Preparations for insemination and sanitation

• Ensure that the cow to be bred is truly in heat. Research studies indicate between 7 and 20 percent of the cattle inseminated are not in heat.
• Restrain the cow first and then thaw the semen. The restraint area should be familiar to the cow and free of stressful conditions. Unnecessary excitement may interfere with physiological mechanisms important to achieving a good conception rate.
• Develop good sanitary procedures and insemination practices. It is easier to learn good habits than to break bad habits.