Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has launched the National Artificial Insemination Programme to boost cattle breeding, enhance productivity and expand the national herd. Artificial insemination (AI) in cattle is a breeding technique where semen from a superior bull is collected, frozen and manually deposited into a cow’s uterus by a technician during estrus (heat).
The process improves genetic traits such as milk production, increases reproductive efficiency and eliminates the need for farmers to maintain a bull.
The development comes at a time when livestock remains central to rural livelihoods, supporting more than 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s population while serving as a key source of nutrition and a major pillar of the national economic recovery and growth agenda.
The country is intensifying efforts to rebuild and expand its national herd to 12 million cattle by 2034 — a target officials believe is increasingly within reach following the growth of the stud livestock population to more than 24 000 registered animals, as Zimbabwe aims to unlock the full potential of a projected US$25 billion industry by 2030.
Responding to inquiries from this publication, Matopos Research Institute Chief Research Officer, Mr Givious Sisito, said the five-day artificial insemination training programme being rolled out at the institute was critical to livestock sector growth.
“Veterinary and extension officers are being trained on artificial insemination at Matopos Research Institute from 23 to 27 February 2026. The programme is a key enabler for introduction of superior genetics/new bloodlines to address challenges of inbreeding within the smallholder sector,” he said.
“The programme is expected to accelerate the growth of the national herd at communal level where we have most cattle herds. It seeks to capacitate 150 Agricultural Business Advisory Officers (ABAOs) (previously extension officers), veterinary officers at district level and researchers at provincial level.”
He said those trained would be able to provide artificial insemination services at ward level across the country, supporting farmers through dip tanks and ensuring broad access to the technology.
Matopos Research Institute Training Coordinator, Mr Bruce Tavirimirwa, said key aspects of the training included heat detection, cow fertility factors, inseminator efficiency, semen handling and management, roll out action planning and animal nutrition management.
Turning to the best time for insemination, he said: “Artificial insemination is usually done during the summer season when rangeland conditions are good and animals are at optimum body condition score (BCS).
“The optimum body condition score (BCS) for beef cattle is generally five to six on a one-to-nine scale at calving, balancing reproductive efficiency with moderate energy reserves.”
Mr Tavirimirwa explained that a score of five represents an ideal moderate condition, while scores below four indicate poor fertility and thin cows, and scores above seven point to over conditioned animals that are less profitable or unhealthy.
He added that in Zimbabwe the optimum BCS for beef cattle is typically five to six, ensuring herds maintain good health, rebreed within 82 to 90 days post calving and produce sufficient milk for calves.
In addition to training, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Livestock Research Deputy Director, Ms Grace Tambo, said the Ministry had procured artificial insemination kits for all trained personnel to enable the rollout of the National Artificial Insemination Programme. Artificial insemination kits for livestock are specialised sets of tools designed to improve breeding accuracy, hygiene and success rates, ranging from standard manual tools for small scale use to visual digital systems that use cameras for precise placement.
