For the first time, the government of Benin is introducing artificial insemination in cattle. At its new bull station and semen laboratory inaugurated in August this year in Parakou, a region in central Benin with the largest livestock population, scientists have so far produced more than 2000 doses of frozen semen and carried out more than 200 artificial inseminations.
Benin is among a growing number of developing countries making use of various nuclear and isotopic technologies to support genetic selection procedures and improve the gene pool of its livestock. The IAEA, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has supported Benin’s efforts through expertise, training and equipment.
Benin’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, which provides substantial rural employment and income arising primarily from subsistence farming. After cotton, mixed crop or livestock is the major agricultural activity, the livestock subsector representing nearly 13% of GDP.
The country's indigenous cattle are naturally small and milk production is often just enough to feed a calf. Historically, cattle production was aimed at meat production, but with economic growth and a rising population the demand for milk has increased, driving the government to prioritise milk production.
In 2014, the country’s Milk and Meat Sectors Support Project, or PAFILAV, imported 200 pregnant Girolando heifers to its national herd. Girolando is a dairy cattle breed created in Brazil by crossing Gyr cattle, which is resistant to hot temperatures and tropical diseases, with Holstein cattle. To satisfy demand from farmers who also wanted better cattle, the PAFILAV imported 1000 doses of semen from four dairy breeds: Girolando, Gyr, Montbéliarde and Tarentaise.
A second semen laboratory is now being developed at the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC) to provide liquid semen. This will not only strengthen education on animal reproduction at the university but will also help serving farmers in neighbouring villages by providing them with a breeding service.
Preventing losses from drought and increasing farmer income
Farmers in Benin are constantly challenged with limited feed resources during the dry season, which is between November and March. Animals lose body weight, and meat and milk production is reduced. As a result, farmers loose income.
Cattle with improved genetics can inherently produce more meat and milk than local breeds — but also requires better feed to meet its genetic potential. To address this issue, the UAC analysed locally-available feed resources, including various crop residues, and came up with feeds that result in higher livestock productivity and increased incomes to the farmers.
