Edward P. Call & James R. Dunham, A guide to successful AI, Kansas State University, September 1992

Call, Edward P.

Dunham, James R.

K-State Research Exchange

A Guide to Successful AIArtificial insemination (AI) provides the onlymeans to obtain maximum genetic gain and tominimize reproductive disease. In addition, AIprovides an economic alternative to natural servicewithout the inherent dangers of maintaining breedingbulls.However, AI requires a commitment to ahighly skilled technique and the necessarymanagement skills to obtain optimal success. Successin the breeding program is measured by calvinginterval which is mostly a function of days to firstservice.All herds have open cows at any given time;however, cows not pregnant by 85 days after calvingcan constitute a real economic hardship even thoughaverage calving interval is ideal.FOUR STEPS TO SUCCESSA successful AI program demands:1. Heat detection2. Quality semen3. Proper handling of semen4. Correct placement of semenHEAT DETECTIONExpertise in heat detection starts with cowidentification and an adequate recordkeeping system.Records start with an estimated DUE date and calvingdate. Each heat date after calving should be recordedeven if too early to breed--heat-not-bred (HNB).A 2l-day repro-calendar serves as an excellentsystem to record repro-events since a part of heatdetection is “looking ahead” to anticipate the next heatperiod.Since pregnancy rates to first service shouldbe 50-60 percent, anticipating “repeats” increases theaccuracy of heat detection by looking for subtle signs1. Off feed2. Sharp drop in milk flow3. Changes in behavior--restlessness4. Increased flow of clear mucusHeat detection aids have been used withvarying degrees of success. “Teaser” cows and bullsprovide increased sexual activity that increases theprobability of finding a cow in heat. However, such“gomer” animals also increase the chance of injuryespecially in confined, slippery lots and holding pens.Rump patches and tail-head painting may beof benefit when interpreted properly. The biggestvalue of these devices may be that they call attentionto the fact that the cows should be observed moreclosely for heat. While heat detection aids have aplace in an AI program, the final decision to breed thecow still requires judgement.Figure 1. Heat detection is the main management problem inthe Al program. A heat expectancy chart will increase thenumber of animals detected in heat along with recognizingof heat such as: the subtle signs of heat.Outdated Publication, for historical use. CAUTION: Recommendations in this publication may be obsolete.QUALITY SEMENAn AI program requires commitment, timeThe universal thaw temperature for straws isand money. The basis of a successful program startswith a quality product from a reliable AI organization. 95°F for a minimum of 40 seconds and no longer thanWhile studies have shown that good quality semen 15 minutes. Some organizations recommend differentdoes not deteriorate over time when stored properly, thaw procedures so it is best to ask for specific thawthere is little need to store a majority of the semen for recommendations when purchasing semen.more than 6-7 months because sire summaries arepublished twice yearly.Each new sire summary produces even betterbulls that should become a part of the breedingprogram. Whenever the quality of semen is in doubt,a sample should be examined by the producing AIorganization in order that it may be compared withthe original quality evaluation.SEMEN HANDLINGOnce semen is delivered to the nitrogenrefrigerator, it should be maintained at a constant -320°F. The nitrogen level in the tank should bemonitored closely. If the nitrogen dissipates, then thesemen is destroyed. NEVER refreeze semen.Care should be exercised when removing anindividual straw from the goblet. Using tweezers,keep the goblet at least two inches below the top ofthe neck for no longer than 10 seconds so that theremaining straws are not subjected to temperaturefluctuations.Avoid any exposure to direct sunlight during the thawFigure 2. The drawing illustrates thethe neck of the nitrogen refrigerator.FIGURE 3. Tweezers should be used to remove straw fromthe goblet which should be kept at least two inches below thetop of the tank.Both thermos-type bottles and electrified thawunits (CITO) are adequate. However, thaw temperatureshould be monitored closely, especially when anumber of units are being thawed.Once thawed, the straw should be wiped DRY,clipped and inserted into a pre-warmed French gun.temperature variation inKeep goblet at leasttwo inches from the top when selecting straw.Keep inventory current and bulls identified inthe respective compartments to minimize the timerequired to remove a specific straw.procedure. Place the French gun under clothing toprotect from cold shock and inseminate the cow asquickly as possible. Do not thaw more straws thanyou can use in 5 minutes.CORRECT PLACEMENTAll other factors being controlled, semenplacement is the primary source of variation among AItechnicians. The body of the uterus--an area one-halfinch to 1 inch beyond the cervix--is the proper site forsemen placement.There is a strong tendency among lowconception rate technicians to deposit semen too farforward in one horn or the other (Table 1).Outdated Publication, for historical use. CAUTION: Recommendations in this publication may be obsolete.FIGURE 4. Strict sanitation procedures and correct semenplacement are necessary to obtain satisfactory results with Al.SANITATIONSperm cells are living organisms and aresensitive to foreign material, including water andlubricants. Disposable plastics--gloves and catheters--should never be re-used. Dry the straw completelybefore clipping and avoid contamination of thecatheter as it is passed through the vulva.Disposable protective sheaths arerecommended whenever there is a repeat breederproblem associated with vulvitis or vaginitis.Step-wise procedure for insemination:1. Identify cow in heat.2. Identify sire and thaw semen 95°F for40 seconds.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.Load pre-warmed French gun.Protect semen in French gun fromcold shock.Using plastic sleeve, clean out rectum,if necessary, and grasp cervix.Wipe vulva clean.Part vulva and insert French gun.Pass catheter through cervix.Identify tip barely through the lastring with index finger.Remove finger and deposit semen s-l-o-w-l-y (5 seconds). (Avoid movementof catheter when depressing plunger).Remove catheter and massage cervix.Complete breeding records.TIMING OF AIThe traditional method of inseminating cattlehas been by the AM-PM:PM-AM rule. Cows detected inheat this AM are bred later in the afternoon and cowsnoticed in the afternoon are bred tomorrow morning.Whereas some recent research indicates nodifferences in relation to breeding compared to firstdetected heat, the AM/PM rule fits most managementsituations since heat detection should be at least twicedaily.The endpoint of AI is conception. Once semenis deposited, then the process of fertilization is cow-dependent. While cows ovulate on the average 12hours or so after the end of heat, rarely is it knownexactly when the cow comes into or goes out of heat.Sperm cells are able to fertilize the egg withina few hours after being deposited.Table 1. Site of semen placement by professional AI technicians ranked above or below AIstud average first service conception rate.Adapted from E.F. Graham, 1966. 1st Technical Conference. N. A. A. B., Milwaukee, WI.Outdated Publication, for historical use. CAUTION: Recommendations in this publication may be obsolete.However, length of sperm viability in the oviducts isunknown, but generally no longer than 12 hr.RECORDSBreeding records may be simple or complex.The important point is that they are adequate andusable. A minimal record system will include:1. Cow ID--birth date2. Calving date3. Calving problems and treatments4. Heats-not-bred5. Service date6. Pregnancy check7. Due date8. 2l-day Repro-calendarThe following forms are available to help withthe record program:1. Repro-cards (5” x 8”)2. DHIA 211 --2l-day calendar3. Breeding date calendar4. DHIA 212--Management Guidelines(cow and heifers to breed, dry-off,challenge feed, pregnancy check).5. Flexible Management Reports (FMR)6. EBS-MORE; UDR ReportsPREVENTIVE HERD HEALTHPROGRAM (PHHP)The basis of a healthy herd for production orreproduction is a preventive program to minimize theeffect of disease.Each herd should establish a PHHP that willprovide a high level immunity against known diseases.Since many reproductive problems are unseen,periodic visits by a competent veterinarian willminimize the losses due to cystic ovaries, cows not yetbred, cows open at pregnancy exam, uterine infectionsand anatomical abnormalities.The economic benefits of a PHHP are mosteasily seen in the reproductive area.21-Day Reproduction Record7 28 18 9 30FIGURE 5. Records are an essential part of the Al program. Illustrated are some of the records available through theDairy Herd Improvement (DHIA) program.Edward P. CallJames R DunhamExtension Specialists, Dairy ScienceCOOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE MANHATTAN, KANSASMF-890 Revised Revised September 1992Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas StateUniversity, County Extension Councils, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, Walter R. Woods, Director.All educational programs and materials available without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,Outdated Publication, for historical use. CAUTION: Recommendations in this publication may be obsolete.

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