Understanding animal breeding
@ vets delight our facebook page Breeding methods Breeding can be achieved through natural service or artificial insemination, and irrespective of the method, the aim should be to achieve increased chances of conception. Natural mating vs artificial insemination Natural service: This is where the cow is taken to a bull and left for some time for the bull to serve. Advantages • The cow has an opportunity to be served more than once; this increase the chance of conception. • The semen is fresh and of good quality since there is no handling. • Where the farmer does not own a bull, cost of service is lower compared to A.I. Disadvantages • Rearing a bull is not economical especially to a small holder farmer • There is risk of spreading breeding diseases. • There is risk of inbreeding if the bull is not changed frequently • There is no opportunity to select the type of bull the farmer wants. How to increase the chances of conception through natural