Introduction of Artificial Insemination

• process of collecting sperm cells from a male animal and manually depositing them into the reproductive tract of a female.
• Increased efficiency of bull usage: During natural breeding, a male will deposit much more semen than is theoretically needed to produce a pregnancy.

Advantages of artificial insemination:

There are several advantages by artificial insemination over natural mating or servicing.

• There is no need of maintenance of breeding bull for a herd; hence the cost of maintenance of breeding bull is saved.
• It prevents the spread of certain diseases and sterility due to genital diseases.
• Eg: contagious abortion, vibriosis.
• By regular examination of semen after collection and frequent checking on fertility make early detection of interior males and better breeding efficiency is ensured.
• The progeny testing can be done at an early age.
• The semen of a desired size can be used even after the death of that particular sire.
• The semen collected can be taken to the urban areas or rural areas for insemination.
• It makes possible the mating of animals with great differences in size without injury to either of the animal.
• It is helpful to inseminate the animals that are refuse to stands or accept the male at the time of oestrum.
• It helps in maintaining the accurate breeding and cawing records.
• It increases the rate of conception.
• It helps in better record keeping.
• Old, heavy and injured sires can be used.

Disadvantages of A.I:

• Requires well-trained operations and special equipment.
• Requires more time than natural services.
• Necessitates the knowledge of the structure and function of reproduction on the part of operator.
• Improper cleaning of instruments and in sanitary conditions may lead to lower fertility.
• If the bull is not properly tested, the spreading of genital diseases will be increased.
• Market for bulls will be reduced, while that for superior bull is increased.