Transcript Artificial Insemination (AI) in Swine

ARTIFICIAL
INSEMINATION
A.I.
Jenna Parnell
Agricultural Leadership
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL
INSEMINATION?
General definition-the introduction of semen into the
oviduct or uterus by some means other than sexual
intercourse.
Ag definition- the use of semen from a genetically
superior male to inseminate a female resulting in a
genetically superior offspring.
QUICK FACTS
99% of female swine are artificially inseminated in the
world
50% farrow with 10 or more piglets per litter
Sexing sperm can be done in swine but a very slow
process & not used often
Frozen sperm not used in the swine industry
ADVANTAGES
Genetic Improvement
Disease control
Cost effectiveness
Less stress on gilt/sow (can use larger boar on
smaller gilts)
Safety
Reduce number of boars needed on farm
15-20 doses per collection
TIME SAVING
Time Required (in minutes) per female to complete breeding
Number of females
Natural Service
Artificial Insemination
1
23.4
34.6
2
24.4
25.7
3
24.7
21.7
4
24.1
19.8
5
23.4
18.9
6
23.9
18.0
7
22.9
17.6
8
22.8
17.3
Tubbs, Rick. Swine Production Management. Helping clients implement an artificial
insemination program.
DISADVANTAGES
Human Error
Equipment needed
Time/Labor
Careful herd observation required
Cannot freeze semen due to decreased fertility
Higher level of management BUT better record keeping
SUPPLIES NEEDED
Collection:
Dummy
Space
Bottles/Caps
Extender
Thermometer
Distilled Water
Microscope
Storage
A.I. Pipettes/catheters
Synchronization
COLLECTION INFORMATION
Collection:
Every other day
1-5 semen collections per week
50-500 mL per collection
150-750 (million/mL) sperm concentration
15-20 doses per collection
Volume varies by breed, age, and collection frequency
PROCESSING THE SEMEN
The semen is extended
Extender dilutes the semen so that it can be used for many females
Extender must be added when semen and extender is within 3 degrees
of each other
Look at semen under the microscope
Bottle and store semen until needed or shipped
SUPPLIES USED
STORAGE OF SEMEN
Storage Temperature 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit
Typically used within three-seven days from collection
Do not expose to sunlight
Temperature fluctuations shorten semen life
Rotate bottles 3-4 times daily
HEAT DETECTION
Increased activity
Mounting
Swelling and redness of vulva
Discharge
Standing heat
Best indicator of estrus
*Takes time to catch in heat
Return to heat every 21 days
BREEDING
Gilts- 12 hours after heat detection
Sows- 24 hours after heat detection
Typically use 2-3 doses per female (12 hour difference)
Re-check every 21 days for recycling
QUESTIONS???