Artificial Insemination Dogs Near Me? Quick Answer

June 18, 2019

What is involved and what are the benefits?

Artificial insemination (AI) is becoming an increasingly common tool in the Australian beef industry. Once thought to be limited to use in the stud industry, it has rapidly gained popularity among commercial beef producers over the past decade.

There are a number of benefits to be gained from using AI programs in your herd, including the following:

Access to Superior Genetics – Bull prices have increased significantly in recent years. This has severely limited access to advanced genetics. AI offers greater opportunities to get offspring from top bulls by buying semen ($20-50/straw) instead of having to buy the bull itself. Additionally, seed can be sourced from Australia and even around the world – genetics that would otherwise not be available.

– In recent years, bull market prices have risen sharply. This has severely limited access to advanced genetics. AI offers greater opportunities to get offspring from top bulls by buying semen ($20-50/straw) instead of having to buy the bull itself. Additionally, seed can be sourced from Australia and even around the world – genetics that would otherwise not be available. Access to Proven Genetics – Typically bulls are bought at a young age before they have offspring on the ground. This means that most are bought unchecked and unfortunately many will not produce the type of offspring hoped for. In contrast, semen can be purchased from a proven father, which can increase offspring predictability and reduce risk.

– Typically bulls are bought at a young age before they have offspring on the ground. This means that most are bought unchecked and unfortunately many will not produce the type of offspring hoped for. In contrast, semen can be purchased from a proven father, which can increase offspring predictability and reduce risk. Getting better calves from heifers – Typically producers use very low birth weight sires over their heifers to reduce calving problems – these sires are often also low weaning weight sires and the majority of the offspring are often culled despite heifers having the best genetics in the herd represent. Using an AI program for heifers can select a sire with accurate EBVs and proven results with low birth weight and moderate to high growth rate, ensuring the offspring are suitable for herd management. Sale animals can be over 20kg heavier at the point of sale than a typical “heifer bull” = 15 x $3 = $60+/head

– Typically, producers use very low birth weight sires for their heifers to reduce calving problems – these sires are often also low weaning weight sires and the majority of the offspring are often culled even though heifers represent the best genetics in the herd. Using an AI program for heifers can select a sire with accurate EBVs and proven results with low birth weight and moderate to high growth rate, ensuring the offspring are suitable for herd management. Sale animals can be more than 20kg heavier at point of sale than a typical “heifer bull” = 15 x $3 = Improved Genetic Conversion – By retaining a much larger percentage of offspring from heifers, the genetic conversion can be shortened from 3 years (one female 2nd calf) to 2 years – an improvement of 50%.

– By retaining a much larger percentage of offspring from heifers, the genetic turnaround can be reduced from 3 years (a 2 female calves) to 2 years – a 50% improvement. Increased Use of Own Bulls – Semen can be collected from your own bull and used in an AI program while simultaneously mating the bull to another group of cows. This option can be especially attractive if you buy expensive bulls in order to increase the number of offspring obtained from him.

– Semen can be collected from your own bull and used in an AI program while simultaneously mating the bull to another group of cows. This option can be especially attractive if you buy expensive bulls in order to increase the number of offspring obtained from him. Increased selection pressure on fertility – In most beef production systems, fertility is the number 1 profitability driver. In order to improve a herd’s fertility, selection pressure must be applied (e.g. selling females that do not raise a calf per year). An AI program is a great way to select the most fertile heifers in a cohort, which will then transition into the cow herd for years to come.

– In most beef production systems, fertility is the most important factor affecting profitability. In order to improve the fertility of a herd, selection pressure must be applied (e.g. selling females that do not raise a calf per year). An AI program is a great way to select the most fertile heifers in a cohort, which will then transition into the cow herd for years to come. Females are Prepared for Future Years – By putting heifers through an AI program, they are in a better position to remain in the herd for years to come. While adult cows take an average of 55 days to conceive again after calving, it can take a month longer for heifers. This doesn’t leave much room for the heifers to come back into the calving phase in a narrow post-calving window. In an AI program, heifers can be admitted a few weeks before the cow herd and most heifers calve in the first week of the calving period. This gives them a few extra weeks to start cycling again and conceive early in the subsequent joining period. This will help your females stay part of your herd longer.

– By subjecting heifers to an AI program, they are better able to stay in the herd longer. While adult cows take an average of 55 days to conceive again after calving, it can take a month longer for heifers. This doesn’t leave much room for the heifers to come back into the calving phase in a narrow post-calving window. In an AI program, heifers can be admitted a few weeks before the cow herd and most heifers calve in the first week of the calving period. This gives them a few extra weeks to start cycling again and conceive early in the subsequent joining period. This will help your females stay part of your herd longer. High proportion of calves born early in calving – the average gestation period for heifers in an AI program is generally shorter than usual – therefore the majority have already calved at term. The result is a shorter calving window and a more consistent age/size of calves, which has advantages at tagging and weaning (fewer younger animals that could have problems) and at the point of sale. On average, calves in an AI program are 10.5 days older = 10 kg x $3 = $30/calf born

– The average gestation length of heifers in an AI program is generally shorter than usual – therefore the majority have already calved by the due date. The result is a shorter calving window and a more consistent age/size of calves, which has advantages at tagging and weaning (fewer younger animals that could have problems) and at the point of sale. On average, calves in an AI program are 10.5 days older = 10kg x $3 = more predictable calving – as mentioned above, most calves are born in a short time in a hurry, reducing the time spent monitoring the heifers.

– As mentioned above, most calves are born in a hurry over a short period of time, reducing the time spent monitoring the heifers. Less Calving Difficulty – By selecting proven sires with low birth weight and good calving ease numbers, there are generally far fewer calving problems. Additionally, gestation lengths in AI females are typically shorter, further helping to reduce birth weight.

– By selecting proven sires with low birth weight and good calving ease, there are generally far fewer problems at calving time. Additionally, gestation lengths in AI females are typically shorter, further helping to reduce birth weight. Improved Female Handling – Running heifers around the farm multiple times in a short period of time will go a long way towards improving their temperament and ease of handling for the rest of their lives.

– Taking heifers through the barn several times in a short period of time goes a long way to improving their temperament and handling for the rest of their lives. Improved Heifer Growth/Condition – Since heifer condition and weight are critical to the outcome of an AI program, more attention is generally paid to ensure that they meet targets. This often results in heifers growing better than they otherwise would have, which in turn supports second calving conception rates.

What is included in an AI program?

Artificial insemination involves, firstly, the process of synchronizing the females in the program with all cycles at the same time, and secondly, the insemination itself. There are a number of different protocols that vary depending on age/condition/time of insemination/etc. can change. A typical log might look something like this:

Day 0 – Include CIDRs + Bomerol injection

Day 8 – Remove CIDR + PG injection

Day 9 – Bomerol injection

Day 10 – Fertilization

As can be seen, there is a large amount of work to be done over a short period of time with minimal flexibility to change dates/times. Therefore, it is important that labor availability and the ability to process cattle on time be considered before embarking on an AI program.

Success rates of AI programs vary widely and depend on a number of factors. As a basic guide we would suggest that 50-60% pregnancy would be satisfactory, 60-70% would be a good result and over 70% would be an excellent result.

Generally, surrogate bulls are introduced from 10 days post insemination (empty animals are recycled 17–24 days post insemination) and can be left in for 1–3 cycles. In many cases, when more than 80% of the bitches from the AI ​​and the first cycle replacement bulls combined are pregnant, the decision can be made to sell the rest. This essentially leaves a 3-4 week transition period and a narrow calving interval in the following year.

As mentioned earlier, there are a number of factors that can affect the outcome of an AI program. The most important of these relates to the maturity and condition of the females. In most commercial settings, KB programs are generally used on heifers as they do not have calves on their feet which can make handling etc difficult. It is therefore imperative that these heifers have reached sexual maturity before AI. As a general guide, heifers must be at least about 60% of adult cow weight (330 kg with an MCW of 550 kg). This is a minimum and ideally the average weight of the heifers is 380kg+. Pre-program nutrition is also important and bitches should have a good body condition score and be on an increasing diet.

In most situations, heifers are brought to calve when they are 2 years old. Therefore, time is of the essence to get them to an appropriate weight before they come to the AI ​​at 15 months of age. It is important to make an assessment several months in advance, taking into account the weight of the animals and the likely amount of feed that will be available. Weighing the heifers in April/May prior to the September/October merge is a valuable tool to assess where the heifers are. Required daily weight gains can be easily calculated and required feed +/- supplementation can be determined.

What is the cost of an AI program?

The costs associated with an AI program can be broken down as follows:

Seed Cost – This is the most variable cost involved and often ranges from $10 to $50 per straw of seed depending on the stud and bull chosen. It’s up to the clients to source the sperm that will be used in their AI program. We can then organize transport to the clinic for storage in our liquid nitrogen canisters. Medication – we supply all the medication you need, including the progesterone implant and all the injections. With the standard heifer protocol, the drug cost is $25-35/head depending on the program used. Labor (Veterinary) – the cost per capita for the actual insemination is $120 (GST Incl.). This rate can increase in very small programs (<25 pieces). In addition, a visit may be required at the beginning of the program to insert the progesterone machines. This process is relatively easy and after a short demonstration, most producers are comfortable doing it themselves. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss further details if you think an AI program would be appropriate for your operation either this year or in the future.

First, sperm is taken from the male. This is done by exposing the male to a female in heat. As he tries to mount her, his penis is diverted into a fake vagina that catches the ejaculated semen.

If a bitch in heat is not available, swabs that have previously collected pheromones from a bitch in heat’s vulva can be rubbed on a bitch’s buttocks. This is usually enough to pique the man’s interest.

The semen is checked under a microscope to ensure a healthy number of active sperm. The seed is used either immediately, refrigerated (used within 24 hours) or frozen in liquid nitrogen (will germinate for months to years).

The female recipient must be in heat (which happens about twice a year) and about to ovulate or have recently ovulated. This stage of her reproductive cycle can be gauged with blood tests that monitor her progesterone levels or by looking at slides of her vaginal cytology.

Then a plastic or glass straw containing the sperm is inserted into her vagina and the sperm is released. More sophisticated methods of insemination involve inserting a fine endoscope into the vagina and using it to thread the straw through the cervix and into the uterus.

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Artificial insemination (AI) has opened up a new world of possibilities in terms of dog breeding. While natural breeding is nature’s best breeding method, AI is becoming the order of the day. It offers advantages that natural mating lacks. The biggest is the fact that breeding can take place anywhere in the world without having to transport dogs to mate. If you are a breeder wanting to go down this route, there is no reason not to. As long as you have the right information about what you’re getting yourself into, you’ll do well. To help you, we’ve put together a guide to how often to fertilize a dog.

What is artificial insemination?

AI has been used primarily on cattle for centuries. Dog breeders were initially shy about using the procedure, but the trend has now caught on in the canine world. This was fueled by increased demand for artificial insemination and advances in seed technology. Simply put, this is the process of breeding dogs without mating by inserting semen into the mother’s vagina when she ovulates to facilitate conception.

The AI ​​is all about choosing the right man to harvest seeds from. He should have the desired personality, intelligence and other qualities. Once he’s chosen, a female teaser will be brought near him. If no female is in heat, a cotton swab scented with a female in heat can be used to arouse the male. When he attempts to mount a female, his penis is then diverted into an artificial vagina from which the semen is extracted.

The seed can be used immediately, chilled in the refrigerator, or frozen. To use it, a syringe with the semen is inserted into the bitch’s cervix during ovulation. Fertilization can also be done surgically or through an extended transcervical endoscope.

Benefits of AI

AI is beneficial as it brings convenience to breeders looking to diversify their genetic pool. In the past, a female had to be transported across borders to mate with the desired male. Now male dog semen can be harvested, stored and transported from any part of the universe. Expanding the genetic pool is especially beneficial for dog breeds that are found in small numbers in certain geographic locations.

AI also allows breeders to improve kennel genetics. You have access to a plethora of options, even seeds from deceased dogs. The procedure also allows the sperm to be examined for abnormalities and fertility. It also prevents sexually transmitted diseases.

Success rate of artificial insemination in dogs

According to an article in BBC News, the success rate of AI is over 50%. This is an average success rate, but the actual number depends on the quality of the seed. Fresh semen is essentially the best. When a skilled and experienced breeder performs the procedure, the success rate is around 80%. This drops to 59% – 80% when the seed is refrigerated and 52% – 60% when it is frozen. Storing semen can affect sperm viability and ultimately the breeding outcome. Frozen semen is processed before being mixed with a preservative and then frozen with liquid nitrogen. This process can greatly affect its quality.

With AI, timing is everything. The fertile window period is rather narrow. You only have a few days to breed the dog. For fresh semen, AI is best performed 2 days after ovulation, while frozen semen is administered 3-4 days after ovulation. There are several ways to determine if the dog is ovulating or not. The most common is the progesterone test, which is done every other day to get accurate results.

There are different opinions on how often a dog should be inseminated. According to this study published on PubMed, you get better results with two inseminations than with one insemination. 36 bitches inseminated with frozen semen took part in the study. Some were inseminated once, others twice with an interval of 1-2 days. The average conception rate was 67% with a litter size of 6.4. Animals fertilized once had a conception rate of 64%, and 69% for those fertilized twice.

Revival Animal Health recommends inseminating a dam every other day until the heat season is over. The oestrus period starts four days before ovulation and lasts until three days after ovulation. That gives a total of 7 days of possible breeding. If you do AI every other day, watch 3-4 inseminations at a time.

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How often the dog has to be inseminated depends heavily on the type of insemination. If you are hand-inserting sperm into the dam, you can afford to do the procedure every other day. However, if you go the surgical route, you can only do it once at a time. The surgery involves sedation and cutting open the dog. If you care about the puppy’s well-being, you don’t want to have him undergo more than one invasive procedure. Transcervical insemination is best performed once and includes sedation.

AI is a remarkable breeding technique in the canine world. It can change your world as a grower in so many ways. As long as you stick to the rules, you will have an amazing experience with it.

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things you need. Women in heat

male dog

Artificial Vagina (Dog)

Plastic tube, ¼ inch diameter, as long as the bitch’s hind leg

Medical syringe without a needle

Tips Your local veterinarian can give you more information about your breed’s specifications.

Artificial insemination in dogs is common among dog breeders trying to contribute other traits to their breeds. A male is selected for his personality, intelligence, and ability to produce useful offspring and is mated with females, who are normally capable of breeding. In artificial insemination, semen is collected from a male or stud dog and then fed into the bitch’s reproductive system. This can be done at home or by a veterinarian.

Put the male and female dogs in one room together. Keep the artificial vagina close to the two dogs and let the male try to mount the female. When he starts to rise, the artificial vagina needs to be placed over the male penis to collect the semen.

Stimulating the penis by gently squeezing and creating a pulsating effect with the palm of your hand around the artificial vagina will induce the male dog to ejaculate.

Remove the male dog from the area so he does not attempt to mount the female.

Insert the end of the syringe with the medical syringe without a needle into the artificial vagina to remove the semen. To do this, make sure the plunger is all the way down before inserting the syringe into the artificial vagina. While inside the artificial vagina, slowly pull the plunger outward, which collects the semen in the barrel of the syringe.

Insert the 1.4 inch tube into the bitch’s vagina. The dog’s breed and size will determine how much of the tube should be inserted. For dogs weighing less than 5 pounds, it is best to have a vet perform the procedure. For small breeds like Spitz and Chihuahuas, insert the hose only 2 inches. For larger breeds such as Great Danes and German Shepherds, it is recommended that the hose be inserted only 5 inches.

Insert the syringe into the other end of the tube that will be inserted into the bitch’s vagina. Slowly push the plunger until all of the semen has entered the tube, and hold the tube upright to ensure the fluids are dispensed and not spilled.

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Artificial insemination in dogs

Reproduction in dogs can be either planned as part of a breeding program or accidental. In any case, most breeding is successful and results in the birth of healthy puppies. In some dogs, natural breeding is unsuccessful and artificial methods are required.

Artificial insemination (AI) is the process of collecting semen and placing it artificially in the vagina of the susceptible dog. AI is reserved for valuable purebred dogs that cannot conceive naturally due to various problems. In the bitch, an abnormal vulva or vaginal shape, such as B. a narrowing, exclude a coitus. Bitches can also be aggressive towards the intended father and not allow breeding for some reason. In males, a low sex drive, weakness or pain when mounting due to arthritis or prostate disease, or aggression towards the female may lead to the need for artificial insemination.

Another common reason for artificial insemination in breeding programs is the geographic separation of the mother and father. For champion stud dogs, the semen can be frozen and shipped across the country, especially if transporting the bitch to the dog’s territory is not possible.

Semen collection in dogs

For successful insemination, the semen must be collected and properly handled and introduced into the female. Sperm can be used fresh, chilled and used within 24 hours, or frozen. The more the semen is processed, the less likely it is to result in fertilization.

With fresh and chilled semen, the first thing to do is determine if the female is receptive and about to ovulate. After this determination, the semen can be collected by manual stimulation.

The most successful semen collection begins with the introduction of a teaser bitch—a bitch in heat that is not intended to be bred that day—or a bitch with topical pheromone. This increases the success of the stimulation and leads to a higher quality of semen. However, teasers are not required and the collection can be done without them.

If a teaser is used, the male is allowed to sniff around the back area and mount the female. The bitch should be muzzled and tied tightly. Once the bitch is mounted, the person collecting the semen grasps the penis firmly through the foreskin (vagina) and begins a quick massage. If a teaser is not used, the person collecting the semen begins the process by grasping the penis and beginning the massage.

The rest of the procedure is the same. The penis must not enter the teaser vagina. When the penis is erect, the foreskin is pushed back and a preformed rubber collection cone with attached collection tube is slipped over the penis. The penis and collecting cone are held firmly in place with the collector’s hands, stimulating the female’s contraction during normal breeding.

Ejaculation occurs in 3 parts. The first part is a small amount of clean liquid that does not contain sperm. The next part is the sperm-rich cloudy liquid. Typically, vigorous thrusting is associated with this part of ejaculation, resulting in 0.5 to 3 ml of semen. The final phase of ejaculation is the addition of clear prostatic fluid. If the ejaculate is to be used immediately, the prostatic fluid is allowed to mix with the remaining semen. If the semen is stored for a longer period of time, the collection cone is removed as soon as the prostate fluid begins to drain. The presence of prostatic fluid in stored semen leads to decreased sperm motility and reduced fertility.

The amount of semen required to have the best chance of successful fertilization depends on the size of the female.

Bitches under 5 kg require 1.5 to 3 ml of semen per insemination.

For bitches from 10 to 50 pounds (5 to 25 kg), 3 to 5 ml of semen is required.

For bitches over 25 kg, 5 to 8 ml of semen are required. After semen collection, a semen extender can be added to nourish the semen and achieve the required amount of semen. For samples to be used within 24 hours but not immediately, a stretching liquid is added to protect and nourish the sperm. This sample is then refrigerated and must be used within 24 hours. For samples destined for freezing, a different type of extension is added to protect the sperm from the effects of freezing. After the removal cone is carefully removed from the erect penis, ensure that the penis returns to its normal size and is reinserted into the foreskin. Before insemination, the semen must be examined for quality. Over 70 percent of the sperm must have normal forward motility, which equates to 150 to 200,000 normal-appearing sperm per sample.

Bitch preparing for artificial insemination

Knowing exactly when to inseminate the female can be quite tricky and if not done correctly, fertilization will not occur. In traditional natural mating breeding programs, the bitch is mated at least three times on days 9, 11, and 13 after the vulva begins to swell and bloody discharge is seen. On average, bitches tend to ovulate on the 12th day after the onset of vulvar swelling. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and some female dogs may require alternative methods of conceiving. The breeding goal is to inseminate the bitch four days before ovulation and then every two days until the final insemination two days after ovulation. Insemination two days after ovulation results in the maximum litter size.

Determining ovulation can be done in a number of ways. Traditionally, tissue cells of the vagina are examined under a microscope. The appearance of these cells can be used to estimate the time of ovulation. Unfortunately, this is not the most accurate way to determine ovulation.

Measuring progesterone levels is much more accurate, but time consuming and daily monitoring during the oestrus cycle is not always practical or affordable. The hormone progesterone can be measured in the blood. The most accurate measurements can effectively predict ovulation, but these tests are done in a lab. A hospital version of the progesterone level test is available which can give the user a rough idea of ​​when ovulation will occur.

A combination of the two methods has a pretty good success rate. About 4 to 5 days after the onset of vulva swelling and bloody discharge, the cells of the vagina should be examined daily. Once 80 percent of these cells have the typical keratinized appearance, indicating that ovulation is imminent, blood samples are taken every 2 to 3 days to measure progesterone levels. If the number of inseminations is not limited, then the first insemination is carried out at this time. If only one insemination is possible, this should take place 2 days after ovulation.

A further evaluation of the vaginal cells is no longer necessary. Blood samples should be checked for progesterone levels every 2 to 3 days and fertilization will take place. Once progesterone levels reach ovulation levels, a final insemination occurs 2 days later. The pregnancy can then be confirmed with an ultrasound about 25 days later.

Progesterone levels can be determined either by a laboratory or by an in-hospital test kit. The laboratory can provide specific values ​​for progesterone levels. The in-hospital test kit can show progesterone levels by color changes.

In laboratory tests, serum progesterone is typically below 1 ng/ml up to 2 days before ovulation. At this point, progesterone levels rise to 1 to 2 ng/ml. On the following day (one day before ovulation), the progesterone level is 2 to 4 ng/ml. On the day of ovulation, progesterone is 4 to 10 ng/ml. After ovulation, progesterone levels rise rapidly and can range from 15 to 90 ng/ml.

For the in-hospital test, there are sample color changes that can help give an approximate indication of where the dog is in the ovulation process.

Process of dog insemination

Insemination is similar for fresh and chilled semen, but slightly different for frozen semen. This is due to the lifespan of the seed once processed. Frozen semen can only be kept for a few hours after thawing and insemination. Chilled semen lives in the bitch for about 5 days and fresh semen for about 6 days. Because frozen sperm has such a short lifespan, there must be an ovum ready for fertilization at the time of fertilization for fertilization to occur.

After preparation, the semen can be deposited either in the vagina just in front of the cervix or directly in the uterus. Samples that are placed just in front of the cervix achieve the best results.

Delivering semen to the correct area of ​​the reproductive tract requires special equipment. Long pipettes are recommended. Commercially made canine insemination pipettes are available for small and medium-sized dogs. For large breed dogs, these pipettes are too short, so modified pipettes used on cattle are often used. Some people opt for balloon catheters, but the eyedropper is the most commonly used.

To start the fertilization process, the male should not be close to the female. Hold the bitch in a standing position. Draw the appropriate amount of semen into a sterile syringe and attach it to the appropriate pipette. The dropper is then inserted into the upper vagina through a gloved, lubricated finger inserted into the vaginal canal. After positioning, the seed is deposited. The syringe is then filled with air, which is used to inject any remaining semen left in the dropper after the syringe was squeezed the first time. The eyedropper is then removed, but the finger is not. The vaginal wall is stimulated for a few minutes with the inserted finger. This should cause the vagina to contract, which will help push the semen into the uterus. After stimulation, the finger is removed. At this point, the dog’s rear end is raised for 5 to 10 minutes. Don’t press on your stomach. Lift the dog by grabbing the bottom hind legs and lifting up. Don’t let the dog crouch. After being elevated for 5 to 10 minutes, she can walk around but not urinate or jump for 30 to 60 minutes. After an hour, she can return to her normal activity.

In selected cases, surgical insemination can also be performed. After the uterus is surgically exposed, the semen sample is inserted into the uterus using a needle and syringe. This is not the most effective method of insemination but may be necessary in very valuable dogs where puppies are in high demand.

Results of AI in dogs

With natural breeding (assuming 3 broods in a heat cycle), the pregnancy success rate is 80 to 95 percent.

When inseminated with fresh semen, 62 to 100 percent success rate

59 to 80 percent success rate for AI with chilled sperm

In artificial insemination using frozen sperm placed in the vagina, 52 to 60 percent success rate

For AI with frozen sperm placed in the uterus, success rate from 0 to 80 percent

This is not a blind technique. In most cases, the bitch does not need to be sedated. The bitch is reserved while standing. A long, narrow endoscope is passed lengthwise through the vagina and used to visualize the cervix (Figure 21-3). A urinary catheter is passed through a channel on the endoscope, which is used to pass the catheter through the cervix. The semen is expressed through the catheter with a syringe. Because this technique is non-invasive, multiple inseminations can be performed during a given heat. This technique requires special equipment and is technically demanding. The cervix hangs from the ceiling of the vagina and is muscular. The opening of the cervix is ​​perpendicular to that of the vagina, requiring deflection of the catheter as it enters the cervix. Several attempts are often required before passing the catheter, and in some bitches the catheter cannot be inserted using this technique. Endoscopic insemination is available in the United States.

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Artificial breeding is the use of technologies such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer. In artificial insemination (AI), semen is placed directly into the uterus. In embryo transfer, fertilized eggs are transferred from a female donor to a female recipient, who then raises the calf.

Artificial insemination is used in both stud and commercial herds, while embryo transfer is mainly used in breeding stud stock. The use of injected hormones is necessary in embryo transfer programs and is commonly used in AI programs to synchronize estrus cycles.

Artificial insemination is a breeding method intended to help address infertility in both males and females, in which sperm is introduced directly into a woman’s fallopian tube, cervix or uterus, allowing it to travel before long, bypassing any likely obstacles and preferably allowing pregnancy there can, where possible, was not possible before. While pregnancy rates are higher with this method compared to other more advanced procedures, giving it some advantages, it is not without its disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons of artificial insemination:

List of advantages of artificial insemination

1. It makes breeding easy and inexpensive.

The modern technology used in this procedure could make it easier and much easier for us to carry out careful breeding as it allows for the hassle-free transfer of semen from a donor to remote locations. It is also inexpensive in that sperm cells are preserved, which can save money and resources to create a huge repository for them.

2. It enables genetic preservation.

Keep in mind that the lack of genetic diversity can lead to the extinction of certain species if not conserved. A good way to avoid this problem is to keep lots of preserved sperm from different animals to be able to keep a huge collection of genetic details.

3. It offers the ability to freeze sperm.

The ability of male semen to stay alive longer will allow us to preserve their sperm for a longer period of time by freezing using nitrogen. Therefore, we no longer have to worry whether it would take a certain amount of time to wait for someone who would need it.

4. It enables remote connection.

Artificial insemination allows for the transmission of semen over a distance, allowing organisms that live far away to mate without having to be transported at all. This means that this method can save you time and money as you don’t have to travel and carry a lot of things.

List of disadvantages of artificial insemination

1. It disturbs species and upsets their natural habits.

Collecting sperm from male animals usually requires a person to hold those animals, which means disturbing them. This will have negative effects, especially if affected animals live in their natural habitats. The preservation of sperm by freezing can also be used as an exception to destroy the natural way of fertilization of the animals.

2. It is not effective on other species.

Although many animals have successfully adapted to artificial insemination, not all will respond positively to this method. Even in humans it is not that often effective.

3. It requires the use of anesthetics.

In order to be able to calm the animals when undergoing this procedure, they must be stunned, which would affect their ability to respond to certain conditions, e.g. B. the semen collection to respond.

Overall, artificial insemination offers positive results for others, but it also may not produce desired results for others. Because of this, it is very important to weigh the pros and cons before opting for this procedure.

PetPartners, Inc. is an indirect corporate subsidiary of PetPlace.com. PetPlace may receive compensation if you click on the links in this article or make a purchase.

Artificial insemination in dogs

Reproduction in dogs can be either planned as part of a breeding program or accidental. In any case, most breeding is successful and results in the birth of healthy puppies. In some dogs, natural breeding is unsuccessful and artificial methods are required.

Artificial insemination (AI) is the process of collecting semen and placing it artificially in the vagina of the susceptible dog. AI is reserved for valuable purebred dogs that cannot conceive naturally due to various problems. In the bitch, an abnormal vulva or vaginal shape, such as B. a narrowing, exclude a coitus. Bitches can also be aggressive towards the intended father and not allow breeding for some reason. In males, a low sex drive, weakness or pain when mounting due to arthritis or prostate disease, or aggression towards the female may lead to the need for artificial insemination.

Another common reason for artificial insemination in breeding programs is the geographic separation of the mother and father. For champion stud dogs, the semen can be frozen and shipped across the country, especially if transporting the bitch to the dog’s territory is not possible.

Semen collection in dogs

For successful insemination, the semen must be collected and properly handled and introduced into the female. Sperm can be used fresh, chilled and used within 24 hours, or frozen. The more the semen is processed, the less likely it is to result in fertilization.

With fresh and chilled semen, the first thing to do is determine if the female is receptive and about to ovulate. After this determination, the semen can be collected by manual stimulation.

The most successful semen collection begins with the introduction of a teaser bitch—a bitch in heat that is not intended to be bred that day—or a bitch with topical pheromone. This increases the success of the stimulation and leads to a higher quality of semen. However, teasers are not required and the collection can be done without them.

If a teaser is used, the male is allowed to sniff around the back area and mount the female. The bitch should be muzzled and tied tightly. Once the bitch is mounted, the person collecting the semen grasps the penis firmly through the foreskin (vagina) and begins a quick massage. If a teaser is not used, the person collecting the semen begins the process by grasping the penis and beginning the massage.

The rest of the procedure is the same. The penis must not enter the teaser vagina. When the penis is erect, the foreskin is pushed back and a preformed rubber collection cone with attached collection tube is slipped over the penis. The penis and collecting cone are held firmly in place with the collector’s hands, stimulating the female’s contraction during normal breeding.

Ejaculation occurs in 3 parts. The first part is a small amount of clean liquid that does not contain sperm. The next part is the sperm-rich cloudy liquid. Typically, vigorous thrusting is associated with this part of ejaculation, resulting in 0.5 to 3 ml of semen. The final phase of ejaculation is the addition of clear prostatic fluid. If the ejaculate is to be used immediately, the prostatic fluid is allowed to mix with the remaining semen. If the semen is stored for a longer period of time, the collection cone is removed as soon as the prostate fluid begins to drain. The presence of prostatic fluid in stored semen leads to decreased sperm motility and reduced fertility.

The amount of semen required to have the best chance of successful fertilization depends on the size of the female.

Bitches under 5 kg require 1.5 to 3 ml of semen per insemination.

For bitches from 10 to 50 pounds (5 to 25 kg), 3 to 5 ml of semen is required.

For bitches over 25 kg, 5 to 8 ml of semen are required. After semen collection, a semen extender can be added to nourish the semen and achieve the required amount of semen. For samples to be used within 24 hours but not immediately, a stretching liquid is added to protect and nourish the sperm. This sample is then refrigerated and must be used within 24 hours. For samples destined for freezing, a different type of extension is added to protect the sperm from the effects of freezing. After the removal cone is carefully removed from the erect penis, ensure that the penis returns to its normal size and is reinserted into the foreskin. Before insemination, the semen must be examined for quality. Over 70 percent of the sperm must have normal forward motility, which equates to 150 to 200,000 normal-appearing sperm per sample.

Bitch preparing for artificial insemination

Knowing exactly when to inseminate the female can be quite tricky and if not done correctly, fertilization will not occur. In traditional natural mating breeding programs, the bitch is mated at least three times on days 9, 11, and 13 after the vulva begins to swell and bloody discharge is seen. On average, bitches tend to ovulate on the 12th day after the onset of vulvar swelling. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and some female dogs may require alternative methods of conceiving. The breeding goal is to inseminate the bitch four days before ovulation and then every two days until the final insemination two days after ovulation. Insemination two days after ovulation results in the maximum litter size.

Determining ovulation can be done in a number of ways. Traditionally, tissue cells of the vagina are examined under a microscope. The appearance of these cells can be used to estimate the time of ovulation. Unfortunately, this is not the most accurate way to determine ovulation.

Measuring progesterone levels is much more accurate, but time consuming and daily monitoring during the oestrus cycle is not always practical or affordable. The hormone progesterone can be measured in the blood. The most accurate measurements can effectively predict ovulation, but these tests are done in a lab. A hospital version of the progesterone level test is available which can give the user a rough idea of ​​when ovulation will occur.

A combination of the two methods has a pretty good success rate. About 4 to 5 days after the onset of vulva swelling and bloody discharge, the cells of the vagina should be examined daily. Once 80 percent of these cells have the typical keratinized appearance, indicating that ovulation is imminent, blood samples are taken every 2 to 3 days to measure progesterone levels. If the number of inseminations is not limited, then the first insemination is carried out at this time. If only one insemination is possible, this should take place 2 days after ovulation.

A further evaluation of the vaginal cells is no longer necessary. Blood samples should be checked for progesterone levels every 2 to 3 days and fertilization will take place. Once progesterone levels reach ovulation levels, a final insemination occurs 2 days later. The pregnancy can then be confirmed with an ultrasound about 25 days later.

Progesterone levels can be determined either by a laboratory or by an in-hospital test kit. The laboratory can provide specific values ​​for progesterone levels. The in-hospital test kit can show progesterone levels by color changes.

In laboratory tests, serum progesterone is typically below 1 ng/ml up to 2 days before ovulation. At this point, progesterone levels rise to 1 to 2 ng/ml. On the following day (one day before ovulation), the progesterone level is 2 to 4 ng/ml. On the day of ovulation, progesterone is 4 to 10 ng/ml. After ovulation, progesterone levels rise rapidly and can range from 15 to 90 ng/ml.

For the in-hospital test, there are sample color changes that can help give an approximate indication of where the dog is in the ovulation process.

Process of dog insemination

Insemination is similar for fresh and chilled semen, but slightly different for frozen semen. This is due to the lifespan of the seed once processed. Frozen semen can only be kept for a few hours after thawing and insemination. Chilled semen lives in the bitch for about 5 days and fresh semen for about 6 days. Because frozen sperm has such a short lifespan, there must be an ovum ready for fertilization at the time of fertilization for fertilization to occur.

After preparation, the semen can be deposited either in the vagina just in front of the cervix or directly in the uterus. Samples that are placed just in front of the cervix achieve the best results.

Delivering semen to the correct area of ​​the reproductive tract requires special equipment. Long pipettes are recommended. Commercially made canine insemination pipettes are available for small and medium-sized dogs. For large breed dogs, these pipettes are too short, so modified pipettes used on cattle are often used. Some people opt for balloon catheters, but the eyedropper is the most commonly used.

To start the fertilization process, the male should not be close to the female. Hold the bitch in a standing position. Draw the appropriate amount of semen into a sterile syringe and attach it to the appropriate pipette. The dropper is then inserted into the upper vagina through a gloved, lubricated finger inserted into the vaginal canal. After positioning, the seed is deposited. The syringe is then filled with air, which is used to inject any remaining semen left in the dropper after the syringe was squeezed the first time. The eyedropper is then removed, but the finger is not. The vaginal wall is stimulated for a few minutes with the inserted finger. This should cause the vagina to contract, which will help push the semen into the uterus. After stimulation, the finger is removed. At this point, the dog’s rear end is raised for 5 to 10 minutes. Don’t press on your stomach. Lift the dog by grabbing the bottom hind legs and lifting up. Don’t let the dog crouch. After being elevated for 5 to 10 minutes, she can walk around but not urinate or jump for 30 to 60 minutes. After an hour, she can return to her normal activity.

In selected cases, surgical insemination can also be performed. After the uterus is surgically exposed, the semen sample is inserted into the uterus using a needle and syringe. This is not the most effective method of insemination but may be necessary in very valuable dogs where puppies are in high demand.

Results of AI in dogs

With natural breeding (assuming 3 broods in a heat cycle), the pregnancy success rate is 80 to 95 percent.

When inseminated with fresh semen, 62 to 100 percent success rate

59 to 80 percent success rate for AI with chilled sperm

In artificial insemination using frozen sperm placed in the vagina, 52 to 60 percent success rate

For AI with frozen sperm placed in the uterus, success rate from 0 to 80 percent

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Artificial insemination (AI) has opened up a new world of possibilities in terms of dog breeding. While natural breeding is nature’s best breeding method, AI is becoming the order of the day. It offers advantages that natural mating lacks. The biggest is the fact that breeding can take place anywhere in the world without having to transport dogs to mate. If you are a breeder wanting to go down this route, there is no reason not to. As long as you have the right information about what you’re getting yourself into, you’ll do well. To help you, we’ve put together a guide to how often to fertilize a dog.

What is artificial insemination?

AI has been used primarily on cattle for centuries. Dog breeders were initially shy about using the procedure, but the trend has now caught on in the canine world. This was fueled by increased demand for artificial insemination and advances in seed technology. Simply put, this is the process of breeding dogs without mating by inserting semen into the mother’s vagina when she ovulates to facilitate conception.

The AI ​​is all about choosing the right man to harvest seeds from. He should have the desired personality, intelligence and other qualities. Once he’s chosen, a female teaser will be brought near him. If no female is in heat, a cotton swab scented with a female in heat can be used to arouse the male. When he attempts to mount a female, his penis is then diverted into an artificial vagina from which the semen is extracted.

The seed can be used immediately, chilled in the refrigerator, or frozen. To use it, a syringe with the semen is inserted into the bitch’s cervix during ovulation. Fertilization can also be done surgically or through an extended transcervical endoscope.

Benefits of AI

AI is beneficial as it brings convenience to breeders looking to diversify their genetic pool. In the past, a female had to be transported across borders to mate with the desired male. Now male dog semen can be harvested, stored and transported from any part of the universe. Expanding the genetic pool is especially beneficial for dog breeds that are found in small numbers in certain geographic locations.

AI also allows breeders to improve kennel genetics. You have access to a plethora of options, even seeds from deceased dogs. The procedure also allows the sperm to be examined for abnormalities and fertility. It also prevents sexually transmitted diseases.

Success rate of artificial insemination in dogs

According to an article in BBC News, the success rate of AI is over 50%. This is an average success rate, but the actual number depends on the quality of the seed. Fresh semen is essentially the best. When a skilled and experienced breeder performs the procedure, the success rate is around 80%. This drops to 59% – 80% when the seed is refrigerated and 52% – 60% when it is frozen. Storing semen can affect sperm viability and ultimately the breeding outcome. Frozen semen is processed before being mixed with a preservative and then frozen with liquid nitrogen. This process can greatly affect its quality.

With AI, timing is everything. The fertile window period is rather narrow. You only have a few days to breed the dog. For fresh semen, AI is best performed 2 days after ovulation, while frozen semen is administered 3-4 days after ovulation. There are several ways to determine if the dog is ovulating or not. The most common is the progesterone test, which is done every other day to get accurate results.

There are different opinions on how often a dog should be inseminated. According to this study published on PubMed, you get better results with two inseminations than with one insemination. 36 bitches inseminated with frozen semen took part in the study. Some were inseminated once, others twice with an interval of 1-2 days. The average conception rate was 67% with a litter size of 6.4. Animals fertilized once had a conception rate of 64%, and 69% for those fertilized twice.

Revival Animal Health recommends inseminating a dam every other day until the heat season is over. The oestrus period starts four days before ovulation and lasts until three days after ovulation. That gives a total of 7 days of possible breeding. If you do AI every other day, watch 3-4 inseminations at a time.

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How often the dog has to be inseminated depends heavily on the type of insemination. If you are hand-inserting sperm into the dam, you can afford to do the procedure every other day. However, if you go the surgical route, you can only do it once at a time. The surgery involves sedation and cutting open the dog. If you care about the puppy’s well-being, you don’t want to have him undergo more than one invasive procedure. Transcervical insemination is best performed once and includes sedation.

AI is a remarkable breeding technique in the canine world. It can change your world as a grower in so many ways. As long as you stick to the rules, you will have an amazing experience with it.

Image source: 1, 2

As CNNMoney reported, it can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 to show a dog in Westminster. And there’s no guarantee many bones will snag the Best in Show award.

But to increase the odds, some enthusiasts buy show-dog quality semen. And it’s not cheap. According to Bloomberg, a bottle costs about $2,000, which is less than the cost of buying a show-quality dog ​​(starting at about $2,500) and shipping it to your home. But the main caveat is that the semen may not be picked up, which means you’re spending a lot of money and have nothing to show for it. On the other hand, if it works, you can produce an entire litter of show quality puppies at a low cost.

People have seen results. For example, a German Shepherd took second place in the Best in Breed category at Westminster last year, the outlet reports. The German Shepherd came from the 17-year-old semen of a dog named Yoshi (registered name Lambluv Desert Dancer). Yoshi took home 64 Best in Show awards and also three Best of Breed awards at Westminster. Though he died in 2006, his legacy appears to live on.

See also: The Westminster Dogs’ Beauty Secrets

The idea of ​​freezing sperm in hopes of producing offspring that can snap blue ribbons is nothing new. People have been doing this since the ’60s, and one company, Breeder’s Veterinary Services, has successfully inseminated a dog and produced a liter of 27-year-old semen.

While the use of frozen sperm to fertilize a dog has increased 26 percent over the past 10 years, it still accounts for only about 1 percent of AKC-registered litters, according to Bloomberg.

Also see: Downtown Doghouse: Where Westminster dogs go to be groomed

Image via Flickr/Pets Adviser

If you and your partner talk to a doctor about getting help with infertility, they may suggest a technique called “artificial insemination.” It is a simple procedure with few side effects and can help some couples who have not been able to conceive. In artificial insemination, a doctor inserts sperm directly into a woman’s cervix, fallopian tubes, or womb. The most common method is called “intrauterine insemination (IUI)” in which a doctor inserts the sperm into the uterus. Why is this helpful? It shortens the path for the sperm and bypasses obstacles. Your doctor may initially suggest this method to treat infertility.

What kind of infertility can be treated by artificial insemination? The procedure can be used for many types of fertility problems. In male infertility cases, it is often used when sperm count is very low or when sperm are not strong enough to swim through the cervix and up into the fallopian tubes. When it comes to female infertility, this is sometimes done if you have a condition called endometriosis or if you have anything abnormal in your reproductive organs.

This method might also work for you if you have something called “unresponsive cervical mucus.” This means the mucus that lines the cervix prevents sperm from entering your uterus and fallopian tubes. In artificial insemination, the sperm completely skip the cervical mucus. Doctors also often suggest artificial insemination when they can’t figure out why a couple is infertile.