Animal Science II #4

Animal, Plant & Soil Science
Lesson C4-4
Animal Reproduction Technology
Interest Approach
Place some of the equipment needed to
perform artificial insemination in the front
of the classroom. Ask students if they can
identify the uses of the various tools. Lead
the discussion into the first objective of the
lesson.
Objectives
Describe the process of artificial
insemination in common agricultural
animals, including the collection,
evaluation, extension, and storage of
semen.
Recognize signs of estrus, and identify
methods or technology used to detect
estrus in common agricultural animals.
Objectives
Determine the optimal breeding times and
optimal placement of semen deposition in
common agricultural animals.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
artificial insemination and natural breeding.
Define the process of estrous synchronization,
semen sexing, embryo transfer, cloning, and
genetic engineering.
Terms
artificial insemination
cloning
donor female
embryo transfer
estrous
synchronization
genetic engineering
progestin
prostaglandin
recipient female
semen collection
semen evaluation
semen extension
semen storage
sexed semen
standing heat
superovulation
What are the steps involved

in artificial insemination?
Artificial insemination is the placing of
semen in the female reproductive tract by
artificial techniques.
The use of this technique
has increased over the past
several years due to
advancements in technology.
The process varies by species, but it
typically involves specialized equipment
and a trained technician.

The technician deposits a prepared unit of
semen into the reproductive tract of the
female at a predetermined time.
The objective of artificial insemination is to
deposit the semen at the appropriate time to
achieve fertilization.
Timing varies by species of animal and
should be closely studied prior to
implementing artificial insemination.

There are several different segments that support
the process of artificial insemination.
Some of the major segments include:
A. Semen collectionArtificial insemination
requires that semen be collected
from the male.
Semen may be collected
via
manual stimulation or the
use of an
artificial vagina.
The technique used depends on the species from which
the semen is being collected.

Manual stimulation involves the use of an electronic probe
to encourage ejaculation.
While this process produces a semen sample, it has been
determined that a more appropriate sample can be collected
if the male is stimulated.
This can be achieved by utilizing an artificial vagina.
It involves allowing the male to mount a dummy animal and
inserting the penis into an artificial vagina.
This process more closely simulates naturally breeding,
resulting in a higher quality semen sample.

B. Semen evaluationAfter semen is
collected from the male, it
is evaluated for quality.
Only the highest quality
semen is utilized for
artificial insemination.
The semen must be evaluated under a
microscope to verify that it contains an
appropriate number of living sperm cells.
If approved for use, the sperm is then processed
to increase utilization.

C. Semen extensionSemen is extended
during the processing phase, which allows
for a single collection to be
divided into many units.
Only one unit is required for
artificial insemination; by extending it, the
semen can be used for several breedings.
To extend semen, specialized compounds are
added to enhance the viability and storage of
the sperm cells.
Depending on the species, often nutrients are
added to expand the mass of each semen unit.

D. Semen storageSemen is stored in one
of two ways.
It is either frozen to extremely low
temperatures or maintained fresh until use.
How semen is stored depends on the species.
For example, cattle semen is slowly cooled and
frozen at a temperature of 320F (196C).
Liquid nitrogen is used to obtain these extreme
temperatures.

Properly frozen and stored semen can remain
viable and be used 30 to 40 years later.
The frozen semen is thawed prior to use in a 95
to 98F (33 to 34C) water bath.
It is then ready to be deposited in the female.
Fresh semen cannot be stored for such long
periods of time.
For example, collections from pigs are kept at
approximately 60F (16C) for two to four days.
Fresh semen becomes less fertile over time, so

immediate use improves the chances of
successful insemination.

What are some signs of estrus,

and how is estrus detected?
Estrus detection is a crucial part of a successful
artificial insemination program.
Producers must be able to
determine when females are at
the appropriate reproductive
stage to be inseminated.
Proper estrus detection results in a higher success
rate for pregnancies and increases the efficiency of
In order to detect estrus, producers must be able to
identify physical signs expressed by animals.
Some producers may utilize new technology to aid in the
process.

A. Detecting estrusTo insure high
conception rates, the artificial insemination
technician must be able to detect when the
female is in estrus (heat).
Estrus signs vary between species.
The best indication of estrus for most species is
standing heat, which is the stage of estrus when a
female stands when mounted by another animal.
By standing to be mounted, the female is
expressing that she is at the appropriate stage of her
reproductive cycle and is prepared to be
inseminated at a predetermined time.

Many times the female will not stand for the first few
hours, will try to mount other animals, and will be very
active among a group of animals.
It is important to view the animals every few hours to
determine if they are experiencing a standing heat.
Many times prior to standing or shortly after standing,
heat animals will express the same characteristics.
Frequent observations can help to determine if the
female is coming in or going out of the standing heat
phase.

Many animals display extra mucus and redness
in the vulva when experiencing estrus, which
can be visually evaluated and used as indicators
of when
to artificially
inseminate
animals.
Estrus characteristics
should be studied for
specific animals when
utilizing artificial insemination.
It will aid producers in identifying which
characteristics should be observed prior to
breeding.

B. Technology in estrus detectionOne of the
disadvantages of using artificial insemination is
that it requires estrus detection.
The most common method used to detect estrus is
observing the animals several times throughout the day.
It is very time consuming and can lack consistency,
especially in poor weather conditions.
Recently there have been technology advancements to
detect estrus.

1. Paint markers have been designed to
place marks on an animal when she is
experiencing estrus.
The paint marker is placed on an accompanying
animal in the pen.
When the companion animal
mounts the animal in estrus, the
marker leaves identifying marks
on the animals back, sides, and
rump region.

2. Specialized pressure patches have been
developed to identify when an animal is in a
standing heat.
The patch changes color
when an accompanying
animal mounts the
animal in estrus for a
period of time.

3. Advanced computer technology has been
developed to detect estrus.
The use of specialized radio transmitters can
help producers.
Animals are fitted with patches that transmit a
radio signal when the animal is mounted.
The computer program records the date, time,
and duration of the mounting.
It then sorts the data recorded and identifies
when the animal is experiencing a standing
estrus.

4. The newest and developing means of
estrus detection is through the use of blood,
milk, and bodily fluid tests.
These tests measure certain
levels of hormones in the fluid
to determine the reproductive
cycle stage.
The test is performed over
several days and can be used
to determine when the female
is approaching a standing heat.
What are the various optimal

breeding times and placement of
semen in common agricultural
animals?
To have a successful artificial insemination

program, a technician must deposit semen in the
reproductive tract of a female at the appropriate
time.
The female must be experiencing estrus.
In addition, the female must have displayed a
standing heat.
Then the technician must place the semen at the
appropriate location for the sperm cells to fertilize
the females egg.
The optimal breeding time and placement of the
semen varies by species.

animals?
A. The use of artificial insemination is

common in beef and dairy cattle.
The process of determining

when to inseminate cattle
has been tweaked over time,
but it is typically agreed that
artificial insemination should
occur approximately 12 hours after a standing
heat is detected.

animals?
The semen is deposited in the uterine body of

the cow by passing a pipette through the vagina
and cervix.
The technician must palpate the cow rectally
and be able to feel the tip of the pipette in the
uterine body.
Cattle are usually inseminated once with a
single unit of semen.

animals?
B. The swine industry also frequently

utilizes artificial insemination in breeding
programs.
Sows and gilts will experience a standing heat

for up to three days.
During this time, frame
technicians will
inseminate the female
daily for two or three days.
Ideally, insemination will occur 10 to 12 hours
prior to ovulation.

animals?
The semen is deposited in the uterine body of
the female by passing a specialized catheter
through the vagina into the cervix.
The catheter is ribbed to
simulate the boar penis
and allow for the females
cervix to grip the catheter.
Once the semen unit is
deposited, the female will relax the cervix and
release the catheter.

animals?
C. The use of artificial insemination in

horses is increasing rapidly.
Much like cattle and swine,

the semen is deposited in
the uterine body by using
a specialized pipette.
The technician guides the pipette through the
vagina and into the cervix to deposit the semen.

animals?
The timing of insemination is determined by
palpating the horses ovaries to determine the
stage of the reproductive cycle when the mare
is experiencing estrus.
Once all indicators determine that the mare is
ready for breeding, she may be injected with a
synthetic hormone to enhance ovulation.
Ideally, insemination will occur 12 to 16 hours
prior to ovulation.

animals?
D. The sheep industry has not adopted

artificial insemination at a high rate.
Therefore, sheep producers rely

on nature for proper timing and
placement of semen in the
reproductive process through
natural breeding.
Researchers continue to explore
options for use, but they have been
unable to create a practice that is as successful
or as simple to apply as in other species.

animals?
E. Nearly 100 percent of all

commercial turkeys are
inseminated artificially.
This is due to breeding

practices and the limitations
that have developed to prevent
natural mating.
Fortunately, the timing and
placement is much simpler
than that of other species.

animals?
During the laying season, hens are inseminated

with semen every 10 to 14 days.
Because turkeys do not experience estrus, the
only requirement is that the hen is frequently
laying eggs.
The semen is deposited in the oviduct with a
small straw and is stored there as needed to
fertilize eggs.
What are the advantages and

disadvantages of artificial
insemination and natural breeding?
As with all management practices in livestock
production, there are several advantages and
disadvantages of using artificial insemination.
The same is true in the case
of
natural breeding.
Both should be evaluated
to
determine which fits best
in a
breeding program.
A. Some of the advantages of utilizing artificial
insemination are:

1. Increases the use of outstanding siresThrough
artificial insemination, many producers can use an
outstanding sire to breed their females.
The actual sire does not need to be present.
2. Eliminates the danger of keeping a sireSome

hazards are usually involved in keeping a sire on
site.
Also sires, when not breeding, are typically kept in
separate facilities.
This need is eliminated with the use of artificial
insemination.

3. Reduce sire costsIn smaller herds,

artificial insemination is usually less
expensive than the ownership
of a quality sire due to
building, feed, and labor costs.
4. Increase the number of
different sires in the herd
Through artificial insemination, it is possible
to introduce several different genetic lines
into the herd through the use of different
sires.

B. Some of the disadvantages or limitations

of artificial insemination are:
1. Requires skilled technicianTo be
successful, artificial insemination must be
carried out by a person who has received
training and has experience.
2. High initial investmentConsiderable
money is necessary to begin an artificial
insemination operation.

3. Equipment costs can be high in addition

to the training needed to conduct the
procedure.
4. Increase managementTo be successful,
the level of observation and management by
the producer must increase in an artificialinsemination operation.

C. Some of the advantages of utilizing natural
breeding include:
1. Lower management requirementsAllowing
animals to breed naturally requires little
management input outside of exposing male and
female animals.
2. Uniformity among offspringBy utilizing a
limited number of sires through natural breeding,
offspring will share similar genetic traits, which
typically results in the offspring growing at the
same rate.

3. Maximizing the investment of breeding

animalsPurchasing sires is expensive.
Allowing them to breed
more animals naturally
aids in better utilizing the
animals in a herd.
4. Higher success rate of

breedingHigher
conception rates can be
expected by allowing
animals to breed naturally.

D. Some of the disadvantages of utilizing

natural breeding include:
1. Danger of aggressive sires
Male animals can become
extremely aggressive during the
breeding season, resulting
in a
dangerous situation for
the
producers who work with
the
animals during this time.

2. Slow genetic improvementNatural

breeding only allows for the use of genetics
from the sires owned, which slows genetic
improvement unless new sires are
purchased each breeding season.
3. Cost of maintaining siresTo use natural
breeding, the sires must be fed and
maintained year around, which increases
costs due to the expense of feed and health
management.

4. Higher probability of poor traitsIf a

sire is utilized to breed several animals
naturally in a herd, there is a chance that
poor traits could be passed to all offspring.
For example, high birth
weight could be a trait of
a sire, resulting in
birthing problems for all
females.
What are the processes of estrous

synchronization, semen sexing,
embryo transfer, cloning, and genetic
engineering?
Several other techniques are used in animal

reproduction in addition to
Some of the more common
techniques are:
A. Estrous synchronizationEstrous
synchronization is bringing a group of
animals into heat simultaneously, which is
done to assist the producer in scheduling
animal breeding and birthing.

engineering?
Synchronization usually involves the use of
prostaglandin, progestin, or a combination of
the two.
The hormone prostaglandin causes the corpus
luteum to stop producing progesterone, which
allows the animal to come into estrus.
The hormone progestin has the effect of
keeping progesterone levels high, holding
animals in an extended diestrus.
When the progestin source is removed, the
animal quickly comes into estrus.

engineering?
B. Sexed semenThe sex of the offspring
produced through artificial insemination can be
controlled by the producer
through the
use of sexed semen.
Sexed semen is semen that has
been
prepared to produce all
male or all
female offspring.
It is collected in the same manner as other semen used
in artificial insemination.
Once collected, the semen is processed using
sophisticated equipment that sorts the X chromosomes
from the Y chromosomes.

engineering?
It is then packaged as either all X chromosome
semen to produce female offspring or all Y
chromosome semen to produce male offspring.
Generally sexed semen will predict sex with
approximately 90 percent accuracy.
The cost of sexed semen is normally about four
times higher than the cost of unsexed semen.

engineering?
C. Embryo transferEmbryo transfer is moving
embryos from one female, called the donor
female, to the reproductive tract of another female
called the recipient female.
Donor females usually carry
extraordinary
genetics.
Recipient animals have far
less
worth and are used as
surrogate
mothers.
Embryo transfer is used following superovulation.

engineering?
Superovulation involves getting a female to
release more than the usual number of eggs
during a single estrous cycle.
Embryos can be
frozen in liquid
nitrogen and
transferred later;
however,
the success
rate is
higher when
transferring fresh
embryos.

engineering?
D. CloningCloning is the production of

one or more exact genetic copies of an
animal. There are several methods of
cloning animals.
1. One method of cloning
involves letting embryos
grow to the 32-cell stage
before splitting into two
identical embryos.

engineering?
2. Another method involves taking the DNA from
an adult animal and transferring it to an embryo
that has had its DNA information removed.
The embryo is then stimulated through chemicals and
other techniques to encourage division.
After a period of time, it is transferred to a recipient
mother to continue to grow and develop until birth.
This method was used in creation of the famous sheep
named Dolly.

engineering?
3. A third technique involves taking cells

from primordial germ cells during fetal
development.
These are more stable

cells and can be cultured
and frozen for indefinite
periods of time.
The germ cells can be stimulated to divide
rapidly and can grow to create identical cells.

engineering?
E. Genetic engineeringGenetic
engineering is removing,
modifying, or adding
genes to DNA.
Genetic engineering
using gene-splicing or
recombinant DNA, along
with other reproductive
technology, will have a
great deal of impact on
future animal production.
Review
What are the steps involved in artificial
insemination?
What are some signs of estrus, and how is
estrus detected?
What are the various optimal breeding times
and placement of semen in common
agricultural animals?
Review
What are the advantages and disadvantages
of artificial insemination and natural
breeding?
synchronization, semen sexing, embryo
transfer, cloning, and genetic engineering?

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Animal, Plant & Soil Science

What are the steps involved

What are the steps involved

What are the steps involved

What are the steps involved

What are the steps involved

What are the steps involved

What are the steps involved

What are the steps involved

Fresh semen becomes less fertile over time, so

What are the steps involved

What are some signs of estrus,

What are some signs of estrus,

What are some signs of estrus,

What are some signs of estrus,

What are some signs of estrus,

What are some signs of estrus,

What are some signs of estrus,

What are some signs of estrus,

What are some signs of estrus,

What are the various optimal

To have a successful artificial insemination

What are the various optimal

A. The use of artificial insemination is

The process of determining

What are the various optimal

The semen is deposited in the uterine body of

What are the various optimal

B. The swine industry also frequently

Sows and gilts will experience a standing heat

What are the various optimal

What are the various optimal

C. The use of artificial insemination in

Much like cattle and swine,

What are the various optimal

What are the various optimal

D. The sheep industry has not adopted

Therefore, sheep producers rely

What are the various optimal

E. Nearly 100 percent of all

This is due to breeding

What are the various optimal

During the laying season, hens are inseminated

What are the advantages and

What are the advantages and

2. Eliminates the danger of keeping a sireSome

What are the advantages and

3. Reduce sire costsIn smaller herds,

What are the advantages and

B. Some of the disadvantages or limitations

What are the advantages and

3. Equipment costs can be high in addition

What are the advantages and

What are the advantages and

3. Maximizing the investment of breeding

4. Higher success rate of

What are the advantages and

D. Some of the disadvantages of utilizing

What are the advantages and

2. Slow genetic improvementNatural

What are the advantages and

4. Higher probability of poor traitsIf a

What are the processes of estrous