ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

This is the introduction of semen into the reproductive tract of the female by a method other than natural mating.

The semen containing the spermatozoa are carefully handled,diluted and stored in freezer at a temperature of -196⁰C in liquid nitrogen until it is required for use.

For artificial insemination to succeed, the following must be ensured

1. Viable spermatozoan must be used.
2. The heat period must be observed.
3. Special handling of spermatozoa because of their short life span.
4. Tactical introduction technique.

Method of collection of semen

1. Artificial Vagina
2. Massage method
3. Electro-ejaculation.
4. Recovery of semen from the Vagina after service.

EVALUATION

1. What is artificial Insemination?
2. State the methods of semen collection.

Advantages of Artificial Insemination

1. It is easier and less expensive than natural mating since the farmer saves the expense of maintaining a herd of animals.
2. Easier and cheaper to import semen than a whole animal.
3. A greater extent of using the best male animal’s semen.
4. The handicap of different sizes of female animals is overcome
5. Long use of semen even after the death of the male animal.
6. Venereal and infectious diseases associated with mating are easily avoided.
7. A short period of testing with particular semen for research purposes can be achieved.

Disadvantages of Artificial Insemination

1. Expertise experience is needed.
2. Expertise is difficult to come by in terms of cost and search.
3. The heat period is unpredictable and limiting.
4. Pregnancy rate may be low if handling procedure is adequate (poor timing of oestrus cycle..
5. Inbreeding may occur if only a few males are used. That is a low level of heterosis.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. State four advantages of Artificial Insemination.
2. State three disadvantages of Artificial Insemination.
3. What is artificial insemination?
4. List four animals on which artificial insemination can be carried out.
5. List a tool that can be used to carry out artificial insemination

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Which of the following statements is true of a pig which has only one testis? A) it will be sterile B) it can still produce viable sperm, C) all the spermatozoa will be dead, D) it will not be able to mate a sow
2. How can the offspring of a bull continue to be produced long after its death? By a)collecting the semen of the offspring for use in artificial insemination, b)crossing the male and the female offspring, c)preserving the body of the dead animal, and d)using the preserved semen for artificial insemination.
3. Which of these is not a method of collecting semen? A)reseeding, b)Artificial Vaginac)Massage method d) Electro-ejaculation e)Recovery of semen from the Vagina after service.
4. Cost and ease of importing are considerably reduced when buying the following inputs: a)Foreign bull, b) Tracto,r c) Seme,n d) Sprinkler
5. Sterility could occur during the practices of the following, except a) artificial insemination, b)castratio, c) bad hygiene, d) balanced ration intake

THEORY

1. What is artificial Insemination?
2. State three methods of collecting semen from a proven male for use in artificial insemination (WASSCE 2000 question 8b).
3. State six advantages of Artificial Insemination.
4. State three disadvantages of Artificial Insemination.

See also

ANIMAL IMPROVEMENT

FISH POND

FISH FARMING

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

ANIMAL NUTRITION