ARTIFICIAL

INSEMINATION
Agriscience 332
Animal Science
8818-A
TEKS: (c)(4)(D)

Introduction
Artificial insemination (A. I.) is
the process by which sperm
are collected from a male of a
species, processed, stored,
and then artificially introduced
into the reproductive tract of a
female of that same species
for the purpose of conception.

Artificial insemination is an
important technique for
improving the genetic quality
of domesticated animals.
It has been widely used in
dairy cattle, beef cattle,
sheep, swine, horses, birds,
and dogs throughout the
world.

History of Artificial
Insemination
An old Arabian tale reports
that an Arab chieftain wanted
to mate his prize mare to an
outstanding stallion owned by
an enemy.

For the chieftain to be able to do

this, he had to steal semen from
the enemys stallion.
He introduced a wand of cotton
into the mares reproductive tract
and then used it to sexually excite
the stallion.
The stallion ejaculated, the
semen was caught in a container,
and the chieftain introduced the

Antony van Leeuwenhook,

Dutch inventor of the
microscope, was the first
person to observe sperm
under magnification.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

In 1780, Lazzaro Spallanzani,

an Italian physiologist, was the
first to record the successful
use of AI in his work
with dogs and is
considered the
inventor of AI.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Ivanoff of Russia pioneered AI

research in birds, horses,
cattle, and sheep in 1899.
He was the first to
successfully inseminate cattle
artificially.

By the late 1800s, American

veterinarians employed AI to
get mares in foal that had
persistently failed to settle to
natural service.
AI was first used on a large
scale by Russia to reestablish
its livestock industry following
World War I and Britain used it
for the same purpose following

Today in the United States, AI

is used extensively in many
livestock species.
It has been most widely used
for breeding dairy cattle and
research indicates that more
than 65% of all dairy cattle are
bred artificially.
AI has made bulls of high

Benefits of Artificial
Insemination
Increased Uniformity AI
makes development of large
numbers of animals within a
superior family possible, thus
providing uniformity and a
better basis for a
constructive breeding

 Economical Service with

reasonably priced semen, the
value of the progeny
produced exceeds the costs of
semen
and service.

 Better Health Protection AI

stops venereal contact,
reproductive problems in
individual females
are more
easily detected, and the
infertile males can be
detected at an earlier age.

 Improved Herd Records sires

and breeding dates of each
offspring are known and
more accurate herd records
and
observations result in
improved culling and
management.
Maximizes Use of Superior
Males
one male can be
mated to thousands of

 Safety not having a male

animal on the premises
eliminates the potential
danger
of aggressive
males, such as
bulls, that
could cause harm to a
producer.

Limitations of Artificial
Insemination
Human Detection of Heat a
very detailed management
practice (extra human labor)
is required
because success
or failure depends on how well
heat is
detected in the
female
population.

 Requires a Skilled Technician

proper training and
experience
are essential to
be successful with AI.

 May Be Subject to Abuses

because it is impossible to
differentiate between the
semen of individuals of the
same species, the integrity
of technicians and sire
collection agencies is very
important.

 May Accentuate the Damage

from a Poor Sire because a
greater
number of offspring
is available
through AI, an
inferior sire can increase his
negative influences.

 Requires Additional Capital

and
Management due to
extra labor and facilities
which are usually required
because of
extra handling
for palpation and insemination
of each individual.

Anatomy and Function of

the Male Reproductive
Tract
Before producers can make
the best use of AI, it is
necessary to understand the
function of the male
reproductive tract.
A brief review follows. For a more in-depth review,

The testicles produce the

sperm cells and testosterone.
Normally, the testicles are
found suspended in the
scrotum, where a relatively
constant temperature is
maintained by raising or
lowering the testes.
Sperm pass from the testes to
the epididymis, where they are

At the time of mating, or

ejaculation, sperm are carried
from the epididymis through
the vas deferens to the
ampullae, which join the
urethra.
From the ampullae, sperm
pass into the urethra, the
common passageway for both
semen and urine.

The seminal vesicles, the

prostate, and the Cowpers
glands are accessory glands
that secrete fluids that are
added to the sperm at the
time of ejaculation.
These fluids help transport the
sperm, supply the proper
environment to keep the
sperm alive, and cleanse the

The urethra continues from high in

the body down through the penis.
Semen follows this path at the
time of ejaculation.
The penises of the bull, ram, and
boar are constructed with an Sshaped curve (sigmoid flexure)
that straightens out at the time of
erection and mating to enable the
penis to deposit semen in the

Semen Collecting,
Processing, and
Storage
Semen is an opaque, whitish
fluid, consisting of a fluid part
(from accessory glands) and a
cellular part (sperm), that is
discharged by the male at the
time of mating.

Considerable differences in
individuals and species exist
for semen volume and sperm
numbers, which are influenced
by age, season of year,
general health, and sexual
activity of the male.

The ram is capable of repeated

service without noticeable
decline in volume and sperm
concentration.
In boars and stallions, service
rates higher than twice daily
usually affect semen quality.

The sperm cells are

microscopic in size and consist
of a head, neck, body, and tail
portion.

In profile, the head of the

sperm is flattened, but as
seen under a microscope, is
rounded or oval.
It mainly consists of nuclear
material and is covered by a
thin layer of cytoplasm.
The head is of great
importance because it

The neck is short and contains

the anterior centromere.
The body is approximately the
same length as the head.
The lashing of the
tail causes the
sperm to move.
Photo by Keith Weller courtesy of USDA Agricultural Research
Service.

Although minor differences

occur in their sizes, all
spermatozoa are extremely
small (much smaller than the
egg cells, or ova).

Collection of Semen
The method of collecting
semen should be adapted to
the male of the species and
easy for the operator to use.
It should permit the collection
of a sample of normally
ejaculated semen, free from
contamination.

Artificial Vagina
Many techniques are available
for the collection of semen, but
the most satisfactory one
consists of using the artificial
vagina.
Males usually respond to this
method with little previous
training.

The artificial vagina is the most

satisfactory method of
collecting semen from the bull,
stallion, or boar and may be
used for the ram.

An artificial vagina is made of

two tubes, an outer layer of
heavy rubber and an inner lining
of thin rubber.
The space between the two
tubes is filled with warm water
(45C or 113F).

One end of the vagina is left

open to permit the penis to
enter.
The other end leads to a
graduated test tube into which
the semen flows after
ejaculation.

Best results are usually

attained when the male is
allowed to mount another
animal and the penis is quickly
diverted into the open end of
the artificial vagina.
If the artificial vagina was
properly prepared, ejaculation
is very shortly initiated.

Preparation of a bull for

collection is important.
A teasing period before
collection results in an
improvement in the quantity
and quality of semen
produced.

At collection, as the bull mounts

a cow, a steer, or a dummy, his
sheath is grasped and the penis
is quickly guided into the
artificial vagina.
If the proper technique,
temperature, pressure, and
lubrication have been
observed, the bull will ejaculate
immediately.

The average semen volume per

ejaculate, as indicated on the
graduated test tube, is 8 to 10
cc and contains 8 to 15 billion
sperm.
The graduated test tube in
which the semen was collected
from the artificial vagina is
taken to the processing
laboratory as soon as collection

Electrical Stimulation
The electro-ejaculator was
developed to produce an
electrical impulse to stimulate
the nervous system of the
reproductive tract, causing
erection and ejaculation.

Collecting semen by
electrical stimulation has
been used on rams for years,
but has only been used on
bulls since 1950.

The use of the electroejaculator has overcome many

of the difficulties experienced
in using other methods for
testing range bulls.
If a bull is restrained properly
in a good chute, semen can be
collected with the machine,
regardless of the bulls
disposition.

Electrodes are inserted into the

rectum of the bull after the
feces are flushed out with a
salt solution.
Low-power stimulations given
intermittently are increased
gradually to obtain extension
and erection prior to
ejaculation.

The first fluid that passes is a

clear, watery secretion from
the accessory glands that
contains few, if any, sperm
cells.
Following this, the ejaculate
turns into a milky fluid
consisting of sperm and
accessory fluids.

The collection is made in a test

tube attached to a flexible
plastic funnel that reduces
breakage and injury.

The reproductive organs are

examined for abnormalities at
the time of testing.

Massage of the
Ampullae
Massaging the ampullae is a
method of collecting semen
that requires a well-trained
operator who inserts the hand
into the rectum and massages
the ampullae and accessory
glands, causing semen to drip
from the sheath.

Semen collected by this

method is of poor quality,
because it may be
contaminated with urine and
may contain too much
accessory gland secretion for
the number of sperm present.
However, this massaging the
ampullae method has been
used successfully with bulls and

Recovery of Semen from the

Vagina
This method of semen
collection first allows natural
service to occur.
Then, the semen in the anterior
vagina is aspirated into a
syringe by means of a glass or
rubber catheter introduced into
the vagina.

Semen collected this way is

usually contaminated with the
secretions of the female and
greater danger of spreading
disease exists.
Some operators prefer this
method with sheep, but it
cannot be used with swine.

Semen Processing
Semen that has been
collected, must then be
processed.
The processing of semen
includes testing and
extending the semen.

Testing of Semen
The thickness, or density, of
the semen is tested in a
photelometer, which estimates
the number of sperm.
Next, the semen is examined
under the microscope to
evaluate motility and
morphology of sperm.

A drop of fresh semen is placed

on a glass slide and examined
under the microscope.
The observer notes the
percentage of mobile sperm in
the sample.
Rapid forward movement is
desirable; 80% motility is
excellent, 70% is good, and

The morphology, or appearance,

of the sperm should be normal
and is an indication of semen
quality.
Abnormal appearances, such as
coiled tails, tailless, irregular
shaped heads, and double heads
or tails, may result from cold or
heat shock, poor nutrition, and
endocrine imbalances.

Extending Semen
The male ejaculates millions
of sperm at the time of
mating.
In natural mating, all of
these sperm are used to
breed one female, even
though only one sperm of
the millions fertilizes the

Collected semen can be

extended, or diluted, so that one
ejaculation may be used to
breed many females.
This is accomplished by
adding materials to the
semen to keep the sperm
alive for a longer time
period and to give the
sample more volume.

Photo by Keith Weller courtesy of USDA

Agricultural Research Service.

Antibacterial agents, such as

sulfanilamide, penicillin, and
streptomycin, are added to the
extenders to help control
bacterial growth.
To keep sperm alive, it is
important that the diluents be
added a few minutes after the
semen is collected from the
male.

It is important to not suddenly

cool the sperm, so the semen
and diluent should always be
near the same temperature.
Sperm can withstand slow
cooling, but cold shock is
extremely harmful.

Semen that is undiluted will

not live much longer than 24
hours at room temperature.
By adding diluents and slowly
cooling the semen to
refrigerator temperature, 41F,
the sperm may frequently be
kept fertile for nearly a week
and active movement can be
maintained for 20 to 30 days.

The reduced temperature

slows the sperm until it is
inactive; thus, its energy is
saved.

Storing Semen
Preparations for
Storage
After special treatment of
semen with the selected
extender, the sperm can
withstand freezing to
extremely low temperatures.

Usually the semen is collected

and diluted in the manner
previously discussed.
After it is cooled, a 7% to 10%
glycerol solution is added
slowly over a one-half hour
period.
The sperm are then
refrigerated for 6 to 18 hours.

Ampuling
The basic unit for semen
storage and shipment is an
individual plastic straw,
containing just enough semen
for a single insemination.
After the semen has been
collected, evaluated, and
extended, straws are prepared

Each individual straw is

identified with the sires name
and registration number, breed,
code number, and identification
as to the specific collection.
The filling and sealing
operations are performed in
refrigerated rooms maintained
at 40F.

Careful attention is given to the

volume of semen in each straw
and to the quality of seal.
Volume of Semen & Concentration Per Insemination
Species

Semen Dilution Ratio

Volume of Semen
Needed per Service

Number of Sperm
per Insemination

Bull

1:200

5 cc15

million

Stallion

-----

5-10 cc

250 million

Boar

1:8

50-100 cc

2 million

Ram

1:1

0.5 cc

50 million

After filling, sealing, and

freezing, the straws are placed
into plastic cups (goblets).
Each goblet holds five straws.
Two goblets are clipped to a
metal holding device called a
cane.
This provision for vertical
storage makes it possible to

Freezing and Storage

The diluted semen with the
glycerol added is slowly frozen
by using liquid nitrogen or dry
ice in an alcohol bath.

Semen will stay fertile and can

be stored for months or
perhaps years when
maintained at -110F (dry ice)
or -320F (liquid nitrogen) until
needed for breeding.
It is important that the low
storage temperature be
maintained constantly;
otherwise, the sperm will die.

The technician
has the
responsibility of
handling the
frozen semen to
preserve its
quality.

Photo by Peggy Greb courtesy of USDA Agricultural Research Service.

Most technicians store the

straws of frozen semen in a
liquid nitrogen container.
The nitrogen container
illustrated
(right)
holds up to
540
straws and
may
be safely
stored
for as long
as 60
days.

Anatomy and Function of

the Female Reproductive
Tract
To use AI effectively, it is
necessary to know the
anatomy of the female
reproductive system and how
the system functions.

A brief review follows. For a more in-depth review,

see lesson #8405.

The main purposes of the

female reproductive tract are
to produce the egg (ovum) to
be fertilized by the sperm to
form the embryo, serve as a
receptacle for the male penis
during copulation, and house
and nourish the fetus until
parturition.

Two ovaries produce eggs from

follicles and produce the
female hormones estrogen and
progesterone, which regulate
the heat cycle and maintain
pregnancy.
Infundibulums located just
below the ovaries pick up the
eggs at ovulation and direct
them into the fallopian tubes

From the fallopian tube, the egg

passes into the uterine horn,
where the embryo attaches to
the uterine wall to be nourished
and developed until parturition.
The horns join to form the body
of the uterus.

The cervix joins the uterus to

the vagina and seals off the
uterus during pregnancy.

Semen passes through the

cervix from the vagina.

The vagina is the receptacle for

the penis during copulation and
serves as a passageway for the
liquid waste expelled from the
urethra.
The vulva is the exterior
opening of the female
reproductive tract.

Heat Detection and

Importance of Timing
in Artificial
Insemination
Successful and practical AI
requires that a producer be
able to detect females in heat.

Detecting Heat
Females in heat are under
the influence of a sudden,
high-level occurrence of a
sex or heat hormone called
estrogen.

The egg-containing follicle

that produces the hormone is
at the height of its growth.
The nervous system is greatly
affected.

The producer that knows his

females well can often
recognize heat by the alert,
bright-eyed, nervous
appearance shown during this
period.
The female is excitable and
may make an unusual amount
of verbal calling out.
She is restless and often walks

Standing to be mounted is the

only reliable, practical test for
heat.
When a cow stands to be
mounted, she is in heat and is
ready for service.
Ruffled hair over the tail head
suggests that a cow has
recently been ridden, but she

When cows sniff around one

another, it is a common sign
that one is approaching or is in
early heat.
Riding follows and then the
cow in heat stands to be
mounted.

Many heifers and cows in heat

flatten themselves down in the
loin region, giving a sway back
and high tail head appearance.
Genital mucous (caused by
estrogen) may flow from the
vulva in long strings and wet
mucous smears are often
noticeable on the buttocks, over
the pin bones, and under the tail.

The vulva of a female in heat

appears somewhat swollen
and the skin becomes moister
and less wrinkled, whereas a
female not in heat has a vulva
that is sunken in appearance
with dry skin and tiny folds
and wrinkles.

The second or third day after

heat, but sometimes earlier,
bloody mucous passes from
the females vulva and may be
smeared on the buttocks or
tail.
Bleeding from the cow means
that she has been in heat
(ovulation implied) two or
three days before.

Whether a female bleeds or

does not bleed after heat has
nothing to do with whether she
has conceived or has not
conceived from service or
insemination at that heat.

Heat Detection Procedures

The herd management
conditions determine the
exact procedures to be
followed in observing the
individuals of a herd for signs
of heat.
This should be done at least
twice each day.

Animals in pasture must be

carefully observed.
A record-keeping system that
tells when particular animals
require watching helps in
detecting females in heat.
Adequate pens and holding
facilities are very important in
an AI program.

The Importance of
Timing in Artificial
Insemination

It must be understood that

the female is only fertile when
an egg that can be fertilized
is present.
Likewise, it must be
understood that an egg can
live only a short time after

The optimal time for

insemination is in advance of
the time of ovulation, which
varies according to species.
This is so the sperm have
ample time to migrate to the
oviducts (infundibulums) by
the time the egg arrives.
The time differs among

Mares normally ovulate 24-48

hours before termination of the
heat period.
A mare with a 5-day heat period
should be inseminated on the
third day and at least every
other day thereafter for the
duration of the heat.

Cows normally ovulate to 10 to

14 hours after the end of heat.
Cows should be inseminated
during the latter half of the heat
period.

Ewes ovulate near the end of

heat and should be inseminated
during the last day of heat.

Sows ovulate about 30 to 40

hours after the beginning of the
heat period.
Sows should be inseminated 12
to 24 hours after the beginning
of heat and serviced a second
time 12 to 24 hours later to
increase conception and litter
size.

The following factors influence

conception rate and should be
considered in an AI program.
For highest conception rates
in cattle, breed 60 to 90 days
after calving.
Best results are obtained if
cattle are bred 12 to 18 hours
after beginning of estrus.

 Sperm live approximately 24

hours in the female
reproductive tract.
True heat is demonstrated in
cattle when a cow will stand
for others to ride her.
Fertilization will occur
immediately if sperm are
present when the
egg is

The Insemination of
the Female
Cleanliness during all
insemination manipulations is
essential and is the crucial
point for success or failure.
This applies to the instruments
used, to the hands of the
operator, and to the animals.

Preparing the Semen for

Insemination
Handling and thawing the
frozen semen are critical steps
in preparing the semen for
insemination.
The following precautions
should be carefully taken.

 Care should be taken in

handling the semen straws
because exposure of frozen
semen
samples to air for
more than 20 seconds may
lower the fertility of the semen.

 Always wear gloves when

handling frozen semen as there
is a small hazard of
frostbite and some straws,
because of a faulty seal,
explode rather
violently
when thawed.

 Thaw water should be 35C

to 37C (95F to 98F) and
the
semen straw should be
put
into the thaw water
with not more than three
seconds exposure to air.

 Frozen semen can be

warmed rapidly without
harm as long as the
temperature does not
rise
above that of the body.
Thawing rapidly in warm water
provides the best sperm
survival rate.
However,
straws of semen should be
used within 15
minutes

Inseminating Technique
The procedures used in
artificially inseminating female
animals vary with the species
involved.
Differences among species in
the cervix openings affect the
techniques used to insert the
inseminating tube.

Artificial Insemination in Cattle

The recto-vaginal technique
can be used with cows (and
mares).
In this method, one hand is
inserted into the rectum to
manipulate the cervix
through the rectal wall and
the other is used to direct

The arm inserted into the

rectum is covered with a
rubber glove or disposable
plastic glove-sleeve.
Most inseminators prefer to
use the left hand for
manipulation of the cervix
and the right hand for
directing and controlling the
inseminating tube.

The human hand working

within the rectum must
respect the physical makeup
of the tissues and organs
that are contacted.
The technician must realize
that serious damage will be
done to the rectal wall,
ovaries, or uterus when
these structures are

Lubrication of the hand and

arm is very helpful.
Water is sufficient or a mild
lubricant such as K.Y. Jelly
may be necessary.
Soaps or detergents are not
recommended because they
are sometimes irritating and
may harm the sperm.

The technicians hand should

be entered into the rectum by
holding the fingers in a coned
position and inserting the hand
through the anal opening.
The entire hand and as much of
the arm as is needed can be
passed into the rectal cavity.

The cervix is located, held

and manipulated through
the floor of the rectum.
The other hand introduces
the inseminating tube, or
pipette, (a 5 to 6 mm
diameter tube that is 40 cm
long and contains 1 ml [cc]
of diluted semen) through
the vagina.

The hand within the rectum

manipulates the cervix to
permit the passing of the tube
into the cervix.
In the cow, the semen is
deposited in the uterus.

The tube tip should not enter

into one of the horns of the
uterus, as it could result in
the semen being deposited in
only one horn.
If the cow were to ovulate on
the other side, the sperm
would not reach the ova and
fertilization would not take
place.

After passing the inseminating

tube through the vagina and
just through the cervix, the
technician depresses the bulb
slowly so the semen does not
adhere to the wall of the
inseminating tube.
The technician withdraws the
inseminating tube and then the

Results obtained by using the

recto-vaginal method on
cattle are frequently better
than those obtained by
natural mating.
In natural service the bull
normally deposits the semen
in the vagina next to the
cervix and the sperm
apparently pass through the

Presumably, contractions of
the uterus, caused by the
hormone oxytocin, are
responsible for the quick
transportation.

It is believed that the sperm

must be in the female
reproductive tract for 4 to 6
hours to develop the capacity
to fertilize an egg.
Because sperm live for only
approximately 24 hours in the
female reproductive tract, the
best time for insemination is
between 12 and 18 hours after

A good rule of thumb:

Cows first detected in estrus
in the morning should be bred
that afternoon; and
Cows first detected in estrus
in the afternoon and night
should
be bred the
following morning.

Breeding at this time enables

the sperm to have the ability
to fertilize the egg and remain
in waiting in the oviduct for
the egg to be released from
the ovary.

Also important to remember is

that in rebreeding cows after
calving, a 60-day rest period
should be allowed for the
reproductive tract to return to
normal.
This will improve chances of
conception and lessen the
chance of breeding troubles in
the future.

Artificial Insemination in
Horses
Artificial insemination with
horses is not as widely of an
accepted practice as it is with
other livestock species.
Some horse breed registry
associations do not permit AI,
but extensive use is made of
the practice known as

Impregnation consists of
collecting the final portion of
the ejaculate as the stallion
dismounts and injecting it
through the cervix of the mare
just covered using a syringe
and inseminating tube.
The purpose of this practice is
to increase the chances of
conception.

Horse semen was once

considered to be extremely
fragile, but now it can be
effectively stored for up to 24
hours using egg yolk-glucose
extenders and it can be
successfully frozen.
Normally, the semen collected
at one service from the
stallion can be extended to

For insemination, a glass

syringe attached by a rubber
adapter to a disposable
inseminating tube is commonly
used.

The lubricated, gloved hand

containing the inseminating
tube is passed into the
vagina.
The cervix is located with the
index finger and the tube is
passed through the cervix.
Insemination is made directly
into the uterus.

The mare has a longer

estrus than other domestic
animals.
Some breeders will breed
the mare every other day
beginning 2 days after the
onset of estrus (days 3, 5,
and sometimes 7).

Some breeders use a method

of rectal palpation to
determine the maturation of
the follicle.
Another method used is to
estimate the time of
ovulation from the
appearance of the vagina
and cervix as seen through a
vaginal speculum.

It should be kept in mind that

sperm are severely harmed by
water, acids, soap, metals,
cold shock, and high
temperatures.
Attempts should be made to
avoid contamination of semen
with any foreign materials and
careful temperature control
should be maintained at all

Artificial Insemination in
Sheep
The AI technique has not
found wide application in the
United States.
Due to problems with semen
storage, it is necessary to
collect semen from rams
when and where it is to be
used.

Vasectomized rams can be

used as markers to identify
ewes in heat.
Preferably, ewes should be
inseminated during the latter
half of the heat period and
while the vaginal mucous is
thin and clear in appearance.

For insemination, the ewe is

restrained to limit movement
and to present the
hindquarters at a convenient
height for easy access to the
vagina.
The cervix is located with the
aid of a speculum and suitable
light.

The insemination is made as

deeply as possible into the
cervical canal.
When inseminating ewes, 0.05
to 0.2 cc diluted semen,
containing 50 to 100 million
sperm, is deposited in the
cervix.

Artificial Insemination in
Swine
The use of AI in swine is
increasing in the United States
and techniques have been
developed to the point where
AI is reliable and technically
simple.

In sows, ovulation normally

occurs about 40 hours after
the onset of heat.
The optimum time for
insemination occurs
approximately 16 hours before
ovulation.
This coincides with the time
during heat when most gilts
and sows will tolerate heavy

Inseminations performed at
this time will result in a
farrowing rate of about 75%,
while inseminations at other
times result in a 30% to 40%
conception rate.

The technician gently guides

the pipette through the vagina
into the cervix.
When using the pipette, a
counter-clockwise rotation will
insert the pipette into the
cervix.
At this time, the technician can
feel resistance by gently pulling

The semen is slowly forced into

the uterus from a plastic
squeeze or syringe.
In swine, 20 to 50 cc of fresh
semen, diluted at a rate of 1
part semen to 1.5 5 parts
diluent, gives reasonable
conception rates.

Careful heat checks and

patience during insemination
are essential for good results.

Sanitary Precautions and

Other Management
Practices
Avoid breeding diseased or
infected females.

Regular examinations of
males by a veterinarian are
needed to be sure they are free
of transmissible diseases.

 Secure a veterinarian to
examine females that have
been bred
two or more
times without conception.
Wait at least 60 days after
calving
to rebreed cows.
Mares can be bred back on
foal
heat (7 to 11 days after
foaling), if foaling was normal
and no
infection occurred.

 Sows should be rebred in 35

to 50 days.
All semen collection
equipment
should be clean
and sterile.
Follow strict refrigeration
recommendations for handling
semen.

Summary
AI is the process by which
sperm from the male of a
species is collected,
processed, stored, and then
artificially introduced into the
reproductive tract of a female
of the same species for the
purpose of conception.

AI is one of the most important

techniques used for improving
the genetic quality of
domesticated animals.
It is a popular technique used
by animal producers, especially
with dairy cattle.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Reproduction or redistribution of all, or
part, of this presentation without
written permission is prohibited.
Instructional Materials Service
Texas A&M University
2588 TAMUS
College Station, Texas 77843-2588
http://www-ims.tamu.edu

2007