Liberia International Christian College
A Christ-Centered Learning Community
Ganta City | Nimba County | Republic of Liberia
www.liberiainternationalcc.org
FEASIBILITY STUDIY OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION INITIATION IN LIBERIA
A THESIS
IN THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, SUBMITTED TO
THE FACULTY OF LIBERIA INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
IN IMPARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE DEGREE IN AGRICULTURE
BYPETER H TOKPAH
ID # 779-18
DATE: MAY, 2021
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this thesis is the product of my own research efforts, undertaken under the
supervision of your supervisor and reader and has not been presented elsewhere for the award of
a degree or certificate. All sources used have been duly distinguished and appropriately
acknowledged.
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Author Signature
Author Name
Date
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CERTIFICATION
This work has been accepted by the Faculty of Liberia International Christian College, Ganta
City, Nimba County, Republic of Liberia, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
of (bachelor of department) (BA., B.Th. BBA. BSc or B.Sc.)
____________________
Supervisor Signature
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Name of Supervisor
____________________
Date
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Dept Chair Signature
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Name of Dept Chair
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Date
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Academic Dean Signature
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Name of Academic Dean
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Date
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DEDICATION
It is indeed an honor for me and of no regret to dedicate this thesis to those people through whom
I’m walking through the path of academy success today. I dedicate this work to my Mom and my
sponsor for their support toward the success of this sojourn.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
My humble gratitude to my heavenly father for his grace, caring love, tremendous provision,
blessing, and faithfulness to my parents,my sponsors (the Glenn family), my family, and me. I
express my heart-felt gratitude to my parents, mysponsors, my family, Department chair, my
teachers and the ROOTS student organization members for givingme an opportunity to obtain a
Bachelor degree in General Agricultural. I thank all of them for their suggestions,encouragement
and patience. My deep appreciation goes to Mrs. Anna Mae Glenn (department chair), Mr. Jacob
B. Dennis big brother and teacher of research and theses writing, and Mrs. Laytee Ziah, teacher
of the animal science department respectively, who worked closely with me in making this
thesis work successful. I thank these people for their reviews of the manuscript and useful
suggestions. I also appreciate and thank my wife Rejoice Princess Bomosee Tokpah, and my
children, for their love, understanding, patience, suffering and sleepless nights for obtaining this
golden gift. Thanks so much to Dr. Nuwoe-James Kiamu, president of the college who gave me
all the courage, generosity, guidance, concern, and moral support for the fulfilment of this study.
Finally, thanks to members of the graduating class of 2021, for the many years we spent
together. Our sojourn was fruitful and rewarding, may the all mighty God bless us all.
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ABSTRACT
The production and consumption of pig meat remain low in developing countries because of
poor production practices and lack of AI technology in animal sectors. There has been limited
livestock production in Liberia to improve the diet of the citizens, specifically children of age 2
to 5 years, which has resulted in malnutrition, importation of unsatisfactory animal products, and
poor cost return for farmers. In order for Liberia livestock industry to move forward, the Liberian
swine industry and other local swine producers have now identified that there is need to
introduce AI technology in the livestock industry for the provision of food security. Therefore,
the aim of this research work is to explore existing literature and practices on artificial
insemination technology and determine whether it could be feasible in Liberia and therefore
whether it could serve as an important means of moving forward with scientific breeding and
modernization of commercial pig production.Data was collected from an AI experiment,
farmers’ surveys and the market surveys that were conducted to know whether the AI service is
feasible. The data from this studydemonstrated thatAI was socially feasible and economically
feasible, but not technically feasible at this time. The researcher recommends that further
research should be conducted with more emphasis on the technical feasibility aspect of AI
(experimenting with more sows, different varieties of pigs, etc) at the Liberia International
Christian College.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
DECLARATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ii
CERTIFICATION --------------------------------------------------------------------- iii
DEDICATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------- iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ------------------------------------------------------------ v
ABSTRACT ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS ------------------------------------------------------------- vii
1.0 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study ------------------------------------------------------------- 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem ------------------------------------------------------------ 4
1.3 Aim and Objectives ------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
1.4 Research Hypothesis (Experimental)or Research Questions (Qualitative)------6
1.5 Justification of the Study---------------------------------------------------------------7
1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study ---------------------------------------------------7
1.7 Definition of Key Terms ---------------------------------------------------------------8
1.8 Organization of the Study ------------------------------------------------------------- 9
2.0 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction: Current state of knowledge on the topic ---------------------------- 10
2.2 Main body: Crucial findings from research studies on the topic -----------------10
2.3 Conclusion: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12
3.0 CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY --------------------------------12
3.1 Research Design & Treatment -------------------------------------------------------- 12
3.2 Population of the Study ---------------------------------------------------------------- 13
3.3 Sampling Size & Technique ---------------------------------------------------------- 13
3.4 Data Collection & Procedures -------------------------------------------------------- 15
3.5 Data Analysis --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
4.0 CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION & ANALYSIS ---------------------- 18
5.0 CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS -27
5.1 Summary -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27
5.2 Discussion & Conclusions ------------------------------------------------------------ 27
5.3 Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
VIII.
REFERENCES ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 33
VII.
APPENDIXES ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 36
a. Appendix A ------------------------------------------------------------------ 36
b. Appendix B ------------------------------------------------------------------ 38
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1.1 Background
The world is expected to increase in population from 7.9 billion to 8.1 billion in the year
2030. With that, there will be a serious increase of meat consumption from 367 to 562 million tons
of meat, with pig meat contributing 20%, which will be about 155 million tons worldwide with
Liberia being no exception (Roppa, 2006). According to the FAO (2002), 40% of the red meat
consumed yearly is pig meat which constitutes 94 million metric tons. Most people around the
world are still depending on pig meat as major source of food. The amount of pig meat consumed
has increased to 940 million annuallyas the world population increases (da Costa, E., daCosta, A.
Macedo, Pereira, , 2011).
Artificial insemination dates back over the past two centuries as an innovation which is
one of the most precise and important technologies in reproduction and production of livestock. It
is very necessary to consider this great technique and powerful method. Artificial Insemination is
based on three major cornerstones for operation. They are: it is simple, successful, and economical
(Vishwanath, 2003).
Artificial Insemination was developed to improve reproduction and also the genetics of
farm animals, and it has had a greater impact worldwide in many kinds of animals, especially cattle
and pig (Foote, 2010). The swine industries started to get involved in artificial insemination when
they saw thetremendous increasein dairy cattle production and the success rate of the AI.During
the most recent15 years, swine producers became provoked and started showing in interesting
adapting to such unique techniques in order to improve the swine industry. If suitable boar semen
preservation methods and swine artificial insemination techniques can be developed, certain
advantages could be provided to the farmer that are impossible under traditional breeding methods.
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There are so many benefits of Artificial Insemination. Some benefits of Artificial
Insemination are: it helps increase the number of sows that can be serviced per boar, it improves
the boar selection, it decreases the rate of disease transmission that is often caused by natural
mating, it allows breeding of incompatible pigs, and it utilizes limited time as compared to
traditional mating. Someother advantages are that in using artificial insemination, you do not need
to keep a boar for breeding purposes and the cost of keeping a boar is saved. Artificial insemination
allows farmers access to examine the semen before insemination so that only the desirable boar
semen is inserted. Artificial insemination ensures that there is less chance for injury or
incompatibilityin mating. Artificial inseminations helps sows that refuse to mate at their oestrum
to conceive. It is accurate and has a good trial record and has high conception. Despite all the
advantages, there are some disadvantages of artificialinseminationsthat include: it requires special
equipment and a well-trained person. Additionally,the misuse of materials may lead to infertility.
Pig meat is widely consumed in Africa with Uganda leading the average consumption per
capita with of 3.5 kg/person (Birungi, 2015; Kugonza, 2015). Other countries in Africa like South
Africa, Kenya, and Ghana are utilizing AI but mostly in the production of cattle rather than pigs.
With reference to Nigeria, they are utilizing AI in their goat production because of culture and
traditions which have put more demand on goat production. People raise pigs because they grow
faster, they are found and raised worldwide, and it provides many valuable products for humans
which include; leather, glue, pork, lard, fertilizer, fats and many other medicines for the body.
It is very frustrating that pig producers in Liberia and the livestock industry are not studying
and making research in order to improve the production of pigs and others livestock in Liberia.
Pig rising in Liberia has been done traditionally and farmers have been breeding their pigs locally
with less productive animals by using local techniques because of lack of inputs and other support
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services. The production of livestock in Liberia started since 1956 and from that time up to present
the service has been managed by foreign technicians, especially from Israel, Sierra Leone and
Egypt (Rhissa, 2005). The Liberian first animal doctor took over office in Monrovia the year 1983
(Rhissa, 2005). After seven (7) years, the entire government structure that was build for the animal
collapsed because of the 14 years civil war (1990 – 2004). From that time until present, the entire
livestock service has not been functional.
Analyzing the current status of the livestock sector in Liberia, there seems to be clear
indication that this kind of developmental activity may open an important opportunity for Liberia
which our national authority, along with technical and financial partners, can use as a gate way to
development for the country to succeed. Unfortunately, the scientific technological method of pigs
breeding is unknown or scarce within the Liberia livestock industry, thereby negatively
contributing to the availability of meat products in the Liberian market (Rendel and Hickman,
1978).
1.2 Statement of the Problem.
Look at what the Bible says “My people perish because of the lack of knowledge” (Hosea
4:6).There has been limited livestock production in Liberia to improve the diet of the citizens,
specificallychildren of age 2 to 5 years which has resulted in malnutrition, importation of
unsatisfactory animal products, and poor farmers cost return.There has also been a serious decrease
in livestock such as: cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, and chickens as a result of the civil war in
Liberia (Rendel& Hickman, 1978). Since the war, the government has not been able to revisit the
Liberia livestock policy, empower livestock producer, introduce new breeding methods, and
provide modern equipment to strengthen the livestock production in the country. With studies done
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in West Africa and specifically in Liberia, there are limited records available to farmers regarding
Artificial Insemination. Farmersdon’tevenknowthe risk involved in the transporting of boars from
one region to another. From the researcher’s observation locally, all the livestock producers are
using the natural practices of breeding which has led to poor production and economic decline.
Additionally, Liberian livestock producers have misunderstood the concept of Artificial
Insemination and the potential economic benefit in a country.
According to the chapter 5 of
Liberia National Livestock Policy and Veterinary and Animal Law (1978), genetics resource
materials are lacking in Liberia as result of the civil war (Rendel and Hickman, 1978). There
might be farmers who wish to try out these methods, but there has been no research done to
determine whether or not these methods are feasible for Liberia or not.
1.3 Aim and Objectives
Figure 1
Parameter Definitions of the Study
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Feasible
Aim: Theaim of this research work is to explore existing literature and practices on artificial
insemination technology and determine whether it could be feasible in Liberia and therefore
whether it could serve as an important means of moving forward with scientific breeding and
modernization of commercial pig production. In order to determine the feasibility of swine
artificial insemination in this setting, the researcher defined the parameters of feasibility around
three factors:

Social feasibility

Economic feasibility

Technical feasibility
To this end, the following objectives are put forth for this research work:
Objectives:
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1. Survey farmers on their views and acceptability of this AI technology in pigs. (Social feasibility)
2.Conduct a financial assessment to determine the profitability of this technique in Liberia.
(Economic feasibility)
3. Experiment with the modern scientific breeding methods of AI with local farmers’ swine.
(Technical feasibility)
4. Compile a list of essential elements and their availability here in Liberia (Technical feasibility)
1.4 Research Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis (H0):The use of Artificial Insemination in swine in Ganta, Liberia is not
feasible.
Alternate Hypothesis (H1):The use of Artificial Insemination in swine in Ganta, Liberia is
feasible.
1.5 Justification of the Study
The Liberian swine industry and other local swine producers have now identified that there is a
need to introduce AI technology in the livestock industry for the provision of food security. By not
introducing Artificial Insemination, it has resulted in poor livestock production and a limited
supply of animal proteins in the Liberian diets which has led to poor economic growth, limited
livestock producers, and nutrient deficiencies in children. Furthermore, other countries around the
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world have higher production because they have improved and adopted new ideas and technologies
in practical areas such as productions, genetics, nutrition, and management within their animal’s
sectors (Loria, 2017).
1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study
The purpose of this research work is to explore existing literature and practices on artificial
insemination technology and test whether it could be an important means moving forward in the
modernization of commercial pig production at the Liberia International Christian College (LICC)
in Gompa City, Nimba County. It is not implied that the findings of this study should have general
application to other parts of the world. However, farmers in areas having conditions similar to
those foundin Gompa City, Nimba County, Liberia may benefit from the findings of this study as
livestock producers striving to develop a functional and practical artificial insemination program
on their own.
The researcher chose to focus on Artificial Insemination (AI) rather than Post Cervix
Artificial Insemination (PCAI) because the study and operation of AI is cheaper, easier and not
known to most livestock producer in Liberia. For this reason, there is no need to introduce PCAI
because of its complexity. This research also focused on pig rather than other livestock because
of its high level of conception, letter size,and its faster growth.
This research will focus on one-on-one interviews with farmers in order to meet their
consent on initiating an AI practice at LICC.It also experimentedwith sow insemination using one
(1) sow and one boar at LICC. This research lasted from June to October2021. Furthermore, this
researcher has limited his research to four groups of pig farmers which includes:smallholder,
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middle income,institutions, and commercialized pig farmers with atotal of ten in and around
Gompa as a case study, with one of them being the head of the pig farmers union in Nimba County.
The research was done in Gompa City, Nimba County because of time limitation. This
researcher sawthe challenges in getting materials such as: dummy sow, AI rod, semen external,
sperm counter, and the cooler for storing the semen and the time factor might serve as limitation
to the study. The researcher attempted to overcome these challenges by gathering some local and
affordable resources that are around to help make the work easy. In terms of any other materials
that the researcher could not afford to buy, the Agriculture Department helped to provide.
1.7 Definition of Key Words
 AI Artificial insemination = Is the introduction of semen into the cervix of a female by
any method other than natural mating or sexual intercourse.
 Feasibility study = is an analysis that considers all of a project’s relevant factors including
economic, technical, legal, and scheduling consideration to ascertain the likelihood of
completing the project successfully.
 Social feasibility: is a survey that helps to measure and evaluate the perceptions of your
targeted people or how relevant the project is socially.
 Economy feasibility = analyzes the financial successfulness of the practice.
 Technical feasibility = an experiment that helps to evaluate the physical possibility of the
practice
1.8 Organization of the Study
This study is organized into various sections. The first section contains the title
page,which includesdeclaration, certification, dedication, acknowledgement, abstract, and the
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table of contents.While the second section contains five chapters which will begin with the
chapter one which consists of the following: background to the study, statement of the problem,
aim and objectives, research hypothesis, justification of the study, scope and limitation of the
study, and definitions of some key terms. The next section is chapter two which is the literature
review which summarizes and outlines the current state of knowledge in the area of artificial
insemination in developing countries. Chapter three consistsof the research methodology and
outlines research design & treatment, population of the study, sampling size & techniques, data
collection and analysis. Chapter four consists of thedata presentation & analysis. The last chapter
in this study is chapter five in which the researcher provides a summary, conclusions and
recommendations. There are other sections that are part of this study which includes the
references and appendixes at the end.
2.0 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
Due to the high increased in population growth and of red meat on the world market, many
countries in the world are demanding the used of artificial insemination in their livestock industries
in order to improve the meat quality, decrease the cost of maintaining many boar, to carry on easy
breeding, and to increase production of red meat in order to meet the demand of the growing
population (Roppa, 2006).As a result, many studies have been conducted to determine the
feasibility of brining advanced breeding services such as artificial insemination to developing
countries. The results from some of these studies are presented below.
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2.2. Body
There are numerous effects related to the disadvantages of natural mating not only on
conception rate, but also on producer income, litter size and genetic improvement. Natural mating
is mostly practiced by small scale pig producers and mostly focused on in breeding which leads to
low- income (Huyen et al. 2005; Lemke et al. 2006; Hau 2008; Herold et al. 2010; 2008; Roessler
et al. 2009). In cattle production, many research has indicated that natural breeding increases the
calving (the art of giving birth to a calf) production time (Baruselli, 2018)
According to research conducted in Europe to be precise Haramaya town, Oromia region,
on the risk factors for the efficiency of AI in dairy cows, the economic impact of failure of the
first service insemination resulted in and outcome where of 221 dairy cows included in the study.
The overall efficiency of the AI was 60.2%, and the pregnancy rate was 53.5% (Hamid, M.,
Abduraman, S., & Tadesse, B.2021). These results from this study have indicated the AI to be
more effective and efficient then natural mating.
A feasibility study was done in the Philippines by F.Q. Arrienda et al. (2010) on the
establishment of AI in Barangay, San Juan on Carabaos. There were five major factors that were
considered: market, production, organization, financial and technical analysis. Structural
questionnaires through interviews were used to determine the feasibility of these factors. The
findings in this study suggested that those factors, which would make an AI program feasible in
San Juan in the Philippians, were all present. Even though those factors were feasible in
Philippians, these factors may still remain a major constraint for many cattle and other ruminant
farmers in Liberia.
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Furthermore, there are numerous elements to consider in determining the viability of A.I
programs. Ojomo (1987) in a study done in Nigera, opined that there are five elements that
constitute the viability of an A.I program. These factors include high performance bull with high
quality semen, skilled dependable AI technicians, healthy cows, functional communication and
transportation resources and cooperative & informed farmers. The findings in this study
conclude that most of those factors were not feasible. Four out of five elements were not feasible,
and the one that was feasible (healthy cows) indicated that technicians still needed additional
education in Kadula States, Nigeria because they could not determine what defined a healthy
cow for reproduction purpose. Among those elements, the farmers only had healthy cows, but
they still needed additional education on how to keep those cows healthy (proper feed). These
four factors that the researcher indicated that were not feasible in Nigeria are not also feasible in
Liberia, because farmers do not have the knowledge to determine whether their animals are of
high performance and have quality semen. As a result, farmers are engaged in natural breeding
of their animals. As a consequence, they have low productivity of their animals. In addition,
skilled dependable and AI technicians are not found on many farmers’ cattle and small ruminant
farms. This also creates high levels of inefficiency of cattle and small ruminant productivity in
Liberia. To add to that, there are no effective functional communication and transportation
resources which also serve as a hindrance for animal productivity in Liberia. Although there are
many cooperatives in Liberia, there are inadequate functional cooperatives in the animal sector in
Liberia. With these challenges facing the animal sector of Liberia, it is essential to evaluate the
feasibility of establishing an artificial insemination center in Liberia using a set different
paraments, particularly at the Liberia International Christian College Agriculture Research
Center.
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2.3 Conclusion
Many studies have shown there is a great potential (not without challenges) to bring artificial
insemination to developing countries, which is what led the researcher to investigate the
possibility of bringing AI to Liberia’s swine industry.
3.0. CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1. Research Design & Treatment
The researcherconducted this research at the Agriculture Research Center (ARC) at the
Liberia International Christian College, Gompa City, Nimba County Liberia. The research
employedboth survey design and experimental design to analyze the social feasibility, economic
feasibility, and technical feasibility. The economic analysis helped to evaluate economic
feasibility, the survey helped to measure social feasibility, theexperiment helped to evaluate
technical feasibility, etc.
3.2 Study Area Description
This research was conductedboth off campus in the community at various farmers’
piggeries and also on campus at the LICC piggery room # 1 which was 10m by 3m in size. The
research was conducted in Ganta city, Nimba county Liberia, because Ganta is one of the fastest
growing cities in Liberia witha population of about 41,106 according to the 2008 censusreports
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(citation). Gantais one of the most business-oriented cities that havean estimated number of pig
farmers at about 150 farmers within and around Ganta.
3.3 Sampling Size & Technique
This research will be done with a series of conversations with farmers in order to determine
their awareness and acceptability towards artificial insemination in swine. In addition to
conducting a survey, the researcher will do an experimentand do the financial analysis of the AI
business here in Ganta, Liberia.
3.31Social feasibility (survey)
The researcher will do a random selection of the pig farmerswithin and around Ganta City,
Nimba County, Liberia to conduct the survey. The researcher targeted 40 pig farmers through
direct visitation and also through mobile phone. The farmers being interviewed will come fromfour
categories which include: smallholder pig farmers, medium scale pig farmers, commercialized pig
farmers, and institutions. The table below shows the number of questioners and sample size for
each category of farmers.
Table 1:
Numbers of Farmer from Each Category and Their Sample Size
Categories
Smallholder pig farmers
Middle Income Producers
Commercialized pig farmers
Institution
Total
Numbers from each Category
5
5
5
5
20
13
Sample number
3
3
2
2
10
The researcher identified four categories of farmers and selected ten (5) people from each group
for the research purpose. Out of ten persons that was selected the researcher selected 3 as a sample
size from the smallholder pig farmers category, 3 from the middle-incomeproducers, 2 from the
commercialized pig farmers and also 2 from the institutioncategory which sum up ten (10). These
farmerswere identified using the snowball method of sampling in which the researcher starts with
three or four farmers and then relies on each farmer to get additional two or three contacts for more
farmers until the target number is reached.
Figure 2
The Snowball Method of Sampling
The researcher tried to target both male and female farmers, but culturally there are more
males that are involved in pig farming. Therefore, the ratio of males to females was not be
balanced.
3.32. Economic feasibility
The researcher conducted a marketing survey to determine the cost of and availability of
the AI materials and instruments within Ganta and Liberia as a whole. Furthermore, the researcher
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conducted the economic feasibility of this research by having a series of conversation with
livestock producer in order to understand how much a farmer would be able to pay for AI services.
The purpose of this was to conduct a financial assessment to determine the profitability of this
technique in Liberia.
3.33. Technical feasibility
The researcher conducted an experiment that was the first of its kind- a successful AI
practice on one boar and onesow at the Liberia International Christian College (LICC) Ganta City,
Nimba County, Liberia on September 8, 2021. The purpose of this practice was to experiment with
the modern scientific breeding methods of AI with local farmers’ swine at the Liberia International
Christian College, Ganta City, Nimba County, Liberia.
3.4. Data Collection & Procedures
3.41 Social feasibility
Guide questionnaires were prepared to facilitate interviews with technicians from the existing
Center Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) of Liberia, small holder and mediumincome pig
farmers, and others commercial livestock producers regarding their production, operations,
marketing and also the problems they have encountered since they entered in business.
Questionnaires were be prepared for pig farmers, whom the researcher sees as potential adoptees
of AI technology. These questionnaires includedthe following:
 Fourdemographicsquestions
 Six questions on breeding practices
 Two questions on Artificial Insemination
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 Two on Economic costs associated with AI
 Two questions on breeding technology
 One question on challenge
The full copy of the questionnaire can be found in Appendix A
The primary data was collected regarding the production, marketing and operation of an
artificial insemination through direct interviews with smallholder pig producers and other
commercial pig farmers and with observations from private and government agencies that are
involved in livestock production.An insight about their willingness and acceptance of initiating
Artificial Insemination operations at the Agriculture Research Center (ARC) at the Liberia
International Christian College was also assessed. These interviews helped the researcher in
determining the problems encountered by the existing farmers. The identification of specific
problems was used in identifying solutions so that some problems could be minimized.
3.42. Economic feasibility
Likewise, an estimate of the costs associated with initiating an AI business will be gathered. Other
relevant costs were obtained by conducting personal interviews withlocalpig farmer and
government institutions that will want to provide such services like the Center Agriculture
Research Institute (CARI) of Liberia. The required prices for initiating AI investment were
obtained through market survey of how accessible and affordable the materials, facilities,
equipment, breeding apparatuses and resources neededand through interviews with existing
private production centers and government institution.
3.43. Technical feasibility
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The researcher used the following materials to carry out the technical feasibility analysis: the AI
rod or the artificial penis, thermometer, a cooler, a cement collector, a filter paper, and a lubricant.
3.5. Data Analysis
3.51 Social feasibility
The study employed both primary and secondary data. The data that was collected and was
analyzed using the quantitative and qualitative tools. Primary data wase collected regarding the
production, marketing and operation of an artificial insemination through direct interviews with
smallholder pig producers and other commercial pig farmers and with observations from private
and government agencies that are involved in livestock production.
3.52 Economic feasibility
The four functional areas of business management namely, marketing, production, personnel and
finance wereanalyzed to check the viability of such investment. Interviews to private and
government agencies were done to assess how the overall performance of initiating an AI program
would be. Economic feasibility of the project was determined by calculating the material costs
necessary per round of artificial insemination and then subtracting this from the average cost the
farmers were willing to pay (according to the survey results).
The proposed project will also be subject to sensitivity analysis (sensitivity analysis is a
financial model that determines how target variable are affected based on the changes in other
variable known as input variables. Secondary data will be used to compute the estimation of
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benefit and cost, If the value of IRR, NPV, and PP will have a high value; that when the projects
will be determined as economically feasible.
3.53 Technical feasibility
After the AI was conducted the researcher waited 18 to 24 days to see if the sow was going to
come into heat to confirm the conception of the sow. The researcher further checked within the
period of three months, three weeks, three days to see if the sow farrowed.
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION &ANALYSIS
4.1 Social Feasibility
Respondents completed the survey (see Appendix A) from October 15th to the 21st. Some surveys
were done in person and others were given to the participant to answer and then completed and
brought back to the researcher. The results of these surveys are presented below.
Table 2
Categories are Highly Involved Pig Production
Categories
Smallholder pig farmers
Middle income farmers
Commercialized pig farmers
Frequency
4
3
2
18
Percentage
40%
30%
20%
Institutions
Total
1
10
10%
100%
The table above presents the amount of people from each category that responded to the questions.
There were four people from the smallholder pig farmers category which constituted 40% of the
total group, with three people from the middle-income farmer’s category which constituted 30%
of the total. There were two people from the commercialized pig farmers categories which
constituted 20% of the total percentage, and lastly one people from the institutions category which
constituted 10% of the total percentage allotted.
Table 3
Breed of Animals Reared by Local Farmers
Breed of Animals
Local Breed
Exotic Breed
Both
Total
Frequency
3
4
3
10
Percentage
30%
40%
30%
100%
The above table shows the breed of animals reared by local farmers. Three respondents are raising
local breeds of animals which constitute 30% of those surveyed. Meanwhile, four respondents
indicated that they are raising exotic breeds which constituted 40% while finally there were three
people who have both local and exotic breeds of animals which constitutes 30% of the total.
Table 4
Farmer’s Average Litter Size for Sows
Piglets per litter
Below 5
5-10
10 above
Frequency
1
7
2
19
Percentage
10%
70%
20%
Total
10
100%
The above table presents the average litter size that the farmer’s pigs are capable of farrowing.
There was one farmer who responded that his pigs usually produced below five piglets, while there
were 7 farmers who reported that their pigs can usually produce between 5-10 piglets per litter,
which constituted about 70% of the responses. There were two people who responded that their
pig litter size was typically above 10 piglets.
Table 5
Farmers Breeding Practices
Breeding Practices
Traditional breeding practice
Advanced breeding practice
Total
Frequency
7
3
10
Percentage
70%
30%
100%
This table above presents the breeding practices of the researcher’s targeted area. There were 7
people that were involved in traditional breeding practices (ie. random and untimed/unplanned
breeding) which constituted 70%, while 3 people were involved in advanced breeding
practices(intentional selection of boar and sows with timed breeding) which constituted 30% of
the total.
Table 6
Transporting of Boar or Livestock for Breeding
Options
Yes
No
Total
Frequency
8
2
10
20
Percentage
80%
20%
100%
The table above presents the number of farmers that were involved in the transportation of animals
for breeding purposes. Of the total 10 people which constituted the 100%, two people responded
that they have not transported their animal for breeding which constituted 20% of the total, while
eight people reported having transported their animals for breeding purposes which constituted
80% of the totalrespondents.
Table 6.A
Cost of Transporting Boar or Livestock for Breeding
Cost
$1000 - $ 2000
$2000- $3000
$3000- 4000
Above $5000
Total
Frequency
2
3
5
0
10
Percentage
20%
30%
50%
0%
100%
The table above presents the amount farmers spend on transportation of boar from one region to
another. Of the total 100% of the farmers’ survey, 50% of them spent between $3000 to $4000
LRD on transportation for boar during mating while 30% of them spent $2000 to $3000 LRD.
There were 20% of the farmers that spent $1000 to $2000 LRD.
Table6.B
The Result of Transporting Boar or Livestock for Breeding
Result
Good
Bad
Total
Frequency
5
5
10
Percentage
50%
50%
100%
The data above is indicating the result of transportation boar or livestock for breeding purpose.
Out of the 100%, 50% of the farmers agreed that the result of transporting their animals for
21
breeding was not successful (bad) while 50% of the farmers agreed that the result of transporting
their animals for breeding was not successful (good)
Table 6.C
Identifying Farmer’s Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction of Transporting Boar
Result
Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Total
Frequency
5
5
10
Percentage
50%
50%
100%
With the data from the table above identifying farmers satisfaction and dissatisfaction of
transportation their animals for breeding, 50% were satisfied while 50% were not satisfied during
the process. Any details on why they were not satisfied? What kinds of bad things happen in
Liberia when transporting boards?
Table 7
Farmer’s Awareness About Artificial Insemination (AI)
Option
Yes
No
Total
Frequency
10
0
10
Percentage
100%
0%
100%
The table above presents farmers’ awareness of AI and all of the farmers that were interviewed,
they all agreed.
Table 8
Gathering Farmer’s Willingness on Cost for Artificial Insemination (AI) Services
22
Cost
$10 - $ 15
$15- $20
$20- 25
$25- 30
Total
Frequency
3
5
2
0
10
Percentage
30%
50%
20%
0%
100%
The data presented from the above table presents the farmers’ willingness to pay a certain
cost for AI services. Out of the 10 farmers, 50% of the farmers are willing to pay the amount
ranging between $15 to $20 USD, while 30% are willing to pay between $10 to $15 USD. There
were also 20% of the farmers that were willing to pay between $20 to $25 USD.
Table 9
Farmer’s Willingness to try Artificial Insemination Services.
Option
Not willing
Some how
Willing
Very willing
Total
Frequency
0
2
3
5
10
23
Percentage
0%
20%
30%
50%
100%
The table above presents farmers’ willingness for AI services in Ganta. Out of the total 10
farmers, 50% are strongly willing, while 30% are willing, and 20% are somehow willing to try the
AI services.
Table 10
Farmer’s Willingness for Improvement in the Animal Industry.
Option
Yes
No
Total
Frequency
10
0
20
Percentage
100%
0%
100%
The above data present farmers’ willingness for improvement in the animal industry, and
all of the farmers that were interviewed, all were willing.
Table 11
Challenges Faced Within Production.
Challenges
Disease outbreak
Low fertility
High mortality
High morbidity
Constrain of getting boar
during heat period
Feeling
Frequency
3
0
0
0
3
Percentage
30%
0%
0%
0%
30%
2
20%
24
Housing
Attaining feed ingredients
Others
Total
2
0
0
10
20%
0%
0%
100%
The table above presents thechallenges faced by farmersin swineproduction in Ganta City,
Nimba County. Out of the 10 interviewed, 30% have a constraint of getting boars for mating during
the heat period, while feeding 20% and housing have 20% and disease outbreak is 30% of the total
100%.
Table12
Farmers’ Means of Accessing Information Regarding Production and Distributions.
Information Access
Radio
Mobile phone
Television
Extension agents
From other farmers
Total
Frequency
4
2
1
1
2
10
Percentage
40%
20%
10%
10%
20%
100%
The data above presents the channel through which farmers access information regarding
production and distribution of livestock. The data showed that 40% of the farmers access their
information through radio, while 20% of the farmers received their information from other farmers.
There were 20% who received information through mobile phone, 10% through extension agents,
and 10% through television.
4.2 Economic Feasibility
Table 13
The List of AI Materials and Data on Analysis Cost.
25
Materials
The AI rod
Cooler
Filter paper
Semen container
Thermometer
Lubricant
Gloves
Labor estimate
Total cost
Cost/unit
$ 0.40 USD
$ 0.83 USD
$ 0.20 USD
$ 0.16 USD
$ 0.25 USD
$ 0.3 USD
$ 0.02 USD
$5 USD
$ 7.16 USD
Location
USA
Ganta
Monrovia
Ganta
Ganta
Ganta
Ganta
The table and data above presents the list of artificial insemination materials along with
their cost and where they can be easily found. The data above indicated that most of the materials
can be found in Liberia and only the AI rod cannot be found here. The total cost of materials
needed to perform one round of artificial insemination is $7.16 USD. The cost of reusable materials
(ie. cooler, semen container, thermometer, etc) were estimated by taking the cost of the item and
diving it by 12 ( a conservative calculation that assumes each item will last at least 12 uses).
4.3 Technical Feasibility
Table 14
Data from technical feasibility (AI practice) experiment
Date Semen Collected
Date Inseminated
Date of 1st Heat Check
Date of 2nd Heat Check
Date of Parturition
September 8, 2021
September 8, 2021
Sept 26 – Oct 2nd 2021
October 20 –26, 2021
Not successful
26
The above table presents the data collected from the experiment technical feasibility
practice that was conducted at LICC piggery at the Agriculture Research Center, Ganta City,
Nimba County Liberia. The semen was collected successfully on September 8, 2021 and was also
inseminated successfully on that same date.However, upon further monitoring; heat was detected
on the second heat check that was performed on October 20 – 26 which indicates that the pig
actually did not get pregnant from the artificial insemination that was performed.
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, & RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
The purpose of this research was toexplore existing literature and practices on artificial
insemination technology and determine whether it could be feasible in Liberia and therefore
whether it could serve as an important means moving forward with scientific breeding and
modernization of commercial pigproduction.. The researcher framed his research using the three
key analyses which includes;economic, social and thetechnical feasibility analysis. The economic
analysis helped to evaluate economic feasibility, the survey helped to measure the social
feasibility, and the experiment helped to evaluate technical feasibility, etc.
5.2 Discussion and Conclusions
5.21 Social feasibility
The research suggested that artificial insemination in swine in Ganta is socially feasible based
on the results of the questionnaire that was given to the farmers. About 45% of the respondents
27
indicated that they were “very willing” for the AI service while 30% indicated that they were
“willing” which constituted 75% of the total number of farmers that were interviewed.
Through the survey, the researcher also identified some of the challenges that farmers faced:
some of which include the following;constraint of getting a boar during heat period which
constituted 30% of the total number, while feeding constituted 25% of the total number from the
data collected. There were also 25% of the farmers who have challenges with housing and 20% of
the farmers who have problems with disease outbreak. The researcher further indentified the
farmer breeding practices during the survey and found about 65% of the total farmers that took
part in the survey are involved in the traditional breeding practice and they are not satisfied with
it. Based on this data, the researcher determined that the willingness of the farmers was due to the
following reasons;
A. The risk involved in transporting farm animals for breeding purpose.
B. The cost of transporting farm animals for breeding purpose.
C. To avoid inbreeding.
5.22 Economical feasibility
From the data collected, the research indicates that artificial insemination in Ganta is
economically feasible. Looking at the statistics, it is clear to see that 50% of the farmers indicated
that they were willing to pay between $15-20USD for the cost of one round of AI services and an
additional 20% were even willing to pay between $20-25USD per round. There were also 30% of
farmers who were willing to pay between $10-15USD based on their location. Comparing the
average price that farmers are willing to pay $20 USD with the actual price of the materials/labor
28
estimated $7.16USD; the data indicates that there is a surplus of $12.84 USD per round of AI
which indicates that this service has the potential to be financially feasible.
5.23 Technical feasibility
Technically, the collection of the boar semen was successful and the deposition of the
semen into the female was also successfully done in that the researcher was able to follow all steps
in the process without any technical issues arising. The pig was monitored until the first heat period
from September 26 – October 2nd 2021 and at that time it did not show any signs of heat. However,
upon further monitoring, heat was detected on the second heat check that was performed between
October 20–26 which indicates that the pig actually did not get pregnant from the artificial
insemination that was performed.
Due to this and the inability to be able to have the result of a pregnant female pig, it is
difficult for the researcher to say that the artificial insemination in swine is technically feasible at
this time. However, the researcher has reason to believe that there were some challenges that were
specifically related to this pig and to the process that day that might have influenced the results
and resulted in the poor conception rate. Firstly, the pig that was inseminated was gilt and it could
have a conception problem because it has gone more than one year and has been crossed multiple
times naturally without ever having yet conceived. Secondly, there were some challenges on the
day of insemination that could have resulted in poor handling of the semen which might have
reduced its viability. The thermometer was not working properly which made it hard to monitor
the semen during the 1.5 hours from the time it was collected to the time it was injected. It was
observed at one point while the semen was in the cooler next to the ice, that the semen felt too
cold, however this could not be confirmed due to the fact that the thermometer on hand was not
29
properly working. Additionally, there were many people around the area observing the process as
this was the first time that AI has ever been performed on the LICC campus and this could have
resulted in stress for the pig which could have led to conception problems unrelated to the process.
The researcher suggests some “tips” for other researchers or farmers who might want to try this in
the future. It is his belief that if these suggestions are followed, there will be more opportunity for
technical feasibility to be proven in the future.
Table 15
Tips that should be consider by further researchers and farmers concerning AI practice.











Things to consider during the Artificial Insemination process are as follow;
Workable thermometer
You need to have someone helping to monitor the temperature.
Timing is very important. That is, it is important to carry on AI practice at the early
morning.
Make sure that the environment is clean including the animal.
I personally recommend two (2) assistances.
You need running water and a host or tube.
You need to have a lubricant.
Try to avoid crow/group.
Identify the best AI row to be use.
Make sure you identify whether the pig is gilt or a sow before inserting the best AI
row.
When carrying on AI practice makes sure you use a smaller space area
5.2.4 Conclusion
The feasibility of AI in Liberia in this research study takes into consideration some findings from
the survey (social feasibility) that was conducted and answered by the farmers, observations from
the technical and economic feasibility study (the AI practice) and has allowed the researcher to
30
conclude that Artificial Insemination is feasible. The researcher suggested that AI is feasible
because two (2) out of the three (3) objectives in the research were feasible. That is, socially and
the economically the research is feasible, but the technical feasibility was not conclusive because
the researcher has reason to believe that there were some challenges that were specifically related
to this pig and to the process that day that might have influenced the results and resulted in the
poor conception rate. Firstly, the pig that was inseminated was gilt and it could have a conception
problem because it has gone more than one year and been crossed multiple times naturally without
ever having yet conceived. Secondly, there were some challenges on the day of insemination that
could have resulted in poor handling of the semen which might have reduced its viability. Finally,
the researcher believes that there will be more opportunity for technical feasibility to be proven
successful in the future if the following tips in Table 15 are taken into consideration for future
researcher.
.
5.3 Recommendations
Artificial insemination has the potential to impact the animal industry in Liberia. Therefore, for
the animal industry in Liberia to improve and for the local farmers to get the real benefits from
their animals, the Government, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), NGO’s, and various
agricultural educational institutions, and local farmers need to take note of the following
recommendations:
31
The researcher recommends that further research should be done on 3-4sows and two boars with
different pedigrees in order to avoid inbreeding at different locations in Ganta City, Nimba County
and Liberia at large to compare the results of this study.
The researcher also recommends that further research should be conducted on the technical
feasibility of AI at the Liberia International Christian College taking into consideration timing, the
month in conducting the research, the availability of the essential AI materials and using two boars
in order to avoid in breeding to compare the results.
The researcher recommends that further studies should be conducted on a proven sow so that the
technical feasibility research experiment can be conducted again, this time by introducing
hormones such as progesterone.
This study could additionally, this research be used in the following ways:
1. Government should try to cultivate and improve the animal and livestock department
through the Ministry of Agriculture.
2. Government should establish an artificial insemination center in order to improve the
animal genetics.
3. In order to reduce the importation of frozen food, the government through the Ministry of
Agriculture should provide anAI training center for educational institution.
4. NGOs that are involved in animal production should incorporate AI program in order to
improve the animal sectors.
5. NGOs should support and train farmers on artificial insemination in order to meet the
global needs of food security in Liberia.
32
6. Academic institutions should work with government and NGOs to identify and
recommends potential students for training for AI program.
7. Farmers should buy and support the idea of establishing AI program in Liberia in order to
help reduce the transportation of boar for breeding purpose to avoid boar injury.
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Appendix A:
Farmer Survey
36
 Farmers Names ------------------------------------------------------ Location: Live in Ganta: ( ) Around Ganta: ( ) Rural Area ( )
 Age __________
 Gender: Male ( ) Female: ( )
 Which categories of pig farmer are you? Small holder ( ), Middle income farmer ( ),
Commercialized pig farmer ( ), Institution ( )
 How many pigs do you have? 3-5 ( ), 5-10 ( ), 10-15 ( ), 15-20 ( ), 20-30 ( ), 30 above( )
 What breed of animals do you have? Local ( ), Exotic ( ) Both ( )
 What is the average number of piglets your sow gives each time she gives birth?
Below
5 ( ), 5-10 ( ), 10 above ( )
 How long have you been in the animal field? 1-3 ( ), 4-7 ( ), 8-10 ( ) 10 above ( )
 What are your breeding practices? Traditional Breeding Practice ( ) advance breeding ( )
 Have you ever transported a boar for mating services? If yes, how far? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------At what price? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What was the result? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Were you satisfied or unsatisfied? ---------------------------------------------------------- Have you heard about Artificial Insemination? Yes ( ) or No ( ) If no, then I explain
 How many dollars are you willing to pay for AI service to avoid transporting of board?
Between: $10- $15( ), $15-$20( ), $20- $25( ), $25- $30 ( )
 How willing would you be to pay for AI services? And give them a rank. 1( ) not
willing, 2 ( ) somewhat willing, 3( )willing 4 ( )very willing.
 Why or why not? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------37
 What improvement do you hope to see in the animal industry? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What are some problems you are faced with in term of production? Circle all that apply.
Disease outbreak ( ), Low Fertility ( ), High mortality( ), High morbidity( ), constrain of
getting board during heat period( ), Feeding ( ), and housing ( ), and Attaining feed
ingredients( ), Others ( ) -------------------------------------------------------------------- How do you access information regarding you production and distribution? By radio ( )
 Mobile Phone( ), Television( ), Extension agents( ),from others farmers( ).
Thank You for participating in this Survey
APPENDIX B:
Photos and notes from experimental procedures
38
Semen collection process
Semen collected from boar
39
Insemination Process
40