Any attempt to improve the efficiency of AI has to be based on an understanding of the most important causes for failure under each specific production system. The traditional methods used for this rely on accurate recording and analysis of reproductive events such as oestrus, services, pregnancies and calvings. However, records are rarely kept by smallholders and, even when available, do not allow an assessment of the importance of factors such as efficiency and precision of oestrus detection by the farmers or incorrect timing of insemination. The application of radioimmunoassay (RIA) to measure the hormone progesterone, which is produced.
