Artificial Insemination of a Sow/Gilt
Artificial Insemination is a process used to artificially breed sows with only a teaser boar present. With the collection process of highly qualified boars and processing of their semen, it allows genetics to be sent all over the world. The ability to breed gilts and sows with diverse genetics from off the farm allows for specific genes to be implemented without the extra costs and can put a large variety of genes into a farmer's herd.
The process of artificial insemination begins with semen collection off the farm. Highly qualified boars will be collected multiple times a week from which the semen will be processed and sent to farms all over the world. Processing semen includes the collection, diluting, packaging, and labeling of the semen. Each step is a vital role in the artificial insemination process.
After the farm has received their semen order, it must be either used directly or placed into a semen fridge, which is kept at 17 Degrees Celsius, + or — 2 Degrees Celsius. Each day, the semen package should be flipped to keep the semen viable and alive. The artificial insemination process then begins:
1. First, the technician should collect all their supplies, including semen, breeding catheter, lubricant, and record book.
2. Heat check sows 3–6 days after weaning or when they cycle every 21 days. Heat checking can be done by boar exposure or artificial boar scent/sound. This will stimulate standing heat. Standing heat is when a sow or gilt is “locked” with ears pinned, vulva discharge, and a rigid stance.
3. After the sow or gilt is in standing heat, the technician will clean the vulva to prevent uterine infection.
4. Next, they will lubricate the vulva and catheter tip.
5. Then they will insert the catheter at an upward angle twisting to the left until the tip reaches the cervix. When the catheter locks into the cervix properly, it will be firm and difficult to twist the catheter.
6. When the catheter is locked into the cervix, cut the tip of the semen bottle off and attach it to the end of the catheter. Hold the semen above the vulva to allow for easy flow.
7. To stimulate the sow or gilt being exposed to the boar, rub her back and side to imitate the natural boar action.
8. When the semen has all be taken in, leave the catheter in for a few minutes to assure all semen has been taken in by the sow or gilt.
9. After the semen has all been taken, slowly remove the catheter and take proper records for farrowing records.
10. After the first service, sows can continue to be in standing heat for the next 48 hours. During this time, a sow or gilt can receive a total of three services about every 12 hours. So, continue this process for one or two more services.
11. After the breeding is complete, clean up supplies and finish records for the best possible outcome.
