Insemination could be either a natural or artificial process of depositing semen in the genital tract of the female animal.
Insemination can be by natural mating through a variety of methods depending on livestock management system (i.e. pen mating, flock mating).
Artificial insemination involves the proper evaluation and extension of semen samples before the female animal can be inseminated.
It is also essential to adopt proper techniques for handling the sperm cells once semen has been collected and utilize proper equipment for the insemination.
Definition of Artificial insemination (AI)
It is the deposition of viable spermatozoa inside the female reproductive tract during oestrus period in order to achieve fertilization of the ovum (ova).
Deposition of semen by a male into the reproductive tract of a receptive female under normal conditions and environment is referred to as natural mating.
Artificial insemination on the other hand is the placement of semen by unnatural means into the reproductive tract of a receptive female.
Importance of AI
It is one of the most important tools employed to fast track the genetic improvement of livestock.
This will enable the breeder to maximize the use of potentially selected males for desirable traits for extensive or multi-locational testing which would not have been possible using a single bull at a time.
This would increase the genetic progress made with a limited period of time.
The benefits of AI;
The benefits associated with using AI are numerous and cannot be overemphasized. They include the following;
It minimizes the risk of transmission of venereal diseases which may occur in natural mating system.
It allows for proper planning of breeding programs. This is because the breeder can time production based on availability of funds, inputs (e.g. feed, forage etc.), and climate.
The ovulation of a population breeding female livestock can be synchronized and inseminated at the same time to minimize production cost.
It is cost effective as viable semen of excellent potential sires can be preserved for years in facilities without the associated cost of keeping live animals (feed cost, veterinary bills, heating bills, labour, and housing).
Genetically excellent males which have non-genetic deformities can be utilized for breeding purposes. Wide spread use and availability of genetically superior sires is guaranteed. One bull can breed 500,000 cows in a lifetime.
After death, semen can be used. Frozen semen of between 40 and 45 years have been used successfully for insemination
It aids the chances of enhanced genetic progress with a short period of time.
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It promotes introduction of new genetic resources from other countries. This is because it is easier to import frozen semen from one country to another unlike the associated challenges of importation of live animals (quarantine, customs, and recent threat such as the Ebola virus)
The Limitations Associated With AI
There are associated challenges with the use of AI especially in a developing economy. They are many and not limited to the following points;
The technique of AI requires skilled and experienced manpower. Where these skilled personnel are lacking, the practice of AI is very limited.
AI requires good infrastructural availability such as constant power supply, good transportation systems (good road network) and excellent communication system. These infrastructures are lacking in the developing economies of the world.
The challenge between culture and acceptability of AI technology by the major players in the large ruminant production system, the Fulani pastoralists, who are vehemently opposed to the practice.
The management practice in the large ruminant production system which is essentially nomadic is not amenable to the practice of AI. The practice works best for livestock reared under the intensive system.
Tools Required For Artificial Insemination
- Spiral tip Foam Intrauterine (all for sow)
Artificial Insemination in the Sow Insemination of the Cow
Rectal-Vaginal Approach
Other important equipment include liquid nitrogen tank for storing semen over many years Semen Storage straws
In summary, there are many benefits associated with the artificial insemination of spermatozoa in to the reproductive tract of a female livestock on heat which exceed natural mating. These full potentials of these benefits are yet to be harnessed in the developing economies due to lack of functional infrastructures and skilled manpower coupled with a need for attitudinal change of the owners of livestock. This will enhance progress in the livestock industry.
Insemination of spermatozoa into female reproductive system could be by natural mating or artificial process. Artificial insemination involves the proper evaluation and extension of semen samples before insemination. Proper techniques and equipment are required for handling the sperm cells once semen has been collected.
AI aid to fast track the genetic improvement of livestock. There are associated benefits to the use of AI such as cost effectiveness, cross-border introduction of genetic materials with minimal bureaucracy. The limitations associated with the use of AI are the usual challenges of the underdeveloped economies such as lack of skilled personnel, infrastructure etc.
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