Artificial Insemination in Swine

Artificial Insemination in Swine

Artificial Insemination in Swine Routinely practiced on swine farms More efficient and effective use of boars AI centers distribute semen from genetically valuable boars

Semen Collection Semen is usually collected when the boar mounts a phantom sow An estrous sow can also be used

Filtering off the Gel

Semen Evaluation The semen is evaluated for volume concentration motility occasionally for morphology pathogens (at boar studs)

Semen Extension Commercial extenders preserve the semen for 1-10 days depending their cost They are added at the same temperature as the semen

Semen Storage Pig semen is sensitive to temperatures <15 o C Storage temperature is 16-18 o C

Estrous Detection Boar exposure twice daily is ideal Limit to <15 min per exposure

Signs of Estrus Restlessness Vocalization Vulvar reddening and swelling Erect ears Immobilization response to back pressure (definitive)

Optimal Time to Breed Optimal time of AI relative to estrous detection: Estrous detection: Once daily AM/PM (Best) First AI Immediately! 12 hours after the first signs of estrus. Immediately if a gilt. Second AI Third AI 18 to 24 hours after the first insemination 12 to 18 hours after the second insemination if still in estrus 18 to 24 hours after the first insemination 12 to 18 hours after the second insemination if still in estrus

Swine Reproductive Anatomy

Insemination Devices

Intrauterine insemination Allows for rapid insemination, use of lower doses and less stimulation of sow May cause damage to the reproductive tract

Preparation for Insemination Standard insemination dose is >2-3 billion live sperm in a 60-100 ml dose

Insemination

Insemination

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Artificial Insemination in Dogs

Indications Behavioral problems that prevent mating Male inexperience Orthopedic problems Transported or frozen semen

Time to inseminate Breeding dogs every second day during standing estrus is satisfactory in most cases This is not optimal when breedings are limited or in cases of infertility

Optimal time to inseminate

Canine Vaginal Cytology Intermediate cells (Superficial cell) Superficial cells and anuclear squames Neutrophils and bacteria can often be seen in normal smears. Neutrophils are most numerous during early diestrus.

Canine Vaginal Cytology Anestrus Proestrus Estrus Diestrus

Optimal Time to Inseminate Test for serum progesterone levels ~every 2 days after vaginal cornification is >40-60% Progesterone level ~2 ng/ml usually coincides with the LH surge Continue to check progesterone after this level is reached to be sure it continues to rise (e.g. 5-10 ng/ml 2 days later)

Optimal Time to Inseminate Progesterone level ~2 ng/ml usually coincides with the LH surge Ovulation and oocyte maturation take another ~4 days Optimal time to breed: 3-7 days after the LH surge

Guidelines: Optimal time to inseminate Natural breeding 3, 5 and 7 days after the LH surge Shipped semen 4 and 6 days after the LH surge Frozen semen or limited access 5 days after the LH surge

Bonus Information Whelping usually occurs 64-66 days after the LH surge Also 56-58 days after the diestral vaginal Also 56-58 days after the diestral vaginal cytology smear

Semen Collection

Semen Sample Only the sperm-rich fraction is used Prostatic fluid only added if needed to increase volume Volume of inseminate: 2-10 ml depending on size of bitch Pre-ejaculate, sperm-rich and prostatic fluid

Semen Sample Ideally evaluate for volume, motility, concentration and morphology Insemination dose ~200 million motile sperm Usually inseminate the entire ejaculate

Insemination Instruments Sheath for bovine AI guns works better than infusion pipettes Osiris catheter seals off vagina

Insemination Technique Sanitize vulva Raise hind end of bitch Lubricated and gloved finger to guide Lubricated and gloved finger to guide catheter Pass catheter up and over ischial arch and then cranially to cervix Inseminate slowly, followed by enough air to clear catheter

Insemination Technique

After Insemination Elevate bitch s hindquarters for 1-10 min +/- Stroke vaginal wall with a finger for ~1 minute Don t allow jumping up or squatting for another 10-15 min

Semen Storage and Transportation Semen can be extended, cooled and shipped ~equine semen Equine semen extenders are satisfactory but extenders for canine semen are probably better Advisable to test longevity of stored sperm for stud dogs

Frozen Semen Fertility is variable Intrauterine insemination is essential for optimal pregnancy rates

Scandinavian Technique for Intrauterine Insemination

Endoscopic Technique for Intrauterine Insemination

Surgical Technique for Intrauterine Insemination

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