The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and the Rwanda Council of Veterinary Doctors are set to deploy veterinary ultrasound technology to enhance artificial insemination (AI) success rates in cattle. Artificial insemination is a reproductive technology that introduces sperm into a female animal's reproductive tract to achieve pregnancy without natural mating. However, current AI success rates remain below 40%. Cattle farming plays a crucial role in Rwanda’s economy, contributing 10.5% to the GDP. ALSO READ: Artificial insemination centre to raise cattle production Despite its importance, the sector faces challenges such as low conception rates, lack of pregnancy monitoring, and insufficient reproductive performance tracking. Veterinary ultrasound technology is expected to improve AI success rates under the Rwanda Innovation in Artificial Insemination (RwanNovIA) project. The technique allows veterinarians to examine internal organs and detect pregnancy in cows as early as 25 to 30 days after AI. Enhancing reproductive monitoring Solange Uwituze, Deputy Director General in charge of Animal Resources Development at RAB, emphasized that previously, farmers had to wait months to confirm AI success due to the lack of ultrasound technology. “The ultrasound technology will not only detect pregnancy but also identify any abnormalities that can be treated early,” she said. “It will also determine whether a cow will deliver a heifer or a bull, enabling better farm planning.” ALSO READ: Artificial insemination: Five common factors hindering cattle conception The technology will first be deployed in districts with large dairy cow populations and among model dairy farmers. It is expected to reduce the non-productive period between calvings, boosting both productivity and profitability. Successful pilot program A pilot program in three districts demonstrated significant improvements in AI success rates, increasing from 33% to 75%. In some areas, such as Nyagatare and Kayonza, success rates reached as high as 95%. The selection and training of technicians are currently underway. IMV Technologies and JS AFRICA are supplying ultrasound equipment and expertise, with funding provided by the French government. ALSO READ: New semen storage plant set to ease artificial insemination Martin Clipet, the ultrasound technology deployment project manager, highlighted the multiple benefits of the technology. “Ultrasound helps farmers confirm pregnancy within 30 days of insemination and even determine the embryo’s sex, facilitating better herd management,” he explained. “Additionally, it can detect reproductive health issues like cysts, uterine infections, and other conditions that might affect fertility. It also helps pinpoint the optimal insemination period to maximize pregnancy chances.” Veterinary doctors undergoing training must be part of the ‘Veterinary Sanitary Mandate’ scheme, which aims to strengthen collaboration between private veterinarians and the state. Under this initiative, private veterinary companies will deploy practitioners at the sector level to improve service delivery. Farmers welcome the new innovation Jean Niyitanga, a veterinary doctor in Rwamagana District, noted that unsuccessful AI rates had led to financial losses for farmers and diminished trust in veterinary services. “The introduction of ultrasound equipment will address these concerns,” he said. ALSO READ: Govt hands over key veterinary services to private operators Jacqueline Mutesi, a veterinary doctor in Kayonza District, added that farmers previously had to wait three months to confirm pregnancies. “By then, the fetus might not even be viable. This technology will prevent such uncertainties,” she said. Farmers also expressed optimism about the initiative. “In 2023, I had to sell my cow for Rwf 300,000—far less than the Rwf 500,000 I paid for it—because it had been infertile for over a year. Any technology that can solve this problem is highly welcome,” said Athanael Rurihose, a farmer from Gicumbi District. The deployment of ultrasound technology is expected to transform cattle reproduction management in Rwanda, ultimately increasing productivity and profitability for farmers nationwide.
