ARTIFICIAL

INSEMINATION
Training Manual
INDEX
Introduction..................................................3
Reproductive Anatomy of the Cow........................6
Estrus Cycle Basics & Physiology......................... 12
Estrus Detection............................................ 18
Estrus Synchronization.................................... 21
AI Equipment & Semen Handling....................... 26
Insemination Technique.................................. 33
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)...................... 41

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION?

Artificial Insemination (AI) is the instrumental technique
used to deposit semen into the body of the uterus of a
female in estrus, or heat, to obtain a pregnancy.

3
ADVANTAGES OF USING AI

Genetic Creates opportunities to use

Improvement genetically superior bulls

Disease Eliminates sexually transmitted

Mitigation disease risk and improves hygiene

Removes herd bulls that pose danger

Safety
for cows and people

Known breeding and due dates

Management
create timely, efficient pen moves

Save cost for feed, transportation,

Economics
housing, and health of actual bulls

4
FACTORS THAT AFFECT AI PERFORMANCE

Animal Records Nutrition

Technicians Management

Heat Detection Facilities

Herd Health
5
REPRODUCTIVE
ANATOMY OF
THE COW

6
REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY OF THE COW

SIDE VIEW

VULVA
VAGINA
CERVIX
URETHA

BLADDER
UTERINE
HORN
UTERINE
BODY
OVIDUCT
OVARY

TOP-DOWN VIEW

UTERINE
HORN

OVARY

UTERINE
BODY

CERVIX
VAGINA

VULVA

7
REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY OF THE COW

VAGINA

p Connects the vulva to the

cervix
p During natural service, it
receives the male penis

UTERUS

p Feeds, protects, and shelters

the fetus until calving.
p It consists of 3 parts:
• Cervix
• Body of the uterus
• 2 uterine horns

8
REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY OF THE COW

CERVIX

p 1-5 inches long and

1-3 inches in diameter
p Made of fibrous tissue,
which is dense and hard
to the palpation
p Position may vary with
age of cow

UTERINE BODY

p Located anterior to the

cervix
p Target site for semen
deposit in AI
p Made of soft tissue and
is usually 1 inch long

9
REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY OF THE COW

UTERINE HORNS

p One left horn and one right horn

p Each horn is 8-16 inches long
p They are connected to their
respective ovaries through the
fallopian tubes or oviducts.

OVIDUCTS

p Tubes that connect the

ovaries with uterine horns
p Fertilization site between
ovum and sperm cells

10
REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY OF THE COW

OVARIES

p Approximately 1.5 inches

long, 1 inch width, and
½ inch thick
p Main function is to produce
eggs and secrete hormones like
estrogens and progesterone.

OVARIES - Follicles OVARIES - Corpus Luteum (CL)

Dominant Follicle Small Follicles CL with crown

CL
p You’ll see a
regressing CL Follicle
and dominant
follicle on the
same ovary.

11
ESTRUS CYCLE
BASICS & PHYSIOLOGY

12
STAGES OF THE ESTRUS CYCLE

The average
estrus cycle
lasts 18-24 days

Acronyms Related to Estrus

GnRH Gonadotropin releasing hormone

LH Luteinizing hormone

FSH Follicle stimulating hormone

PGF2α Prostaglandin

CL Corpus luteum

13
STAGES OF THE ESTRUS CYCLE

ESTRUS

p Estrus is also known as being in heat

p The 12 to 18 hours of maximum sexual receptivity

HORMONES of estrus
1. The dominant follicle releases estradiol
2. Estradiol increases in the bloodstream, which causes:
i. GnRH release from the hypothalamus &
ii. A surge of LH is from the anterior pituitary
3 . This causes the cow begins showing estrus signs.
4. Ovulation occurs 12 to 16 hours after the end of the estrus.

METESTRUS

p Lasts 4-6 days

p Begins after ovulation, when the CL forms

HORMONES of metestrus
If the cow becomes pregnant:
• The CL continues to produce progesterone, which maintains the pregnancy.
If the cow does not become pregnant:
• LH and Progesterone secreted by the CL inhibit follicle stimulating
hormone released by the pituitary gland.
• During this phase, the CL is not responsive to prostaglandin.

14
STAGES OF THE ESTRUS CYCLE

DIESTRUS PROESTRUS

p Lasts 12 - 13 days p Lasts 3 -4 days

p Occurs right before a behavioral estrus
HORMONES of diestrus
• A mature CL is established which means HORMONES of proestrus
this stage is controlled by progesterone. • After the CL regresses, the hypothalmus
• If the cow is open, the uterus releases and pituitary gland release a new surge
PGF2α on day 16 of GnRH, FSH, and LH
• The PGF2α causes the CL to regress • This surge causes growth of a dominant
follicle, which triggers the next
behavioral estrus and ovulation

15
HORMONAL REGULATION
Hormones Origin Function
GnRH Hypothalamus Stimulates FSH and LH release

FSH Pituitary gland Follicular growth and production

Final maturation of follicle,

LH Pituitary gland
ovulation, CL formation
Growth of uterus, estrus behavior,
Ovaries
Estrogen cervical mucus secretion, release of
(Follicle)
LH for ovulation
Ovaries Milk letdown and prostaglandin
Oxytocin
(CL, pituitary) synthesis
Uterus
Prostaglandin Regression or Lysis of CL
(endometrium)

Progesterone Ovaries (CL) Maintains pregnancy

FOLLICULAR WAVES
OVULATION
Atresia
FOLLICULAR SIZE

Dominance
Proge
ste

Deviation
rone L
evel

Recruitment
Dr. Paul M Fricke

0 10 21
DAYS AFTER OVULATION

16
 HYPOTHALAMIC-
Hypothalamus PITUITARY-
GNRH OVARIAN AXIS
Pituitary LH &
Gland FSH

Estrogen &
Progesterone

17
ESTRUS DETECTION

18
THE PRIMARY SIGN OF ESTRUS

SECONDARY SIGNS OF ESTRUS

p Tail paint or chalk rubbed off
p Ruffled hair on the tailhead
p A swollen vulva
p Seeing mucus on the tail or on the rear flank
p The inside of the vulva is red and slippery
p Mounting other cows
p Aggressive, restless behavior
p Records indicating a normal estrus cycle

19
HEAT DETECTION AIDS

Alta COW WATCH automatically tracks signs

of estrus 24 hours a day to improve your
herd’s repro results.
The system gives you an individual alert
plus a clear list of all cows in heat. The list
will tell you each cow’s optimal moment
to inseminate for the highest chance of
conception. It also provides additional
repro insights to help you to identify cows
with irregular heats, non-cycling cows
and non-pregnant cows.

Tail Paint & Chalk Technique

p Each cow should receive one chalk
stripe per day
p Paint 2 inches behind pin bones to tail
head tip in a ¾-inch thick stripe
p Chalk should appear uniform, so you
can notice even slight signs of estrus
p Improper paint or chalk will lead to
false positives and missed heats

Other aids
p Kamar p Estrotect

20
ESTRUS
SYNCHRONIZATION

21
HORMONES FOR ESTRUS
SYNCHRONIZATION
GnRH
p Causes the dominant follicle to grow and ovulate
p Only effective during the follicular phase of the heat cycle
p Names of GnRH products: Cystorelin, Factrel, Fertagyl, Receptal, Gonabreed

Prostaglandin
p Causes CL regression and the onset of a new heat
p Only effective during the luteal phase of the heat cycle
p Names of PGF2α products: Synchsure, Lutalyse, Estrumate, Estroplan

ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAMS

Ovsynch

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

GnRH
AM
PGF2α GnRH TAI
AM PM AM

Ovsynch with Extra PGF2α

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

GnRH
AM
PGF2α PGF2α GnRH TAI
AM AM PM AM

Adding this optional extra prostaglandin will help with luteal

regression and boost conception in any of the ovsynch programs

22
ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAMS
Presynch-Ovsynch 14-14

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

PGF2α
Estrus Estrus Estrus
AM

PGF2α
Estrus Estrus Estrus
AM

GnRH
AM
PGF2α GnRH TAI
AM PM AM

Presynch-Ovsynch 14-11.5

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

PGF2α
Estrus Estrus
PM

Estrus

PGF2α
Estrus Estrus
PM
S
DAY
Estrus .5
11
GnRH
AM
PGF2α GnRH TAI
AM PM AM

23
ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAMS

Double-Ovsynch

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

GnRH
AM
PGF2α
AM
GnRH
AM
GnRH
AM
PGF2α GnRH TAI
AM PM AM

10 day Cosynch

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

GnRH

GnRH + TAI
PGF2α
AM

24
ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAMS

G6G

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

PGF2α GnRH
AM AM
GnRH
AM
PGF2α GnRH TAI
AM PM AM

OvSynch 56 - CIDR Synch

p Cattle will be in estrus 1-3 days after CIDR removal

GnRH PFG2α GnRH

TAI
CIDR
7 Days 56 h 16 h

5 Day - CIDR Synch

p Used more commonly in heifers

p Cattle will be in estrus 1-3 days after CIDR removal

GnRH PFG2α PFG2α GnRH

TAI
CIDR
5 Days 24 h 48 h

25
AI EQUIPMENT &
SEMEN HANDLING

26
THE SEMEN TANK

A
A. Durable, tamper-proof cap with
locking tab

B. Easy maintenance lid with color- B

coded canister number system

C. Superior strength, lightweight

aluminum exterior

D. High strength neck tube reduces

LN2 loss C D
E. Advanced chemical vacuum
retention E
F. Liquid nitrogen reservoir

G. Semen tank insulation F

needs to maintain a temp of
o o
-320 F (-196 C) G
H. Spider design for easy retrieval
and insertion of canister
H

27
SEMEN TANK MANAGEMENT TIPS

Tank Storage/Handling

p Keep it in a clean, dry location, raised off

the ground
p Store it in a location with easy access, so
you avoid moving it too often
p When necessary, always carry it in
vertical position
p Maintain an accurate inventory so it’s
always easy to find the straws you need
p Check the liquid nitrogen level regularly

SEMEN HANDLING TIPS

Before you begin thawing a unit of semen…

p Wash your hands

p Keep the thaw unit close to the semen tank
p Keep track of your inventory supply, so you don’t run out of the supplies
you need!
p Keep your supplies together in one place so you have easy access to what
you need close by
p Know which cow(s) you’ll be breeding, and ensure she is locked or
properly restrained
p Know which semen you will need to use on that animal

28
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED FOR AI

p Semen storage tank p Paper towels

p Semen thawing unit p Lubricant
p Thermometer p AI Gun
p Tweezers or forceps p AI gun warmer
p Straw cutter or scissors p Disposable plastic sheaths
p Timer p Disposable plastic gloves

29
THE SEMEN HANDLING PROCESS
with a gun warmer
1. Prepare thaw unit with clean water at a temp of 95-98o F | 35-37o C
2. In the semen tank, locate the canister that holds the semen you need
3. Lift that canister, but keep it below frost line of the semen tank
4. Use tweezers to transfer straw from the tank to the thaw unit in < 5 seconds
5. Set a timer for 45 seconds
6. Thaw the straw of semen for a minimum of 45 seconds at 95-98o F
7. While the straw thaws, pre-warm your AI gun and disposable sheath by
putting them in your gun warmer

8. After 45 seconds, remove semen from the thaw unit and dry the straw
completely with a paper towel

9. Cut the sealed end of the straw squarely and cleanly

10. Insert the cut end of the straw into the sheath in your gun warmer and let
it drop to the bottom

11. Remove AI gun from the warmer, insert it immediately into the disposable
sheath, and secure the gun in place

12. Advance the AI gun plunger to remove any air space

13. Use this straw of semen to inseminate a cow
within 10 minutes.

30
THE SEMEN HANDLING PROCESS
without a gun warmer
1. Prepare thaw unit with clean water at a
o o
temp of 95-98 F | 35-37 C

2. In the semen tank, locate the canister

that holds the semen you need

3. Lift that canister, but keep it below

frost line of the semen tank

4. Use tweezers to transfer straw from the tank

to the thaw unit in < 5 seconds

5. Set a timer for 45 seconds

6. Thaw the straw of semen for a minimum of 45 seconds
o
at 95-98 F

7. While the straw thaws, pre-warm your AI gun and disposable sheath by
putting them in your shirt.

8. After 45 seconds, remove semen from the thaw unit and dry the straw
completely with a paper towel

9. Cut the sealed end of the straw squarely and cleanly

10. Place the plug end of the straw into the AI gun
11. Place a disposable sheath over the gun and secure it firmly with a twisting
motion

12. Advance the AI gun plunger to remove any air space

13. Use this straw of semen to inseminate a cow within 10 minutes.

31
 DO’S AND DON’TS OF
SEMEN HANDLING

DO
If it’s difficult to locate the straw of semen you need in
the tank, put the canister back down, wait 15 seconds,
then try again
Protect the straw from cold shock and sunlight
Inseminate the cow(s) as soon as possible after properly
thawing a unit of semen

DO NOT
Do NOT thaw more than three straws at one time
Do NOT return thawed or partially thawed straws to the
semen tank

32
INSEMINATION
TECHNIQUE

33
NORMAL REPRO TRACT POSITION

34
INSEMINATION TECHNIQUE

Before you begin…

p Make sure the cow you will breed is not already pregnant

p Make sure she is in heat

p Check her ID number and confirm with your breeding list

35
INSEMINATION TECHNIQUE

p Put a shoulder-length disposable plastic glove on your left arm

p Add a generous amount of lubricant to cover your glove

p Stand sideways behind the cow you will breed

p Form a cone with your fingers, and gently insert the hand through the
rectal opening.

p Once your hand is fully in the rectum, open fingers from the cone position
and remove fecal matter if needed.

p Avoid excessive arm motion which creates air in the rectum, which will not
allow you to grasp the cervix.

p Gently slide the hand from the upper part of the rectum to the lower part to
identify the cervix

p Hold the cervix with your thumb on the top and the rest of your fingers on
the bottom.

36
INSEMINATION TECHNIQUE

p Thoroughly wipe the vulva area with a clean paper towel to prevent repro-
ductive tract contamination and infection

p Insert the insemination gun through the vulva at a 40-45 degree angle
until it touches the roof of the vagina

p Level the insemination gun to go through the passageway to the cervix.

This avoids the possibility of entering the urethra located on the floor of the
vagina.

37
INSEMINATION TECHNIQUE

p While passing the AI gun through the vagina, push the cervix forward
with your hand. This stretches the vagina, preventing the gun from getting
caught in a vaginal fold or blind pouch around the cervix entrance.

p The gun tip can be guided to the cervical canal by the fingers of the hand
holding the cervix.

p With the AI gun tip in the cervical canal, maintain slight forward pressure on
the rod while manipulating the cervix ahead of the gun.

Beware of the
BLIND POUCH

38
INSEMINATION TECHNIQUE

p While you pass the AI gun through the cervix, keep your index finger at the
end of the cervical canal to feel the gun tip at the target site, the uterine
body

p Lift finger and slowly deposit the semen in the uterine body. This location
maximizes the amount and equal distribution of semen on the uterine
body.

p Make sure you are on the target at all

times.

p You decrease your chance at creating a

pregnancy and may cause damage to
the uterus if…
• you fall short and deposit
semen in the cervix
• you go too far and deposit
it in the uterine horns

39
INSEMINATION TECHNIQUE

p After all semen is deposited, withdraw the AI

gun and your arm, release the sheath and
the straw from the AI gun.

p Peel your glove hand over the

sheath and straw and dispose
them in a proper trash
container.

p Clean your hands.

p Complete the breeding record

immediately after each
insemination.

Clean equipment Clean your

daily with a footwear
paper towel wet before leaving
with alcohol. the AI area.

40
REPRODUCTIVE
KEY PERFORMANCE
INDICATORS

41
TOP 3 REPRO KPIs

Pregnancy Rate
The proportion of eligible p Preg Rate is most accurately calculated in
cows that become pregnant DairyComp
each 21-day cycle p You can estimate Preg Rate by multiplying
Service Rate x Conception Rate
Target: >23%

Service Rate
The percent of eligible cows p Service Rate appears on the same
that were inseminated in a DairyComp graph as Preg Rate
21-day period p Also called Heat Detection Rate
Target: >65% p To calculate, if there are 100 eligible
cows, and 65 of them are inseminated in
a given 21-day period, the service rate
equals 65%

Conception Rate
The percent of p CR is not calculated based on a 21-day
inseminations that result in period
a pregnancy p To calculate, if 100 animals are
inseminated, and 35 of those animals
Target: >35%
become pregnant from that service, then
the Conception Rate is 35%
p Many factors can affect Conception Rate:
• Lactation Number
• Service Number
• Season or Month
• Technician
• Semen type (sexed or conventional)
• Breeding code (standing heat, timed AI, etc.)

42
REPRO KPIs
What is an Eligible Cow?
p Past the Voluntary Wait Period (VWP)
p Not pregnant
p Not coded as a Do Not Breed (DNB) for more than half the cycle
p Not in the bullpen for more than half the cycle
p Present and eligible at least 11 days in the 21-day interval

ADDITIONAL REPRO KPIs

Palpated Pregnancy Rate (PPR)
p An indirect measure of estrus detection efficiency
p Calculated by dividing the number of cows found pregnant during preg
check by the number of cows examinedExample: If 50 cows are checked for
pregnancy, and 25 of those animals are confirmed pregnant, then:
25 PG / 50 checked for PG = PPR of 25/50 or 50%
p Target = >65%
Extremely aggressive breeding decisions may lead to a high PPR but a lower Conception Rate (CR)
because of a decline in estrus detection accuracyservicing animals that are not truly in estrus.
Be aware that this does not factor in the timeliness in which these pregnancies are created. We
know a pregnancy that happens at 50 days is much more valuable than one created at 150 days.

Hard Count Pregnancy Creation

p Percent of the adult milking herd that becomes pregnant in a given time
period
p Since the number of eligible cows will vary per time period, this KPI should
be looked at over a reasonable period of time.
p Target = >8% per month
10% of the milking herd made pregnant per month is an admirable goal. Few herds achieve this
number; many achieve 9% pregnant per month. 10% per month is the same as 2.3% per week,
9% per month is the same as 2.1% per week.

43
THE RESULT

44
NOTES

45
NOTES

46
NOTES

47
 Alta Genetics Inc.
[email protected]
www.altagenetics.com