Abstract by author:
Cows are an integral part of animal agriculture in all parts of the world. A high level of reproductive performance is crucial in the achievement and maintenance of the efficient production of an animal. Artificial insemination [AI] confers several advantages over natural service for example the avoidance of direct contact, extends the use of a good sire, permits the use of different bulls and it is cheaper than keeping a bull. AI also has several limitations and disadvantages such as lower conception rate, success of an AI service depends very much on the management of the herds and risk of AI when bulls are not thoroughly tested for the absence of undesirable genes. Careful planning of a breeding programme and an appropriate animal health service network leads to successful AI programme. Whereas the basic goal of any AI programme should be genetic improvement
