Capacity development of field veterinarians in the field of small ruminant reproduction and artificial insemination

Abstract

This agreement between ICARDA and CEVA focuses specifically on capacity strengthening: ICARDA scientists provide training modules and technical backstopping to private sector veterinarians. The selected trainees are key opinion leaders, field practitioners with an important portfolio in the area of sheep and goats or act as CEVA distributors. The trainings focus on reproductive fitness, ability and performance – core considerations that lie at the heart of the production processes. In 2019, new activities related to setting-up field trials in Jordan were added to the core capacity development work with the aim to assess the feasibility of the combined treatment using Melovin implants and progestogen impregnated sponges for the induction and synchronization of oestrus and ovulation in Awassi ewes outside the breeding season. Such a treatment would represent an alternative to the conventional association using equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and progestogen impregnated sponges after CEVA decision to pull out PMSG from the market. Furthermore, the agreement in 2019 saw an expansion of the activities to East Africa (Ethiopia) with the aim to discuss technical and business opportunities for reproductive protocols targeting intertropical sheep and goats.