Chapter 14: Artificial Insemination Chapter overview: –Chapter 14 presents the development and utilization of artificial insemination (AI): history and development of AI impact on the animal breeding industry anatomy and physiology related to AI

Artificial Insemination: Introduction of semen collected from the male into the female reproductive tract by a method other than natural mating

Why Artificial Insemination? Greatest value: genetic improvement –A–Allow the best animals to be mated regardless of distance separating them –I–Increase availability of superior genetics (semen) at an affordable price –D–Decrease time required to increase accuracy of progeny testing –I–Increases value of your livestock

Are their limitations to AI? AI can quickly disseminate undesirable genetic traits if appropriate testing is not completed Special training and equipment is required to collect animals, handle semen, and inseminate It requires additional time

Are their limitations to AI? Additional time is required for AI –Getting an animal in a holding facility 1-4 more times –Observing livestock for heat –Calling AI technician and lining up service dates

History of AI: Arab use for horses – 1322 Spallanzani – priest in Modena, Italy (also "freezing observations") –R–Reptiles – 1777 –D–Dogs – 1780 Hunter, first human AI, in England – 1785 Millais, in USA, used in dogs Ivanoff, in Russia – 1899 pioneer in birds, horses, cattle, sheep

History of AI (continued): World's Fair in New York: 1939, successful AI of Jersey cow at fair, bull was on exhibition at San Francisco Fair First American “AI cooperative” , New Jersey Freezing (British) – 1949, lab accident led to discovery of glycerol for freezing Frozen boar semen (Minnesota) – 1970

Reproductive Cycle Timetable:

Reproductive Cycle Type:

Collection for AI: False mounts increase output Natural service versus female in heat or mounting dummy Vaginal collection – centuries old Artificial vagina – Russian development in 1930; common use for cattle, sheep, horses Mechanical manipulation – used with injured sires or sires unwilling to mount Electroejaculation – used with injured sires or sires unwilling to mount

Evaluation of Semen: Semen is evaluated for characteristics indicating viable sperm, to include: –General appearance of semen sample –Enumeration of sperm by indirect method such as colorimetry –Motility (movement) and dead-alive ratio of sperm by microscopic observation –Morphology (form) of sperm by microscopic observation

Extension of Semen: Extenders are added to increase volume to allow desired number of services (up to 500 per natural collection for some bulls): –Egg yolk (first used in 1930’s) –Gelatin (Danish system) –Sterilized milk (predominates in US) –Fruit or vegetable juices (limited use) –Blood plasma or serum (research use only)

Other Additions to Semen: Antibiotics - most extenders have additions to control bacteria Colors - often added to identify breed of animal or organization selling the product Glycerol - to prevent ice crystals from forming in sperm

Fresh Versus Frozen Use: Fresh semen was utilized before freezing techniques were well established Fresh semen is currently the primary source for AI in swine Frozen semen can be stored indefinitely in liquid nitrogen at -320 degrees F Frozen semen is the primary source for AI in beef and dairy cattle

Forms of Frozen Semen Storage: Ampule - glass vial containing 0.5 to 1.0 ml of diluted semen; extensively used until development of the straw Straw - plastic straw with 0.25 to 0.5 ml diluted semen; 95 percent of bovine market Pellet - “aspirin-like” frozen tablets; limited use

Use of AI: Beef - significant use; may be limited by management methods Dairy - extensive use; highest dollar volume in industry Sheep - virtually no commercial use Hogs - fresh semen use increasing rapidly

Use of AI : Horses - very extensive use of fresh AI in several breeds; some AI with frozen semen; limited by “registry” organizations Dogs - significant increase in use of shipped, fresh semen; some frozen Cats - limited due to need for electroejaculation collection

Use of AI: Poultry - extensive use in breeder turkeys Bees - extensive use to maintain superior strains of bees for honey production in apiaries Humans - utilized to overcome infertility