- Gently invert the bottle of diluted semen two or three times to mix the semen. Attach the bottle to the end of the spirette and discharge the semen slowly. ...
- A small amount of semen backflow is expected. If an excessive amount of backflow occurs, stop the insemination. ...
- If there is a great deal of resistance to the flow of semen, reposition the spirette because the tip may be lodged against a cervical fold.
- Semen transport and fertilization can be inefficient when females are frightened or disturbed. Females should always be handled calmly and gently. ...
- When all of the semen has been deposited into the female, remove the spirette by rotating it clockwise while gently pulling.
- A new spirette /catheter should be used for each insemination to eliminate the possibility of transmission of disease or infection from one female to another.
- Keep the female in quiet surroundings for 20 to 30 minutes. Distress at this time may still disrupt semen transport and fertilization.
What is the best method of artificial insemination in swine?
Proper AI techniques, semen handling. The first and overriding principle of artificial insemination (AI) in swine is if a sow is in standing heat, she can be bred; if she is not in standing heat, do not attempt to breed her.
What do I need to start artificial insemination?
You’ll need to make sure that you have a few things before you’re ready to start-you’ll need some artificial insemination rods, lubricant (NOT spermicidal lube!), damp paper towels and your semen.
How to artificially inseminate a sow or gilt?
The following equipment is needed to artificially inseminate a sow or gilt: 1. Semen. Keep the semen in the storage container until you are ready to use it. 2. Knife or scissors to cut off the tip of the semen bottle. (Some bottles have twist-off caps.) 3. Damp paper towel or rag to clean the vulva. 4. An insemination rod. Disposable rods are
What are the benefits of artificial insemination in pigs?
Additionally, AI can reduce the number of boars needed on an operation, can reduce (but not eliminate) the transmission of disease, and could decrease the overall cost of breeding sows (depending on the number of sows, price of semen, etc.) The pig’s estrous cycle averages 21 days but can range from 17 to 25 days.
How is artificial insemination performed on swine?
During insemination, hydraulic pressure turns the sleeve inside out. The sleeve threads through the cervix and deposits semen directly into the uterus. The rods are available in either gilt or sow models. Squeeze and Please rods are locked into the cervix like any foam-tipped rod.
Is it hard to artificially inseminate a pig?
The insemination process on gilt or sow is fairly easy with a little practice. There are several types of inexpensive, disposable AI breeding rods to choose from, such as foam-tipped, spiral and deep uterine.
What is artificial insemination of swine?
Artificial insemination is the insertion and delivery of semen into the reproductive canal of a female pig (gilt or sow).
How do you give a pig AI?
Procedure of A.I. in pigs The head of the catheter is inserted into the vulva (by gentle anti-clockwise twisting) and gently pushed forward and upwards at an angle of 45 degrees into the reproductive tract, being careful to miss the entrance to the bladder.
How many times do you AI a pig?
Timing the AI I recommend that you perform AI at least twice during a heat cycle, preferably three times. You will AI in 12-24 hour intervals. So if you AI twice, you may want to do an 18-24 hour interval.
How much does it cost to AI a pig?
The cost to inseminate a pig currently ranges from $25-250 per dose. Each pig needs 2 doses, making the total per pig in semen costs $50-500.
How artificial insemination is done?
In artificial insemination, a doctor inserts sperm directly into a woman's cervix, fallopian tubes, or uterus. The most common method is called "intrauterine insemination (IUI)," when a doctor places the sperm in the uterus. Why is this helpful? It makes the trip shorter for the sperm and gets around any obstructions.
What tools are used for artificial insemination in pigs?
Artificial insemination rods, or spirettes, are used to inseminate a gilt or sow with boar semen. When using the rod, it should be inserted at a slightly upward angle (45 degree angle) and be turned counterclockwise until it locks into the cervix. If using a foam tip rod, it does not need to be turned.
When should you artificially inseminate a pig?
Sows stand longer than gilts and ovulation in both sows and gilts occurs towards the end of estrus. For these reasons, gilts should be inseminated 12 hours after the detection of estrus and sows should be inseminated 24 hours after detection of estrus when using twice-daily heat checks performed 12 hours apart.
How do you artificially inseminate at home?
Step 1: Have the male ejaculate into the condom or collection cup. Step 2: Insert the syringe into the collection device and pull back slowly on the plunger. Step 3: Get into a position on your back and with your hips raised (use a pillow under your hips if needed).
What are the disadvantages of artificial insemination in pigs?
One of the disadvantages of AI is that it may require a higher level of management than some natural-service mating systems. For example, there is a greater chance of human error associated with AI than with natural service.
How long after standing heat do you AI?
In herds where observations occur less than four times daily, AI should be performed within 4 to 6 hours after first observation. In herds where observations for heat are more frequent (more than three times per day) breeding should occur approximately 6 to 12 hours after first observing standing heat.
What are the disadvantages of artificial insemination in pigs?
One of the disadvantages of AI is that it may require a higher level of management than some natural-service mating systems. For example, there is a greater chance of human error associated with AI than with natural service.
What tools are used for artificial insemination in pigs?
Artificial insemination rods, or spirettes, are used to inseminate a gilt or sow with boar semen. When using the rod, it should be inserted at a slightly upward angle (45 degree angle) and be turned counterclockwise until it locks into the cervix. If using a foam tip rod, it does not need to be turned.
How long after standing heat do you AI?
In herds where observations occur less than four times daily, AI should be performed within 4 to 6 hours after first observation. In herds where observations for heat are more frequent (more than three times per day) breeding should occur approximately 6 to 12 hours after first observing standing heat.
What is the most common breeding method for swine?
Pen-mating was used most commonly on small sites (84.4 percent), compared to large sites (6.4 percent). Artificial insemination was used for mating sows and gilts on 91.3 percent of large sites (Figure 2).
Why do you inseminate pigs?
Using artificial insemination in pigs at home is an excellent way to bring superior genetics to your herd and minimize some of your expenses by eliminating the need to have a boar on your farm.
How to tell if a pig is ready for insemination?
There are a few signs that your pig is ready for insemination. One of the most commonly used ways is a test called the back pressure test . The back pressure test is simply when you apply pressure to her back similar to how a boar would, and she supports your weight.
What happens when a sow is in heat?
If your sow or gilt is in heat, her reproductive tract will begin contracting and will pull the sperm into her body. Once the bag is empty, you can remove the bag, leaving the rod in place. You want to give the sperm in the rod time to leave the rod and empty in to her.
How to attach semen to a rod?
Insert the tip of the rod at a slight upward angle to avoid hitting the urethral opening. Once the tip of the rod is in, continue to gently press the rod in until you feel the resistance of the cervix, then begin twisting the rod gently counter-clockwise. Once the rod is in place, you can attach the bag of semen to the end of the rod.
What color is a sperm bag?
When the rod is in place, have someone clip off the end of the sperm bag and attach it to the end of the rod. The sperm bag is a light purple bag and looks white or transparent in this photo from the sun hitting it.
Where is the pig's urethra?
A pig’s vaginal tract is very close to her urethra, where she urinates from. Her urethra is located at the bottom of her vulva, so you want to insert your AI rod at a slightly upward angle to avoid the urethra. Once the rod is in, you’ll gently push the rod until you hit the cervix.
Is artificial insemination a mouthful?
As you read through this article, you’ll notice that I use the term “AI”. Artificial insemination is a mouthful and is commonly referred to as “AI”.
Why is artificial insemination important?
Artificial Insemination. Artificial Insemination allows managers to take advantage of genetic choices with lower risk of disease transmission. AI requires greater management skill and effort than natural matings. Most breedings in today’s industry are conducted with this method.
Why should a sow be stimulated?
The sow or gilt should be stimulated so that she produces uterine contractions to pull the semen into her reproductive tract. AI allows managers to select genetics and can be more economic than feeding and housing a boar for periodic breeding use.
How to keep AI rods clean?
Rods should be kept in a manner that keeps them clean and free of foreign material. AI rods may be individually wrapped or come in a pack. Keep them contained until just before they are to be utilized. Avoid bumping the rod against anything before insertion into the vulva.
How long does it take for a boar to empty a semen container?
It can take up to five minutes for the semen container to empty. Be patient. Continue boar exposure and stimulation for five minutes even if the bottle empties quickly. Some technicians will remove the rod when the container is empty while others prefer to leave it in place for several minutes.
Why spread AI rod tip apart?
Carefully spread the vulva apart so that the AI rod tip can be inserted without contact with the exterior (previously cleaned) vulva. The upward angle helps to avoid entrance into the urinary tract and bladder. If urine comes out of the rod, withdraw the rod and use a new rod: urine can kill semen.
How far does the AI rod lock into the cervix?
Twist counter-clockwise and push slowly in until AI rod locks into the cervix, about eight to 10 inches.
Can you breed a sow in standing heat?
Do not breed a sow or gilt that is not in standing heat. Workers should be prepared to AI females immediately upon detection of standing heat, especially when a boar is used to stimulate heat response. The response time of the sow or gilt to the boar can be short-lived.
Why do we need a new spirette for each insemination?
A new spirette/catheter should be used for each insemination to eliminate the possibility of transmitting a disease or infection from one female to the next.
How to clean a vulva before inseminating?
Before inseminating the female, use a paper towel to clean the vulva. Lubricate the tip of the spirette or catheter using any nonspermicidal lubricant or a few drops of extender. Take care to avoid getting lubricant in the opening of the spirette/catheter.
When are gilts and sows bred?
With once-daily heat checks, the accuracy of estimating the onset of estrus decreases; therefore gilts and sows are usually bred when they are found in estrus. As patterns of expression and duration of estrus are established for a given farm it may be possible to refine the timing and number of inseminations.
How does a boar stimulate the standing reflex?
The standing reflex is stimulated by contact with a mature boar . The boar's submaxillary salivary glands produce pheromones that are secreted into the saliva. Direct physical contact is the best way to ensure that these stimulatory chemicals are transmitted to the female.
What do boars do in the pen?
The boar will generally chant, salivate and attempt to mount most of the females. A female in estrus may seek out the boar and will stand to be mounted. Once a female is detected as being in estrus, she should be removed from the pen so the boar will circulate to the other females.
How long does a sow stay in estrus?
In gilts, estrus may last only a day or two, while a sow may be in estrus for three days . Although ovulation (release of the egg from the follicle on the ovary) usually occurs 23--48 hours after the onset of estrus, this event is extremely variable. In fact, a sow may ovulate before estrus occurs.
When did semen start being used for insemination?
There are reports as early as the 1930s of collecting semen for insemination. However, use of AI in the United States has skyrocketed in the past decade. It is important to remember that AI is a tool that will work for your operation only if you are willing to manage and use it properly.
Why use artificial insemination?
There are several advantages to using artificial insemination (AI) in swine operations. First, few to no boars are needed , therefore alleviating the cost of feed, housing and medical supplies for intact males. Second, it can save time and labor during breeding and farrowing season when coupled with estrus synchronization. Finally, with proper management, time commitment and skill, you can improve herd quality with access to genetically superior boars while maintaining biosecurity on the farm.
Why is it important to synchronize female sows?
Synchronizing your females can be beneficial for time and financial management during both breeding and farrowing. There are natural and synthetic methods to synchronize sows or gilts.
How long does it take for gilts to onset?
Transport Method: Transporting gilts from one farm to another or mixing of prepubertal gilts can cause the onset estrus within five to seven days.
How old are swine when they start cycling?
Prepubertal Gilts: Mature age for the reproductive tract in swine is around 160 days, but gilts typically don’t start cycling until around 200 days. To start estrus in prepubertal gilts (160 to 180 days old), there are several methods.
How long does it take for a gilt to show signs of estrus?
Gilts can show signs of estrus within five to 10 days after treatment. This method is often used with the boar method for best results. Typically, waiting to breed gilts until the second to third estrus cycle will maximize the number of ovulations and increase litter size.
When do gilts ovulate?
Ovulation occurs at the end of the estrous cycle in both gilts and sows. Suggested guidelines for insemination in gilts is 12 hours after the first detection of estrus. A second insemination should follow 12 hours after the first. Sows should be inseminated 24 hours after the first detection of estrus and a second insemination should occur 12 hours later. If a female stands for three days, a third insemination may be beneficial for optimum timing of ovulation and success in conception.
How often do female sows cycle?
The key to a successful AI program is detecting estrus (standing heat) in the gilt or sow. Females typically cycle every 21 days, but estrus cycles can vary. Cycles may range from every 16 to 25 days.
What to do if you don't have experience with artificially inseminating pigs?
If you don’t have experience with artificially inseminating pigs, contact a county extension agent or member of a pork producers associate for help.
How much does it cost to buy semen from a boar stud?
A hobby farmer can purchase semen from a boar stud for $25 and up, so the financial investment is minimal if you aren’t too particular about the breed or boar. You can find boar studs across the country, and owners advertise their animals in catalogs, in swine publications and through pork producers associations.
How many piglets will a sow have?
The normal gestation period for a sow is 116 days (three months, three weeks and three days), and she’ll have six to 14 piglets.
Do I need a veterinarian for AI?
AI is easy for a layman to do; you don’t necessarily need a veterinarian , though it’s always good to see it done first before you try it yourself. Your county extension agent or pork producers association members might be able to connect you to someone with AI experience.
How to test a pig for insemination?
The back pressure test is a method of testing your pig’s readiness for insemination. The back pressure test is a simple procedure in which you apply pressure to her back like you would do in a boar, and she supports your weight. Some sows may even arch their back slightly and pushed back against you. If a sow is not in standing heat, she will move away from the pressurizing pressure. Many sows who are in standing heat will allow you to sit on their back. Once your sow is demonstrating that she is in standing heat, you may perform some AI.
How many times can you do artificial insemination?
So for a two-time AI, it might be best to do an 18-24 hour interval. You might say at 3 p.m. the first time. If you AI three times in 12 hours, then the initial AI could be at 9 a.m., followed by an AI around 9 p.m. On the same day, later at 9 a.m., you will conduct the artificial insemination, however, the timing depends on when your sow or gilt is ready. If you must handle this procedure yourself, take all of your supplies with you to your sow or gilt.
What happens to a sow in heat?
8. Your sow or gilt will contract her reproductive tract if she is in heat, pulling sperm into her body.
What color is a sperm bag?
7. When the rod has been positioned, clip off the end of the sperm bag and place it on the rod. The sperm bag is a light purple bag that appears white or transparent in the photo due to the sun hitting it.
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Can pigs be artificially inseminated?
Insemination in pigs is really relatively straightforward and offers so many benefits that you simply cannot get from natural breeding. Artificial insemination in pigs at home is an excellent way to bolster genetics in your herd and to reduce costs. Three important aspects should be considered.
What is AI in swine?
The first and overriding principle of artificial insemination (AI) in swine is if a sow is in standing heat, she can be bred ; if she is not in standing heat, do not attempt to breed her. This key to maximizing fertility rates in the breeding herd requires a solid understanding of AI basics, timing of insemination, use of lubricants, boar usage, ...
How long between inseminations?
Overbreeding. For twice-a-day services, make sure you allow six hours or more between inseminations. This includes weekend matings. If this can't be done, practice once-a-day inseminations and make sure to keep the service interval under 24 hours.
What happens if you bred all your sows before the boar stud?
If you bred all of your sows before the boar stud conducted their tests, and found that a batch had gone bad, you're going to have to rebreed those females or you're in trouble. Contact the boar stud on the proper procedure to check motility, because there is a huge difference among different semen extenders.
How often should I sow a boar?
Normally, I do not recommend the use of cleanup boars. However, I do recommend allowing every boar (vasectomized or intact) to breed a sow once a week. Allowing boars to breed regularly will make them much more useful and they will do a better job of stimulation.
How long after a third service do you inseminate a boar?
If doing a third-service mating, complete those before the second service, or 12 hours following the second mating. During the insemination process, make sure the sow or gilt is properly stimulated, which means having a boar present.
How long does it take for sperm to look good after a HEPES?
With HEPES-based extenders and BSA, the sperm look best after one minute. Regardless of extender, the semen should be warmed for a couple of minutes prior to evaluation. An alternative is to use a slide warmer and allow the droplet to warm on the slide before putting the cover slip on and evaluating the sample.
Why is the presence of a boar important?
For all of the hands-free devices and labor-saving innovations, the presence of the boar is still needed to stimulate the uterus to draw the semen up into the uterine horns. For the sperm, the uterus is a battlefield, so it's vital to help as many as possible to survive. They don't complete the journey on their own.
