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 transf erred into synchronised recipients in Uganda. Recipient cows and heife rs from indigenous breeds of cattle and their crosses in Uganda were u sed. The project resulted in 17 pregnancies confirmed by rectal palpat ion at 8 weeks. Twelve live calves were born of which 7 were heifers a nd 5 were bulls. One heifer calf died at one month of age from East Co ast fever. One pregnant recipient died of East Coast fever 2 months be fore calving. Two recipients aborted in late gestation as a result of trauma incurred during fighting. Two calves were lost as a result of d ystocia. The transfer work and calvings were performed at 3 different farms under varying conditions. The 11 surviving animals are being rea red on a single unit where growth rates and performance data are being recorded.