Artificial Insemination – A Thrust To Livestock Production

By Dr. Maynashka Saroop (D.V.M.)

Artificial insemination can be defined as the process of collecting sperm cells from the sire and manually depositing them into a specific area of the female reproductive tract of a dame of the same species.

The process of collecting the semen is done by an artificial insemination technician. Specific tools are used to facilitate the successful collection of a semen sample from the male animal. Once the semen sample is obtained the sample is then taken to a laboratory to be evaluated on the motility, concentration and viability of the sperm. Once the sample meets the necessary requirements it is then extended using specific solutions which maintain the natural solution the sperm requires for survival. The extended semen sample is then used by artificial insemination technicians to breed female animals upon request of the owners.

The female of each animal species has a specific estrus cycle which allows the owners to identify the correct time the female can be artificially inseminated. This time in the estrus cycle is commonly referred to as ‘’heat”. Successful inseminations are based on the nutritional status of the female being bred, correct observations by the owners to identify the heat and also the skill of the technician performing the insemination.

Some advantages and benefits of using artificial insemination as opposed to breeding animals via natural service are as follows:

• There is an increased potential for genetic selection. Sires showing ideal genetic traits, which can potentially enhance the quality of offspring, are selected since the semen samples obtained from sure sires which show ideal phenotypic traits can be used to inseminate several females. Artificial insemination allows livestock owners accesses to excellent genetics which would follow through to the offspring.
• Artificial insemination is used widely in the cattle production world. Dairy farmers and beef farmers use artificial insemination with estrus synchronization protocols as this allows for a more uniform group of calves being obtained.
• Artificial insemination allows animal farmers to have access to males without having the need to have males on the farm. That’s one less potentially aggressive animal that the farmer does not have to deal with, house and feed, thereby reducing costs.
• Semen from ideal genetic males can be used even after the sires have expired due to freezing (Cryopreservation) of the semen from these animals.
• The use of artificial insemination on animal breeding farms helps to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, which can result in abortions and sterility in the female.
• Artificial insemination can be used in the conservation of rare breeds and endangered animals.

In conclusion, it can be seen artificial insemination benefits a wide variety of farmers and animal breeders throughout the animal world. Artificial insemination is carried out  in Trinidad and Tobago by qualified technicians .Anyone interested in obtaining this service can contact the Artificial Breeding Center at (868) 667-9291.