Thursday, November 7, 2024
General Agriculture

Artificial Insemination Techniques in Animal Breeding

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 the 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 the oestrus period to achieve fertilization of the ovum (ova).  The 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 within a limited period.

The Benefits of AI;

1. The benefits associated with using AI are numerous and cannot be overemphasized. They include the following;

2. It minimizes the risk of transmission of venereal diseases which may occur in natural mating systems.

3. It allows for proper planning of breeding programs. This is because the breeder can time production based on the availability of funds, inputs (e.g. feed, forage, etc.), and climate. 

4. The ovulation of a population breeding female livestock can be synchronized and inseminated at the same time to minimize production costs.

5. 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, labor, and housing).

6. Genetically excellent males that have non-genetic deformities can be utilized for breeding purposes. Widespread use and availability of genetically superior sires are guaranteed. One bull can breed 500,000 cows in a lifetime. 

7. After death, semen can be used. Frozen semen between 40 and 45 years has been used successfully for insemination

8. It aids the chances of enhanced genetic progress within a short period.

9. It promotes the 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 threats such as the Ebola virus)

Read Also Best Feeds for Young and Adult Ruminant Animals

The Limitations Associated With AI

1. There are associated challenges with the use of AI especially in a developing economy. They are many and not limited to the following points;

2. The technique of AI requires skilled and experienced manpower. Where these skilled personnel are lacking, the practice of AI is very limited.

3. AI requires good infrastructural availability such as constant power supply, good transportation systems (good road network), and excellent communication systems. These infrastructures are lacking in the developing economies of the world.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Read Also Sowing Guide for Different Type of Crops

Tools Required For Artificial Insemination

a. Spiral tip Foam Intrauterine (all for sow)

Artificial Insemination Techniques in Animal Breeding
Artificial Insemination Techniques in Animal Breeding
Artificial Insemination Techniques in Animal Breeding
Artificial Insemination Techniques in Animal Breeding
Artificial Insemination in the Sow Insemination of the Cow

                        

Artificial Insemination Techniques in Animal Breeding
Rectal-Vaginal Approach

Other important equipment includes a 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 into the reproductive tract of female livestock on heat which exceeds natural mating. 

The full potential of these benefits is yet to be harnessed in developing economies due to a lack of functional infrastructures and skilled manpower coupled with a need for attitudinal change in the owners of livestock. This will enhance progress in the livestock industry.

Insemination of spermatozoa into the female reproductive system could be by natural mating or an 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 aids in fast-tracking the genetic improvement of livestock.

There are associated benefits to the use of AI such as cost-effectiveness, and cross-border introduction of genetic materials with minimal bureaucracy. The limitations associated with the use of AI are the usual challenges of underdeveloped economies such as lack of skilled personnel, infrastructure, etc.

Read Also Treatment/Transformation of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

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Agric4Profits

Benadine Nonye is an agricultural consultant and a writer with several years of professional experience in the agriculture industry. - National Diploma in Agricultural Technology - Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science - Master's Degree in Science Education - PhD Student in Agricultural Economics and Environmental Policy... Visit My Websites On: 1. Agric4Profits.com - Your Comprehensive Practical Agricultural Knowledge and Farmer’s Guide Website! 2. WealthinWastes.com - For Effective Environmental Management through Proper Waste Management and Recycling Practices! Join Me On: Twitter: @benadinenonye - Instagram: benadinenonye - LinkedIn: benadinenonye - YouTube: Agric4Profits TV - Pinterest: BenadineNonye4u - Facebook: BenadineNonye

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