Improving the management of reproduction of indigenous cattle in the semiarid and subhumid zones of West Africa

The traditional systems of management of reproduction of cattle indigenous to West Africa and various improvement strategies employed are reviewed. Strategies have been evolved to facilitate early attainment of puberty and first conception, reduce inter-calving intervals and control oestrous and the oestrous cycle. Among the strategies and techniques used to achieve various degrees of improvement in these reproductive parameters are improved nutrition, diagnosis and control of diseases, determination of hormonal profiles and semen characteristics, and administration of drugs as well as strategic management practices. More investigations are required for a full understanding of the factors influencing reproductive performance and identification of the most appropriate management practices necessary to improve the reproductive efficiency of cattle indigenous to West Africa. (author). 97 refs, 4 figs, 10 tabs