Artificial Insemination Knocking up the cows

What is Artificial Insemination? Artificial Insemination or AI is the process of injecting sperm from a male into a female to induce fertilization. Basically it makes babies without sex.

History of AI AI dates back to 1322 AD where Arabian horses were artificially inseminated. 1780 notes the first successful AI of dogs. 1899 AI is used in birds, cattle, horses and sheep.

Why use AI? AI is the cheapest and easiest way to get sperm from the bull you want to your farm. For example: If there is a prize bull in Saskatchewan and your farm is in NS, then you can simply have the sperm sent to NS. This avoids having to bridge the distance between cow and bull for mating purposes.

Advantages of AI over sex The number of cows that can become pregnant by a particular bull goes from 100 to 60,000 using AI instead of sex. AI prevents the spread of dangerous sexually transmitted infections.

Advantages Cont’d With AI you can easily find out if a bull is infertile (can’t make babies). Old or crippled bulls who may not be able to mate properly can donate sperm. Eliminates danger of handling difficult bulls during the mating process.

Uh-oh. Disadvantages Humans have to detect when the cow is in heat because the sperm must be injected at precisely the right time. The sperm can be injected incorrectly resulting in no fertilization. Using only a few bulls to reproduce many herds can weaken the genetic base of cattle—make it easier for them to get sick.

How does AI work? Step 1: Collection of semen. To induce arousal of the bull, a “Teaser” cow is set up. The bull mounts the fake cow and releases sperm into a tube that leads to a bottle.

How does AI work cont’d Step 2 Semen Extension: Once the semen is collected, water is added to it. This dilutes the semen and allows more bottles to be made from 1 ejaculation. Antibiotics are added to ensure no infections occur in the semen.

How does AI work cont’d Step 3: Semen Storage The semen is frozen and stored for up to 16 years. Although most of it is used much sooner than that.

How does AI work cont’d Step 4: Inseminating the Cow When the timing is right, a veterinarian or AI specialist will inject the sperm into the vagina of the cow and push it into the uterus.

Nine Months Later… Once the sperm has been injected the chances of fertilization are good. With any luck, nine months later a calf will be born.