Transcript Slide 1

Animal Breeding
Techniques and
Technologies
Artificial
Insemination
(AI)
Artificial Insemination (AI)
• What is AI?
– Collecting semen from a
male and artificially
placing it directly into the
uterus horn of a female
Electro ejaculator
Teaser
Dummy
Artificial Insemination (AI)
• Why use AI?
– To make widespread use of males with
high genetic merit
– Cost beneficial
• E.g. stud ram cost
total AI cost
$6000/100 ewes = $60 per head mated
$3000/100 ewes = $30 per head mated
– National access to superior males
• Disadvantages
– Time consuming, requires planning
– Technical expertise, errors can be costly
AI Methods
Laparoscopic Technique
– Place semen directly into uterus horn
through the abdominal cavity
• Cervical Technique
– Place semen in uterus horn directly
through the cervix
Selecting Sires and Dams
The sire (male) will influence rate of
genetic gain more strongly than the
dam (female)
• Sires (semen)
– High genetic merit
– Semen quality and quantity
• Dams
– Genetic merit, mothering traits
– Body condition
Starting AI Programme
• Animals selected for AI should be in good health, body
condition score ideally 3 - 3.5
• Day 1: A CIDR containing progesterone is inserted
intravaginally. This suppresses oestrus and ovulation in the
ewe.
• Day 13: CIDR is removed. Ewe is injected with PMSG which
stimulates ovarian follicle development (oestrus)
• 48-52 hours later: AI surgery
CIDR: controlled internal drug release
PMSG: pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin
AI Technique
• Animals are fasted for 12-24 hours
• Animal is prepared for surgery: sedated, put in
cradle, wool clipped, site sterilized, local anesthetic
• Semen straw is brought to body temperature
• Abdomen is punctured with trocar, CO2 is pumped
into the cavity to make the area more accessible.
• A laparoscope (light source) is inserted down the
trocar cannula
• On opposite side forceps are inserted to hold the
uterus horn
• Semen straw is inserted through the abdomen, and
semen is injected into the uterus horn
• Topical antibiotic powder applied.
AI End Result