Artificial Insemination (AI) has gained huge popularity in the cattle industry over the years. It is because it has become a favorable technique farmers use to produce strong and healthy bulls, much more quickly and cheaply.
But for this technique to work effectively, farmers need to correctly make use of the semen obtained. Therefore, it’s all necessary to know how to collect and use the semen ejaculated by the bulls.
In this guide we will take a look at the proper semen storage and usage for AI purposes.
Semen Storage for Artificial Insemination (AI)
When the bull semen for sale is purchased it is required to be stored submerged in liquid nitrogen tanks. The temperature of the tank must be -196 degrees Celsius at all times, which helps to maintain its fertility for prolonged periods. In case the temperature drops, the quality of the semen may decrease irreversibly. Therefore, it’s crucial to make sure that the tank is located in the right place. It is advised to place the tank in a clean, dry area, preferably on a wooden stand that helps to avoid possible contact with wet or damp concrete.
Further, it is required to constantly check the temperature of the tank when you are storing new semen samples. Besides, make sure that the tank is always protected from sunlight and winds, as it will help avoid unnecessary evaporation of the gas.
Keep in mind, whenever you open the tank for taking out the club calf semen, it loses a small amount of nitrogen. Therefore, you should uncover only when it’s necessary. It is also suggested that you should have at least two semen tanks at your location. The first tank can be used whenever you are performing artificial insemination at your farm. While the second one can function as a bank, one that is not moved from its place.
Steps For Semen Usage For Artificial Insemination (AI)
In the initial stage for the semen usage in AI, cows should be given a bath from water with around 35 degree Celsius temperature. For better accuracy of the water it is recommended to use a professional thermometer.
The team should then identify the right semen it needs to inject in a particular cow. Ideally, taking a look at the inventory can help at this. Once you identify which semen you want to use, take out its cane from the tank, while keeping the top of the tanks no higher than the frost line. While removing the straw from the tank make sure to keep the cane as low as possible inside the semen container. Remember, you need to take out the semen straw under 10 seconds as this will avoid lowering the levels of nitrogen in the tank.
Once you get your hand on the semen straw, shake it well to get rid of excess liquid nitrogen. Next, get it placed inside a water thermos for around a minute. After you are done placing the straw in warm water for sufficient time, you need to get your AI gun ready for use. The AI gun must be warm enough to match the body temperature of the animal. However, make sure that it is not extremely hot as it will hurt it.
When your AI gun is ready, put the straw in the guns rod. Clean the gun from the top by a paper towel and transport it carefully where you will be performing the insemination procedure.
Once you get to the cow, clean its rear side near its vagina by removing its tail so you can cleanly inject the semen inside it. Keep the tail raised with one hand and use the other hand to insert the AI gun into the cow’s vagina. Now use your other hand to get to the rectum of the cow and grasp the cervix. Get the rod placed all the way through the cervix to the cow’s uterus and deposit the semen from the gun. Now slowly remove the AI gun and your hands out from inside the cow.
Finally, you are all done!
A Few Final Words
Although Artificial Insemination has become a common practice of breeding livestock. It still requires proper care to ensure its effectiveness.
Knowing how to store semen and use it for AI can certainly help in giving you the success you want to achieve in cattle breeding and increasing your business’s profitability.
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