EU project conducts training on artificial insemination of sheep in Armenia

The ‘EU Green Agriculture Initiative in Armenia’ (EU GAIA) has organised a training and demonstration course on artificial insemination of sheep by the laparoscopic method for farmers from Shirak region in Armenia.

The activity took place in the ‘Maqi’ pedigree sheep breeding genetic centre based in the village of Azatan.

This type of training was held for the first time in the region and was unique due to the laparoscopic method of artificial insemination of sheep, currently considered the most effective. If this method is implemented correctly, it provides 80-90% efficiency.

“Insemination of sheep in Armenia has been carried out naturally for many years, resulting in a high level of infertility among sheep. In addition, natural insemination increases the risk of crossbreeding, which reduces the productivity of the offspring,” explains the project.

As a result of the course, several veterinarians from Shirak and from Lori region fully mastered the method. During the course, laparoscopic insemination of about hundred sheep of the local breed was carried out, using semen obtained from French ‘Blanche’ and ‘Noire du Velay’ rams. 

The EU Green Agriculture Initiative in Armenia (EU-GAIA) project is funded by the European Union in Armenia and co-funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation. The project is jointly implemented by the Austrian Development Agency and UNDP in Armenia.

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