Tips for successful Artificial Insemination (AI)
Two leading factors in the success of A.I.
(1): Accurate estrus detection:
(a): It may be visual observation in case of less number of animals.
(b): Lab methods of which hormone analysis is an important one.
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| leading factors in the success of A.I. |
For the detection of progesterone and estrogen, we take the sample of milk, plasma, and saliva, and analysis will show the same trend. CL, placenta (in case of pregnancy), and adrenal cortex are the sources of progesterone.
At the time of estrus, the level of progesterone should be minimum or at the basal level, i.e., 0.2-0.5 mg or, in general, less than one ng. If it is more or less than this level, it will negatively affect the conception. The level of estrogen will be maximum. It is detected by Radio Immuno Assay (RIA), Enzyme Immuno Assay, and ELISA.
(c): Use of teaser bulls in which there is the deviation of the penis. With this, we can also use the KMAR heat mount detector or chin ball.
(d): Use of androgenized female: Heifer is prepared for the detection of estrus after giving her testosterone (male hormone).
(2): Proper time of insemination:
It is the principle that animals should be inseminated before the end of estrus.
Mare:
Maximum chances of conception occur 36 hours before the end of estrus. Ovulation usually occurs 24-48 hours after the end of estrus. Estrus period is 3-7 days, and alternate-day insemination is recommended in field conditions. By using ultrasonography, we can measure the size of follicles, and the no. of doses can reduce. In one dose, 200-500 × 106 is the no. of sperms that should be there.
After confirmation of estrus, we go for vaginal or Recto-vaginal technique in which one hand in the rectum and one hand in the vagina. When it touches cervix rings, then pass the rod. Preference should be given to the recto-vaginal technique because in mare cervix is very soft, and chances of contamination and infection are less.
She-camel:
An animal is receptive to males even if there is no follicle, and that is due to the fear of males. So for insemination, the follicle must be observed. The length of both horns is the same in all species, but in the camel left horn is always more considerable, and over 90-95 % of pregnancies occur on the left side. If ovulation occurs on the right side, there is trans-migration of the ovum (chances are more in she-camel, mare, and swine). Ultrasonography is the only way to detect time for insemination by measuring the size of follicles. Its size is 1, 1.2, 1.,3, or a maximum of 1.5 cm—there is a direct relationship between the size of follicle and conception. In camel size of follicles is very important. Usually, semen is deposited in the body of the uterus, but in the case of a camel, it should be deposited on the left side mainly. It is possible to work with a camel in the standing position if properly restrained, but usually in sitting position. Semen deposition should be deep uterine after the detection of follicle semen should be deposited on a particular side of the ovum.
Sheep & Goat:
Hindquarters are elevated 10-15 inches in the breeding racks. Fix the tail, and the vaginal speculum (glass/steel) is used (mostly glass). It is like a test tube opened from the lower side. Insert a speculum into the vagina by using headlight. Confirm that the speculum is touching the cervix. Then deposit the semen.
Bitch:
Same in case of sheep and goat.
Buffalo and Cattle:
In buffalo and cattle recto-vaginal technique is used.
You may also read drawbacks of artificial-insemination here.