Use of indigenous breeds of cattle and their crosses in Uganda as recipients for imported Bos taurus embryos.

In July 1991, 29 frozen imported Holstein Friesian embryos were transferred into synchronised recipients in Uganda. Recipient cows and heifers from indigenous breeds of cattle and their crosses in Uganda were used. The project resulted in 17 pregnancies confirmed by rectal palpation at 8 weeks. Twelve live calves were born of which 7 were heifers and 5 were bulls. One heifer calf died at one month of age from East Coast fever. One pregnant recipient died of East Coast fever 2 months before calving. Two recipients aborted in late gestation as a result of trauma incurred during fighting. Two calves were lost as a result of dystocia. The transfer work and calvings were performed at 3 different farms under varying conditions. The 11 surviving animals are being reared on a single unit where growth rates and performance data are being recorded.