ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (A.I.)

Acknowledgement Credits: Halina Zaleski, Swine Extension Specialist

Advantages of Artificial Insemination

Access to best genetics
Reduced risk of disease
Can avoid inbreeding
Makes crossbreeding easier
Breed more sows using fewer boars
Reduced risk of injury, mate any size sow to any size boar
Easier identification of infertile boars
It's easy!

Artificial Insemination (AI) is a useful tool that producers can use to bring in new genetics without the high costs and the disease risks associated with bringing in live boars. About 10 million sows are artificially inseminated every year according to Dr. Hugh Reed of the Meat and Livestock Commission AI service

Topics

Mating System or Plan

Good Management

 

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Heat Detection

Inseminating the sow

Target and Records

 

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TABLES

Table 1

Farrowing rates and litter sizes using fresh and frozen semen

Table 2

Estimated cost of A.I.

Table 3

Potential of organism by live boars and by semen

Table 4

Basis for improving traits

 

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Hand Mating

Fresh vs frozen semen

Semen collection

Commercial vs on-farm collection

Semen storage

 

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