Training+on+field+Solution+of+Sheep+Artificial+Insemination


 * On-job training: Field Solution of Sheep Artificial Insemination **
 * October 23-27, 2015 **

Debre Birhan and Menz, Ethiopia

**Participants** ** list **

Artificial insemination remains the main universal method for dissemination of improved genetics in livestock species. Insemination using fresh semen is regarded as a promising technology for a wider delivery system of improved genetics (selected rams in the Community Based Breeding Program; CBBP) reaching more farmers within the communities but also reaching out other communities. This activity comes to reinforce the genetic and breeding flagship of CRP livestock and fish in Ethiopia. This flagship aims to ensure that improved and appropriate sheep and goat breeds are widely available, used sustainably by women and men, and are equitably providing nutritious, affordable food and income for the poor Ethiopian small ruminant owners.
 * Framework and Objective **

For the purpose of this on-job training, a total of 131 Menz ewes in 3 different locations were selected in September 2015 for synchronization and insemination. The three locations were the Sheep Research Center in Debre Birhan (n=60), Mehal-Meda village in Menz (n=45) and Molale village in Menz (n=26). All the selected ewes were dry, non-pregnant and had successfully lambed the previous season. No primiparous ewes were included and the selected ewes were submitted to the prevailing managements both in the research center and the respective households. All the ewes were synchronized using progestogen impregnated sponges (45 mg fluorogestone; Syncro-part®; CEVA laboratories, Libourne France) that were inserted in the vagina for 14 days. At sponge withdrawal, each ewe received an i.m. injection of 300 I.U. of equine chorionic gonadotropin (Syncro-part PMSG®; CEVA laboratories, Libourne France). The sheep were inseminated between 52 and 55 hours after sponges’ withdrawal. A total of 11 Menz rams were also selected in early September in the 3 locations to be used for semen collection. All the rams originated from the process of communal selection in CBBP. Throughout the month of September, the rams were trained on semen collection using artificial vagina. The semen collection and the insemination act included the following steps:
 * Materials and Methods **
 * Semen collection using an artificial vagina in the presence of a ewe induced in estrus;
 * Measurement of the ejaculate volume and appreciation of the color and the consistency of the ejaculate. Volumes less than 0.5 ml were generally not used and watery ejaculates (low concentration) or with a distinct yellow color (suspicion of inflammation) were also discarded;
 * Quick assessment of mass motility under a microscope. Ejaculates with mass motility scores less than 3 were discarded;
 * Measurement of the sperm concentration using a portable spectrophotometer pre-calibrated for ram semen (ovine-caprine accuread photometer; IMV®, France). Ejaculates with a concentration less than 3 109 sperm/ml were discarded;
 * While being processed, ejaculates were placed in a thermos flask containing water at 35-37 ˚C.
 * Ejaculates were then diluted to a final concentration of 400 sperm/straw (straw volume 0.25 ml) using a commercial extender for sheep semen (Ovixcell; IMV®, France) kept;
 * Diluted ejaculates were then checked for individual motility under a microscope. Ejaculates with a very low proportion of spermatozoa moving rapidly on a straight line were not used;
 * Straws were filled, then sealed with inert packing powder and immediately immersed in a thermos flask filled with water at 35-37 ˚C;
 * Inseminations were carried out immediately after packing and sealing. In average, time lag between semen collection and insemination did not exceed 10-12 minutes;
 * In Mehal-Meda and Molale, a generator was used to provide electricity for the microscope, the photometer and to warm water;
 * In the different locations, instructions were given to reintroduce the rams with the inseminated ewes a week after the date of insemination.

Detailed on-job training was provided to 21 trainees (including 2 female trainees) who attended inseminations in the 3 locations. In Debre Birhan, the trainees were introduced to artificial vagina preparation, semen collection, semen assessment and conditioning. For the insemination act, only key persons in their respective sites were trained on the exo-cervical artificial insemination of sheep. A full list of the trainees, work location and position is annexed to this report.
 * Capacity building **