Artificial insemination means the collecting of semen from a male and its subsequent introduction into the genital passage of a female. The first recorded artificial insemination of dogs was done by Abbe Spallanzani in 1780

Renze, Larry

English

Artificial insemination means the collecting of semen from a male and its subsequent introduction into the genital passage of a female. The first recorded artificial insemination of dogs was done by Abbe Spallanzani in 1780.</p

Digital Repository @ Iowa State University (ISU)

Artificial Insemination in the Dog by Larry Renze, Vet. Med. III A. REASONS FOR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN THE DOG Artificial insemination means the col-lecting of semen from a male and its sub-sequent introduction into the genital pas-sage of a female. The first recorded arti-ficial insemination of dogs was done by Abbe Spallanzani in 1780. The reasons for artificial insemination in dogs may be listed as; 1. Psychological reason a. the female is a shy breeder, or she may be frigid or too aggressive b. the male may be inexperienced and not know how or he may be a shy breeder c. both male and female are raised to-gether and know each other so they won't mate 2. Physiological reason-vaginal hyper-plasia female shows pain when ma1e en-ters 3. To replace natural mating when this is impossible due to geographical dis-tance between stud and bitch, or to by-pass quarantine regulations in the movement of animals 4. To increase and extend the usefulness of any valuable proven stud 5. To aid in disease control B. PROCEDURES IN ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION 1. Collection of Semen The first step in artificial insemination involves the collection of semen from the stud. There are three methods to do this-* Mr. Renze is a Junior in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University. Issue, No.1, 1968 manual manipulation, artificial vagina and electrical stimulation. In manual manipulation a bitch in es-trum is placed in front of the male. When the male exhibits sexual interest the pre-putial skin is pushed caudally, exposing one to two inches of the glans penis. The base of the penis behind the bulbus glandis is grasped through the prepuce and slight pressure is applied by the fingers (see Fig. 1). Dogs can be made to ejaculate by ma-Figure 1. Digital manipulation of the penis. nipulation of the base of the penis until erection is induced. Semen is then col-lected in a test tube (see Figs. 2 and 3). Some dogs are unwilling to ejaculate under normal conditions as above. A rel-atively simple method of electroejaculation is of value in these cases. The procedure used to cause ejaculation is as follows. The dog is given an enema and is then anesthe-tized with pentobarbital sodium. Although not essential, it is preferable to clip the third and fourth lumbar vertebral spines. 17 An electrode jelly is applied freely over this area and also to the free ends of the rodlike electrode, which is inserted approx-imately four inches into the rectum. The other electrode (copper clip) is attached to the jelly-covered skin of the lumbar region. The current involves the hypogastric nerves. The plug from the apparatus is plugged into the usual 60 cycle AC current. Thirty volts and 140 milliamperes are giv-en intermittently, 10 seconds on and 10 seconds off, for three or more times. The current used may vary from 26 volts, 70 rna. , to 46 volts, 248 rna., depending upon the size of the dog. Harrop's canine artificial vagina is the third means of collecting semen. This is Figure 2. Funnel and graduated test tube in posi. tion for collection of semen. used with a bitch in estrus to tease the male and digital manipulation. As soon as an erection is obtained the penis is thrust into the artificial vagina, where the pulsations of the liner provide the re-mainder of the stimulation necessary to obtain a full ejaculate. The size of the artificial vaginal lumen and the pulsations of the liner are produced by the pumping action of air bulbs and shut off valve. 2. Characteristics of Dog Semen The appearance of whole semen from a normal dog is grey to milky white in color, depending on the sperm concentration; the higher the sperm concentration, the whit-18 er the semen. Fresh dog semen has no odor, and the whole semen is liquid and rather watery in consistency. When left standing, the semen tends to separate out, the sperm going to the bottom of the tube and the top of the tube becoming watery and transparent. The total volume of semen ejaculated at a single emission varies according to the breed and size of the dog, and it will also vary considerably in the same dog on dif-ferent occasions. The difference in vol-ume is chiefly associated with the third fraction of the ejaculate. The semen of the dog is ejaculated in three distince fractions, and these may be collected separately. This is carried out by Figure 3. Test tube containing semen. quickly changing the graduated glass tubes on the rubber collecting cone of the artificial vagina between fractions. The interval between the end of one fraction and the commencement of the next gives the operator's assistant time to do this. 1. First fraction: this varied in volume from 0.25-5 mI. , larger quantities usu-ally being secreted if the dog is sexu-ally stimulated by the presence of a bitch in estrum. This fraction consists of a clear watery fluid containing no spermatozoa, and it is suggested that it is probably the secretion of the ure-thral mucous glands, the glands of Littre. 2. Second fraction: this is almost white Iowa State University Veterinarian in color and more viscous in consist-ency. It is the testicular secretion and is the sperm-bearing fraction of the ejaculate. It varies in volume from 0.5-3.5 ml. 3. Third fraction: this is again clear and watery in appearance and thin in con-sistency. It is the secretion of the prostate gland and contains no sperma-tozoa. It varies in volume tremend-ously from 2-30 ml. While visua:l examination of density will give fairly reliable information regard-ing the quality of the semen to an experi-enced observer, an exact expression of density can be made only by defining the concentration of sperm per unit volume. The technique of sperm counting is simi-lar to that employed for counting bovine spermatozoa-using a Neubauer hemocy-tometer. Dilution of the samples is 1 :200 in formolsa:line. Two or three dilutions from a sample should be made, each counted, and an average taken. Immediately after collection an exami-nation for motility should be made. A drop of semen is lightly spread on a warm slide with a glass rod. Normal semen will present a picture of tremendous activity, the whole mass appearing to have a rip-pling movement (unlike the wave-motion of bovine semen). Individual movements of spermatozoa are intense in fresh semen and are best studied under a cover-slip. ' A simple and effective method of stain- . ing for morphological examinations is ·to mix a drop of semen with a drop of India Ink (see Fig. 4). From this a thin smear is made and examined microscopically. It must be remembered that frequency of ejaculation has an effect on the general picture of morphology of semen. Ejacu-lates examined after a long period of absti-nence may contain an abnormally large number of spermatozoa which have been stored in the epididymis beyond the opti-mum period and may show degeneration or be dead, while samples taken from a dog that has been too frequently used may show immature forms of spermatozoa. It is suggested that a dog be used as a stud two or three times a week with appropriate rest periods between services. Issue, No.1, 1968 3. Preservation of Semen Up to date the most successful diluent and preservative is heat-treated pasteur-ized milk, the method of preparing it be-ing as follows: A small quantity of pasteurized milk is slowly heated to 92°-94° C for ten min-utes. It is then allowed to cool to room temperature and a sufficient quantity for use is gently poured into a test-tube. If the second fraction of the ejaculate is di-luted 1:8 with this heat-treated milk and the final mixture stored at 4° C it will keep and remain fertile for several days. Figure 4. India ink stain. x900 4. Equipment Required for Insemination This is a very simple list, and comprises a 1 ml. glass pipette (diam. Bmm.), a glass syringe and a piece of rubber tubing to connect the two. Some operators prefer to work with a vaginal speCUlum, and a cheap form of speculum for tlJis purpose can be made by blowing a hole in the end of a B in. X % in. test-tube sufficient to allow pas-sage of the pipette. More elaborate specula are of course to be purchased, and are very easy to work with (see Fig. 5 for a complete inseminating kit). 5. Optimum Time to Inseminate Bitch (Refer to Diagram 1, next page) 19 DIAGRAM I WHEN At the time the ova are ripe 24-48 hours after ovulation AIDS Size Maximum swelling FOR DETERMINING VULVAR Firmness Soft-Moist WHEN SIGNS TO Discharge Straw or yellowish color INSEMINATE BehaVlior Vaginal Smear Calendar Date Figure 5. Complete inseminating kit. 6. Technique of Insemination The bitch is placed on a table of conven-ient height and is held by an assistant. The external genitalia of the bitch are then washed and thoroughly dried. The specu-lum, lightly lubricated, is then inserted un-20 Three to four days after first acceptance of the male Disintegrating cornified epithelial cells and RBC Ten to fourteen days first bleeding date after til the cervix is reached. The inseminating pipette is then pushed through the specu-lum and its tip introduced into, or as near as possible to, the cervix. The glass sy-ringe containing the semen is now con-nected to the inseminating pipette by means of the rubber tubing and the semen slowly injected. Some operators prefer to infiltrate the semen by gravity rather than subject it to possible damage by forcing it through a syringe. The hind-quarters of the bitch are then elevated and held in that position for some minutes in order to prevent the semen running out as other-wise may happen especially if the bitch immediately sits down. C. AMERICAN KENNEL CLUBS POSITION ON ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION OF DOGS The regulations of the Kennel Club on this subject are found under Rule 28, which deals with disqualification and for-feit of prizes. Section K states that "the progeny resulting from the artificial ferti-lization of a bitch may be disqualified un-Iowa State University Veterinarian AFFIDAVIT OF CANINE ARTIFICIAL INSEMNATION Submitted to: The American Kennel Club 51 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10010 Sire: Breed Dam: Breed ~------------------------ ------------------------Registered name __________ _ Registration number ____________ _ Owner ~------------------------Reason for artificial mating ~----------------------------------------------Both the prospective sire and dam were present at the artificial mating(s), which occurred on (date~ __________________________________________________________ ___ at (plac~~ _________________________________________________________ _ Vetel'inarian's certification: I hereby certify that on the above date(s) and at the above place, I performed both the artificial extraction of semen and insemination of the aforementioned ani-mals. , D.V.M. Veterinary Clinic Iowa State University Ames, Iowa 50010 No attempts were made to breed the above bitch to any other stud dUring this breeding season. Owner of Bitch Artificial insemination procedure witnessed by: ALL STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS Name AFFIDAVIT ARE ACCURATE AND TRUE. Address ~---------------------------Name _______________ __ Address ~-------------------------Notary Public Date -------------------------Affidavit submitted by ______________________________ _ less prior permission was obtained from the Committee of the Kennel Club." The following duplicated sheets are the forms necessary to be filled out to register the breeding. The first sheet is the issuance of an affidavit by the sire's owner certify-ing that he witnessed the collection of se-men and the insemination by a licensed veterinarian. The second sheet is for the Issue, No.1, 1968 veterinarian certifying that he performed the collection and insemination in the presence of the sire's owner_ D. IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY VETERNARY CLINIC AND ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN THE DOG Artificial insemination of the dog is 21 VETERINARIAN'S STATEMENT American Kennel Club 51 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10010 Re: Artificial insemination involving: Sire: Date ----------------------Dam: Breed: _______________ _ Registered Name ___________ _ Registration Number. __________ _ Owner ----------------------------Dear Sirs: I do hereby certify that I performed the artificial extraction of semen and insemination in the above dogs on (dates), ____________________________ _ at (place). _____________________________________________________________ __ Artificial insemination was used because "----------------------------------------done at the ISU Veterinary Clinic. This op-eration is done on the average of six to eight times a year. The entire process is much like that ex-plained above with minor variations as ex-plained below. The ejaculation is gotten by digital ma-nipulation in the presence of a bitch in estrus. The semen is collected by means of a 4-6 inch funnei leading to a gradu-ated centrifuge tube. Both the funnel and centrifuge tube are pre-warmed to aid in preservation of spenn. The plunger is then removed from a six ce. syringe to be used in injecting the semen and the semen poured in, saving a sample for semen eval-uation for motility and density. A pipette, connected to the syringe by means of a 22 Respectfully submitted _______________ , D.V.M. Veterinary Clinic Iowa State University Ames, Iowa 50010 rubber tube, is then inserted into the vulva. It is first inserted one to two inches in a dorsal inclination. After this it is gently shoved straight in for four to six inches until the cervix is reached-detected by re-sistance to forward insertion. No lubricant is used on the theory it may be spenni-cidal. The semen is then deposited by gently pushing in on the syringe plunger. The rubber tubing is then kinked and the syringe removed to asperate app. 2cc. of air. The syringe is then hooked back on the rubber tubing, tubing straightened out, and flushed with air. The pipette is then removed. The hind quarters of the bitch are then elevated for 10-15 minutes. (Continued on page 30) Iowa State University Veterinarian ALUMNI NEWS 1943 CL.A!SS REUNION AT IOWA STATE UNIVER:SITY HOMECOMING for the March Veterinary Graduates of 1943 25 YEARS Plans are being made for an informal evening together on October 25 to catch up on the happenings of 25 years. We need current addresses for every-one in the class. Please advise if you have moved recently or if you know of a class-mate who has changed location. By drop-ping us a note, well know for sure where you are. More to come on specific plans. SAVE THE WEEKEND OF OCTOBER 25 and 26, 1968. Join with us in making this a memor-able occasion. 1943 Reunion Co-Chairmen Bill Calhoun Bob Kirkpatrick Riceville 3900 River Oaks Dr. Iowa 50466 Des Moines, AIC 515 985-2951 Iowa 50312 Ale 515 279-6685 Artifiicial Insemination in the Dog. Cant. from page 22. The charge for this is as follows: Blanket charge for all vaginal smears $4.00 Collection of semen-$2.00-done 3 times $6.00 Inseminating bitch-$2.00-done 3 times $6.00 Room and board $1.50/day for 3 days $4.50 Total charge $20.50 This charge covers insemination on three consecutive days. This does not cover the stud fee which may range from the pick of the litter to a $200 stud fee. The average range is from $25-$30. Also it costs $2.00 to register the litter. Antibiotics are not used as a rule unless problems arise such as metritis. E. SUMMARY From the above it is seen that artificial insemination in dogs is done and is prac-tical. In a small animal practice a knowl-edge of this is essential for one never knows what logical or ridiculous reason a client may come up with to call for arti-ficial insemination of a bitch. And of course, the client is always right-if you want to keep that person as a client. 30 The use of artificial insemination over natural mating is not to be encouraged. The percent conception in artificial in-semination is quite variable, ranging from 50% -70%. Natural mating under con-trolled conditions may have as high as 80% conception. But as stated in the first part of this re-port-artificial insemination does have its place when for some reason natural mat-ing can not be done. REFERENCES 1. Anderson, James, The Semen of Animals and Its Use .For Artificial Insemination, Edenbugh 1945. 2. Christensen, George C., Angioarchitecture of the Canine Penis and the Process of Erection. Am. J. Anat., V. 95. No.2 September. 3. Christensen, George C., Daughterty, Robert W., A Simplified Apparatus for Obtaining Semen from Dogs by Electrical Stimulation, Jour. 'A.V.M.A. July 1955. 4. Harrop. A.E., Reproduction in the Dog, Baltimore, The Williams and Wilkins Company 1960. 5. ISO Veterinary Clinic Records. 6. Mallo, Dr. Gary, D.V.M., personal interview. 7. Roberts, Stephen J., Veterinary Obstetrics and Genital Diseases, Edwards 'Brothers, Michigan 1956. B. Schulte, A. P., and Bezuidenhaut, J. P., Practical Aspects of Artificial Insemination. J. So. Afr. VMA,1965. Iowa State University Veterinarian 

Artificial Insemination in the Dog

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Artificial Insemination in the Dog

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