Animal Breeding Techniques and Technologies

Artificial Insemination (AI)

What is AI? –Collecting semen from a male and artificially placing it directly into the uterus horn of a female Artificial Insemination (AI) Teaser Electro ejaculator Dummy

Why use AI? –To make widespread use of males with high genetic merit –Cost beneficial E.g. stud ram cost$6000/100 ewes = $60 per head mated total AI cost$3000/100 ewes = $30 per head mated –National access to superior males Disadvantages –Time consuming, requires planning –Technical expertise, errors can be costly Artificial Insemination (AI)

Laparoscopic Technique –Place semen directly into uterus horn through the abdominal cavity Cervical Technique –Place semen in uterus horn directly through the cervix AI Methods

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 Selecting Sires and Dams

Starting AI Programme Animals selected for AI should be in good health, body condition score ideally 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) hours later: AI surgery CIDR: controlled internal drug release PMSG: pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin

Animals are fasted for 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, CO 2 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 Technique

AI End Result