Understanding the role of technical advisors in the adoption of reproductive technologies in small-scale dairy systems.

The present study examined technical advisors’ perceptions of reproductive technology adoption in small-scale dairy farms in Mexico as well as the factors influencing their views. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 98 advisors participating in a national program coordinated by the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture. Of these advisors, 52 met the inclusion criteria of working with family-owned dairy farms, supporting a combined total of 1,579 farms and 22,742 lactating cows. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test (P < 0.05). Significant associations were detected between advisors’ characteristics and their views on reproductive technology implementation. Advisors who preferred reproduction as their main focus more frequently implemented and positively assessed the ease of using ultrasound-based pregnancy diagnosis (P < 0.05). Those advising more farms also reported greater ultrasound use (P = 0.040) and perceived estrus synchronization hormones (P = 0.007), ovulation protocols (P = 0.005), and estrus detection tools (P = 0.041) as easier to implement. Advisors’ years of experience influenced the perceived ease of implementing ovulation synchronization protocols (P = 0.045), and their year of graduation was linked to the perceived usefulness of sexed semen (P = 0.039). These findings highlight the importance of aligning training and extension strategies with advisors’ experience and focus areas to improve the adoption of reproductive technologies and contribute to the sustainability of small-scale dairy farming systems.