Artificial Insemination Online Course

Artificial insemination (AI) is widely used in most domestic and even wild animal species. The reasons for use of AI instead of natural breeding are diverse and different for the various species. As in humans, AI can be used as a tool to increase conception rate in animals that have fertility problems. This is usually performed in companion animals such as horses and dogs, where individuals are important as breeding animals. In these situations, breeding animals are mostly chosen on performance and pedigree instead of breeding soundness. Breeders can go through a lot of effort to produce offspring from a specific dam or sire, irrespective of potential reproductive problems.

This course is not intended to replace practical workshops, but to provide students with a thorough understanding and knowledge of the different applicable practices in artificial insemination across a range of domestic species. Students are encouraged to participate in any practical workshops they can access.

There are 10 Lessons in this course:

1. Introduction to Artificial Insemination in Animals

• • Definition of Artificial Insemination
  • Background on Artificial Insemination in Animals
  • Advantages of Artificial Insemination
  • Disadvantages of Artificial Insemination
  • The Milestones of Artificial Insemination in Animals
  • AI techniques in different species
  • AI techniques in the dog
  • AI techniques in horses
  • AI techniques in sheep
  • AI techniques in cattle
  • AI techniques in pig
  • AI in other species
  • The use of epididymal spermatozoa in AI
  • Use of sexed semen for AI
  • AI Legislation
  • Conclusion

2. Female Anatomy and Reproductive Endocrinology

• • Reproductive Systems
  • Female Reproductive Anatomy
  • The Ovaries
  • The Ovum
  • The Ovarian Cycle
  • The Estrus Cycle
  • Signs of Estrus or Heat in Various Species
  • Breeding Seasons and Breeding Cycles
  • Fertilisation and Implantation
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Diagnosis
  • Gestation Period

3. All About Semen

• • The Male Reproductive System
  • Spermatozoids
  • Semen: Collection, Storage and Preservation
  • Semen Collection
  • AI Sire Selection
  • Semen Collection Options
  • The Artificial Vagina
  • Digital Manipulation
  • Electro-ejaculation
  • Repeated collections
  • Semen Handling with Collection and Insemination
  • Semen Storage
  • Semen Preservation: Freezing Processes
  • Semen Quality Analysis

4. Getting Ready for Artificial Insemination

• • AI Technician: Confidence and Technique
  • AI Facilities
  • Management of Sires and Dams
  • Correct Semen Handling
  • Area and AI Kit
  • Frozen Semen Straws
  • Equipment Required fro Thawing and Inseminating Frozen Semen

5. Artificial Insemination in Cattle

• • Insemination Technicians
  • Semen Collection and Storage in Cattle
  • Heat Detection
  • Heat Signs and Detection

6. Artificial Insemination in Sheep and Goats (and touching on alpacas)

• • Factors Affecting AI
  • Insemination Technicians
  • Semen Collection and Storage
  • The Estrus Cycle
  • Goats
  • Estrus Detection for AI
  • Sheep
  • AI methods available
  • Equipment needed for AI
  • Vaginal or Cervical AI in Small Ruminants
  • AI on Alpacas

7. Artificial Insemination in Pigs

• • Semen Sources
  • Reproductive Systems in the Sow
  • Swine Estrus Cycle
  • Timing of AI
  • Equipment
  • Inserting the Catheter
  • Attaching the semen bottle

8. Artificial Insemination in Dogs

• • Ethics and Role of AI in Canine Breeding Programs
  • Semen Collection and Evaluation
  • The Estrus Cycle in Canines
  • Signs of Heat
  • Timing of AI
  • Insemination techniques in dogs

9. Artificial Insemination in Rabbits

• • Sperm Production in the Buck
  • Methods of Semen Collection
  • The Female Reproduction Cycle
  • Timing of Artificial Insemination
  • Artificial Insemination

10. Artificial Insemination in Horses

• • Stallions
  • Semen Handling
  • Extending semen for use within 8 to 10 hours
  • Extended, chilled semen for use 10 to 72 hours after collection
  • Extended, chilled semen for transport
  • Centrifugation of semen
  • Frozen semen
  • Quality control
  • Composition of transport media for use with fresh or chilled semen
  • Management and Handling of Mares Inseminated Artificially
  • Facilities Required for the AI of Mares
  • Equipment needed for insemination
  • Preparation of Mares to be inseminated Artificially
  • Timing of Inseminate with Frozen Semen
  • Preparation of Frozen Semen
  • Insemination of the Mare