Rwanda Introduces Veterinary Ultrasound for Cattle Breeding The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), in partnership with the Rwanda Council of Veterinary Doctors, is set to roll out ultrasound technology to improve artificial insemination (AI) success rates in cattle.
This effort, under the Rwanda Innovation in Artificial Insemination (RwanNovIA) project, aims to overcome low AI conception rates, enhance pregnancy detection, and better track reproductive performance within Rwanda’s cattle sector.
Cattle farming plays a significant role in Rwanda’s economy, accounting for 10.5% of GDP. However, AI success rates have traditionally been below 40%, presenting challenges for farmers. The adoption of ultrasound technology is expected to modernize breeding practices, enabling veterinarians to detect pregnancies within 25 to 30 days after insemination while diagnosing reproductive health issues.
Improving Reproductive Monitoring Solange Uwituze, Deputy Director General of Animal Resources Development at RAB, emphasized the technology’s potential to reduce delays in pregnancy verification. She explained that ultrasound devices could identify abnormalities early and even determine the calf’s sex, facilitating better planning for farms.
The initial implementation will focus on regions with significant dairy cattle populations and model dairy farms, maximizing the benefits for productivity and profitability.
Promising Pilot Results In a pilot program conducted across three districts, AI success rates increased from 33% to 75%, with some areas, such as Nyagatare and Kayonza, achieving up to 95%. The project is supported by IMV Technologies and JS AFRICA, with funding from the French government. Veterinary technicians are receiving training to ensure effective deployment of the equipment.
Martin Clipet, the project manager for the ultrasound rollout, noted its advantages: “Ultrasound not only confirms pregnancy within 30 days but also helps detect reproductive health issues like cysts or uterine infections. It even identifies the best insemination period, improving fertility rates.”
Strengthening Veterinary Collaboration Veterinary doctors involved in the program are part of the ‘Veterinary Sanitary Mandate,’ designed to enhance cooperation between government and private veterinarians. This initiative allows private veterinary services to operate at the community level, improving service delivery for farmers.
Farmers Embrace the Technology Local farmers and veterinarians expressed optimism about the program. Jean Niyitanga, a veterinary doctor in Rwamagana District, highlighted how it could rebuild trust in veterinary services and reduce financial losses caused by failed AI attempts.
Farmers like Athanael Rurihose from Gicumbi District welcomed the innovation, sharing how infertility in cows had previously caused financial strain. With nationwide deployment, Rwanda is set to transform cattle breeding, boosting productivity and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
