05) different between districts, breeds of bulls, and batches of sperm collected. In addition, sperm progressive motility was significantly different (p < 0.05) between durations of storage. The average conception rate was 45.5%. Repeat breeding, anestrous, lack of semen and liquid nitrogen, reproductive disorders, shortage of skilled AITs, and accessibility were the major challenges identified. In general, the quality of semen used in the area was poor, the AI efficiency was below optimal, and there were many constraints for the AI service. Interventions ensuring semen quality and improving the skill of inseminators were suggested to improve the efficiency of AI service in the central Gondar zone, northwest Ethiopia.