Assessment of dairy farmers’ awareness and knowledge of Artificial Insemination in Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

Nigerian dairy sector regardless of its size, compared with other African nations, is divided, and ineffective, with a milk shortfall of 1.2 million metric tons per annum, despite the immense potential for profits from this venture. The study examined Dairy Farmers' awareness, sources, knowledge of Artificial Insemination, and challenges in dairy production. One hundred and fifty-three Dairy farmers were randomly from three states in the southwest. Results show that the majority of dairy farmers were within the age range of 41-50, 61.44% got information from other farmers,56.21% do not have formal education, 21-30 years in dairy farming, and 62.09% reared Local breeds. Majority (62.3%) of dairy farmers are aware, have no taboo on the use, and do not have contact with the extension staff. Dairy Farmers claimed that the animal’s health status should be considered first for Artificial insemination. Farmers are having high knowledge level of Artificial insemination and their major challenges are accessing credit and insecurity. It is concluded that the utilization of Artificial insemination technology is necessary for the development of dairy industry, therefore, extension contact must increase, the security of lives and property must improve and the introduction of exotic breeds for crossbreeding must also increase.