The integration of superior genetic material through laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) represents a promising pathway for enhancing productivity in indigenous sheep populations. This study evaluated the comparative performance of Dorper-sired crossbred lambs against purebred Balami controls under semi-intensive management in northeastern Nigeria. Forty Balami ewes were allocated to either Dorper-insemination (DB, n=20) or natural Balami mating (BB, n=20) groups. Performance metrics encompassed reproductive efficiency, longitudinal growth trajectories, feed utilization efficiency, carcass characteristics, and economic returns over a 12-month evaluation period. Dorper crossbreds demonstrated significant advantages in birth weight (4.40±0.09 vs. 3.80±0.09 kg; p=0.0006) and 12-month body weight (89.5±1.88 vs. 73.3±1.73 kg; p<0.0001), representing a 22% improvement in market weight. Feed conversion efficiency improved by 16% (FCR: 5.01 vs. 5.99; p<0.0001), while carcass quality metrics including dressing percentage, loin eye area, and meat tenderness showed statistically significant enhancements. The LAI protocol achieved an 80% conception rate compared to 60% in naturally mated controls (p=0.301). Economic analysis revealed that Dorper crossbreds reduced gross margin losses by 83.5% (₦46,114 per lamb). These findings validate LAI-mediated crossbreeding with Dorper genetics as an effective strategy for productivity enhancement in Balami sheep. Sustainable implementation requires optimization of feed costs, establishment of AI service infrastructure, and development of value chains recognizing premium carcass quality.
Keywords: Laparoscopic Insemination, Dorper Genetics, Balami Sheep Improvement, Crossbreeding Efficiency, Carcass Merit, Semi-Intensive Production.
Citation: Mohammed, A. et al., (2026). Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination as a Tool for Genetic Improvement: Performance Evaluation of Dorper Crossbred Sheep in Semi-Arid Nigeria. J N food sci tech, 7(2):1-7. DOI : https://doi.org/10.47485/2834-7854.1060