Artificial Insemination

Introduction

Many producers of purebred and commercial beef cattle can profitably utilize artificial insemination (AI) on virgin heifers or on the cow herd or both. Success with artificial insemination requires attention to detail in all areas of herd management. One of the most important factors affecting the success of the program is the manager's attitude. He or she must totally desire to make AI work and instill this commitment into each link in the chain of management decision. The weakest link set the level of success of the operation.

Before Thawing Semen:

• Check breeding records of cows to be bred.
• Have cow(s) properly restrained.
• Have a sleeve, sheath, gun, scissors and paper towels ready.
• Prepare water bath at 95 degrees F.
• Gun and sheaths should be ~ 95 degrees F (not extremely cold or hot to the touch).
  

Thawing Semen and Loading A.I. Syringe:

• Keep semen below frost line in the neck of the tank while removing semen.
• Remove the straw of semen quickly and plunge it the 95 F water bath for 30 s
• After 30 seconds, remove the thawed semen and dry the straw completely.
• Cut ~ inch of the crimped end of the straw with clean scissors or Cito cutter.
• Insert the cut end of the straw into the sheath insert.
• Lock the straw and sheath in place using an O-ring or Spiral type syringe.

Step #1: Restrain the animal to be inseminated. There are several things that should be kept in mind when choosing a location for inseminating cattle. Some of these include safety of both the animal and the inseminator, ease of use, and shelter from adverse weather. A gentle pat on the animal?s rump or a soft spoken word as the inseminator approaches will help to avoid startling or surprising the cow.

Step #2: Raise the tail with the right hand and gently massage the rectum with the lubricated glove on the left hand. Place the tail on the back side of the left forearm so it will not interfere with the insemination process. Cup the fingers together in a pointed fashion and insert the left hand in the rectum, up to the wrist.

Step #3: Gently wipe the vulva with a paper towel to remove excess manure and debris. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure which may smear or push manure into the vulva and vagina. With the left hand, make a fist and press down directly on top of the vulva. This will spread the vulva lips allowing clear access to insert the gun tip several inches into the vagina before contacting the vaginal walls.

Step #4: Insert the gun at a 30 upward angle to avoid entering the urethral opening and bladder located on the floor of the vagina. With the gun about 6 to 8 inches inside the vagina, raise the rear of the gun to a somewhat level position and slide it forward.