Sustainable Use of Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination in Sahiwal Cattle for Improved Performance of Pastoral Herds in Semi-Arid Kenya

Abstract

Fixed timed artificial insemination and use of high-grade Sahiwal cattle breed are technologies that can increase herd reproductive performance. However, their sustainable use as breeding interventions are uncertain in pastoral rangelands where preference is high for natural bull service. The study determined: pastoral herd owners’ willingness to pay for artificial insemination service delivery post subsidy; influence of sire and dam mating criteria on conception rates; preferential use of bull calves and benefit-cost of utilizing artificial insemination amongst pastoral herds. The study sampled 130 herd owners in Trans Mara West Sub-County of Narok County and accessed cattle records from the project database, direct on-farm observations and personal interviews for data sources. Willingness to pay was estimated from double bounded dichotomous contingent valuation model based on hypothesized bid levels. Conception rate was calculated as a ratio of total number of confirmed to conceptions ascertained by rectal palpations 90 days’ post-insemination. Preferential use of bull calves was assessed in a choice experiment based on perceived bull calve associated attributes. Economic viability was assessed using three key financial parameters involving Net Present Value, Benefit-Cost Ratio and Internal Rate of Return. Willingness to pay amount averaged Kenya Shillings 3,643, equivalent to 21.4% premium with reference to base market price of Kenya Shillings 3,000. Seven in ten (67%) of the pastoral herd owners expressed willingness to pay above the hypothesized market price. Conception rate averaged 61% and was higher among cows (P <0.05) than heifers (72% versus 54%), second parity cows (76%) than first parity (69%) or third parity cows (66%). Majority (54%) of the pastoral herd owners preferred retaining the progeny bull calves within their herds for future breeding purposes relative to immediately selling for income (44%). In Benefit-Cost analysis, optimal husbandry practices had 45% more Net Present Values than low input husbandry practices (Kenya Shillings 9,966 versus 5,462). Sensitivity analysis indicated that application of the technology is not a viable investment under low input husbandry practices when milk prices decreases (-10%), inflation rate increases (+3%) and feeding and watering costs increases (+10%). The study results show a higher likelihood of herd owners continuing to use the technology at market price. In Sahiwal upgrading, higher conception rates can be attainable with low parity cows, sires of foundation and appendix upgrading class; and with sexed semen. It is economically viable for pastoral herd owners to use the technology while applying optimal husbandry practices. Implications are that improved extension service to pastoral herd owners is necessary to improve husbandry practices in scaling and upgrading of Sahiwal farming. Policy interventions need to be directed to enabling private sector deliver synchronization protocol and insemination efficiently.