Artificial insemination

K.Lalrintluanga
Definition:
Artificial Insemination is the process by which the
exteriorly collected semen is deposited inside the
reproductive tract of the estrus female by means of
instrument.
The semen for A.I. is collected from the male by
artificial means exteriorly, evaluating it for quality,
extended in suitable extender and preserved in a
suitable temperature.
 History
In 1667, Anton Van Leeuwenhoek and his pupil John
Hamm, discovered spermatozoa
Italian physiologist Lazzaro Spallanzani in 1780.
Ivanov established the first A.I. center at Askaniya Nova in
1912.
Ivanov was the first to undertake successfully the A.I. of
cattle and sheep.
In India the first use of A.I. was done by Sampat Kumaran in
1939 at “Palace Dairy Farm, Mysore”.
In 1942 a pilot project was taken at I.V.R.I. Izatnagar (Bareily)
in U.P. to study the feasibility of A.I. method under the guidance
of Dr.P.Battacharya with the team consisting of Dr.S.S.Prabhu,
Dr.D.P.Mukherjee, Dr.S.N.Luktuke, Dr.A.Roy and Dr.Garjan Singh.
 During 1942-1947 five regional centres were opened by Govt.of India at
Montgomery(now in Pakistan), Izatnagar, Patna, Calcutta and Bangalore to
study the problems in diverse condition.
Master project during the 1st five year plan known as Key Village Scheme.
The projection of the scheme was to bring rapid genetic improvement for
increasing milk production of the cattle population.

The salient feature of the scheme was as follows:

1. Best use of superior germplasm obtained from superior stock and its
proper distribution throughout the country.
2. Elimination of scrub bull in the project area by education and legislation.
3. Growing good quality feed and fodder so that the cross bred animals
can translate in action the potentialities they inherit.
4. Prophylactic measures against infectious and contagious diseases.
5. Organization of co-operative for cattle owners for profitable marketing of
cattle and dairy products.
6. The livestock owners must have confidence on the scheme and
understand that the programme is for the benefit of his community.
Intensive Cattle Development Project (ICDP): for rapid increase in milk
production cross breeding programme through frozen semen of exotic
bull was introduced in this scheme since 1961.

Ist A.V. devised by G.Amantea, Professor of Human Physiology at the

University of Rome in 1914.

A.V.in bull developed in Russia by Komorov and Nagev in 1933

Electro-ejaculator was first designed by Lapland and Cassou (1948).

Walton and Prawockeuski(1936) were the pioneer to transfer semen in a

thermoflask containing ice from England to Poland.
Rectovaginal or cervical fixation method of A.I. for cow was developed
by Danish Veterinarians in 1937.

Lardy and Philips developed Egg Yolk Phosphate Extender in 1939.

Rostand (1946) freezed Frog semen + glycerol at –4 o to – 6oC
C.Polge, Smith and Parkes frozen the semen to temperature
of -790 C by means of dry ice. They found the cryoprotectant
property of glycerol.
In 1951, Stewart reported the birth of first calf from
insemination with frozen semen.
Polge and Rowson (1952) equilibrated with glycerol diluter
for several hours before freezing.
In December 1954, the Waterloo Cattle Breeding Association
of Waterloo, Ontario, became the first breeding organization
in the world to operate a 100 % frozen semen programme.
In 1799, Hunter induced pregnancy in woman by A.I.
method.
 Advantages of A.I.

1. Extensive use of superior sires.: possible to sire for a bull

20,000 - 200,000 or more progeny in its lifetime, for a boar over
1,000 litters per year, which can never be achieved in natural
breeding.
2. Facilitates progeny testing of sires.
3. As the small and marginal livestock farmers do not need to
keep a genetically inferior bull for breeding purpose, so it save
labour, time and money. This saving can be utilized for effective
detection of estrus or purchase of new cow.
4. Reduces the risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases.
5. The farmers can get their cows inseminated in his own farm so
there is a saving of time, labour and money. It protects the cows
from accidental breeding and exposure to infection. Accidental
injuries of male or female during transport is also avoided.
6. Preserved the semen by refrigeration or cryopreservation for
longer duration. Even after the dead of the male his semen can be
utilized for insemination to many estrus females.
7. More number of females coming in heat on one or same day or
successive day can be served by this method.
8. During A.I. the cows are examined per rectum carefully this allow
close monitoring of the reproductive health of the cow and take
remedial measures accordingly. The females who do not conceive are
also detected early and this reduces economic loss.
9. Easy transportation of the preserved semen to nook and corner
of the country for upgrading livestock.
10. A.I. is possible where natural service can not be done .
11. Rigid control can be exercised on semen quality through
evaluation of semen.
12. The bulls which have normal libido but cannot copulate due to
physical difficulties can be used in A.I. programme with the help of
electro-ejaculation.
 Disadvantages of Artificial Insemination:

1. Well trained operators are required to perform the

works.
2. If the males that are used for semen collection are
not free from coital injuries the infection will
spread to a large number of females.
3. There is danger of contaminating the semen at a
number of stages, right from collection to its
deposition in the female tract.
4. Genetic abnormalities are likely to be propagated
through bulls if selection of bull is not done carefully.
5. Injuries are likely to occur to vagina or cervix during
insemination and carrying infection from vulvar
opening by pipette/catheter especially when A.I. is
done carelessly or animal that is difficult to restrain.
6. Heavy cost is involved in establishing A.I.
laboratory, equipment and deep freezing facilities.
7. It is not really applicable in areas with poor means
of communication.
8. A.I. is of limited value where animals can not be
kept under close observation.
9. Intrauterine insemination of pregnant female(in
gestational heat) may result in abortion.
Thank you