Conception Rate of Non-descript Zebu Cows and its Attributing Factors in Bangladesh

Abstract

Ensuring a promising conception rate of non-descript zebu cows maybe an appropriate approach for cattle development and rural livelihood enhancement in Bangladesh. The study was designed to determine the factors affecting conception rate of non-descript local zebu cattle (n = 307) under Artificial Insemination (AI) program using frozen semen. The demographic factors were recorded by interviewing the farmers. All cows were examined for pregnancy diagnosis by rectal palpation of genital tract at 60-80 days post AI. The overall conception rate of zebu cows was 57.7% and the required service per conception was 2.19. The conception rate in cows that received 2nd and 3rd service was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of 1st service. The conception rate in cows inseminated within 8-12 h after the start of standing oestrus was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the cows inseminated after 12 h of standing oestrus. Breed of semen donar bulls did not affect significantly the conception rate of zebu cows. The conception rate in cows that received insemination at $10 months post-calving was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of #4 months. The conception rate was the highest in cows inseminated at parity 1 and 2 and in cows fed with combination of roughages, concentrate and grazing. Zebu cows of 4-6 years age and yield >1.5 L milk&day had significantly (p<0.05) higher conception rate than others. It is concluded that conception rate of non-descript indigenous zebu cows is influenced by postpartum insemination interval, interval from estrus to AI, parity, feeding practice, milk yield and age of zebu cows.