Factors Affecting Conception Rates in Holstein Friesian Crossbreed Cattle in Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

The objective of the study was to identify the factors affecting variation in conception rate of Holstein Friesian crossbreed dairy cattle inseminated using frozen semen under field conditions. Total of 24,629 insemination records pertaining to 19,323 animals that were inseminated artificially at BAIF’s field Livestock Development Centers during the period of January 2022 to September 2024 in 11 districts. Logistic regression analysis was used to compute the odds ratio and probability of conception rate. Records were classified according to districts, lactation order, year of insemination & season of insemination. Districts, lactation order, year of insemination and season of insemination showed significant variation. The overall conception rate was 40.16%. Conception rate of Pauri Garhwal district showed highest conception rate 48.27% than other districts under study. Conception rate of heifers was lowest than other parities with the probability of 0.42. Highest conception rate was found in animals with fifth and above parity with probability 0.50. There was marginal difference between second to fifth parity. In season of insemination highest conception rate was observed in winter season 42.06% while lowest was in rainy season 40.45%. Highest conception rate (42.85%) was observed during year 2023while lowest (38.06 %) was in year 2024. It could be inferred that the factors like districts, lactation order, season of insemination and year of insemination should be considered while evaluating the conception rate.