What is Artificial Insemination?
Artificial Insemination enables a breeder to use an elite sire over as many as 500 ewes per day. This allows for significant enhancements of a breeding flock.
There are two common types of Artificial Insemination used in the sheep industry: Cervical and Laparoscopic.
Cervical Artificial Insemination (CAI), using a speculum and pipette, deposits semen directly into the cervix, through the vagina. Using fresh diluted semen, it has the advantage of being a relatively simple operation and potentially large numbers of animals can be inseminated during a short period.
Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination (LAI) involves some minor surgery (laparoscopy) with the semen being deposited directly into the uterus. This allows for successful results, and flexibility in sire selection, especially by using frozen semen. LAI is the most popular choice for genetic improvement at AllStock (NSW) Pty Ltd
Why use Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination ?
- Maximum conception rate. This method allows the most number of ewes pregnant compared to other methods of AI.
- You can use frozen or fresh semen.
- Very simple program
- Limited input required of owner. No previous training required as with CAI.
- Only method than can truly use "elite" sires. Using frozen semen allows access to the best sires at any time, from any parrt of the country (or world)
How does Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination work?
LAI is performed on your farm, after the ewes have been "synchronised" to be in "heat" on a predetermined day. The preparation or synchronisation for LAI begins up to 16 days beforehand with the breeder inserting sponges or cidrs into the ewes.
On the day of LAI, the ewes are placed in cradles and a veterinary surgeon uses a laparoscope to inject either frozen or fresh semen directly into the uterus. About 14 days after LAI, backup rams are put with ewes to cover any ewes which may not have conceived with LAI.
Using the exclusive AllStock method developed over 20 years by the most experienced operators in the industry. The highest standards of surgery, sterility, animal welfare and semen assessment means the AllStock method guarantees you the best possible result for your investment
Quotes for LAI programs are available on request. Please contact AllStock (NSW) Pty Ltd with details of the number of sheep you wish to inseminate and the approximate time, to receive a written quote providing full details of costs and your LAI schedule.
How to have a successful LAI program
Plan well ahead to have ewes in the right fat score, have paddocks ready for before and after AI, have them ready at least 6 weeks away from shearing or any activity and have worm or other parasite control undertaken well before hand.
Environment. LAI should be performed in a clean, dust and draught free area of the shed.
Stock management. Quiet, well-managed ewes always do better.
Feed. Ewes should be in score 2 to 3 for mating. Keep protein supplements to a minimum. Don't spoil them!!
Semen. Have semen sourced from a reputable centre meeting national guidelines and quality control.
What to look for in your LAI team
Animal welfare.
It is a national requirement to use a painkiller and sedation when performing Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination. If your team does not use this you may be liable for cruelty to animals.
