Dairy AI check list

You can find a helpful checklist below as well as further information about best practice when inseminating cows in the 'artificial insemination' section of the AHDB In Calf guide:

• Planning – it’s important to have a clear, considered plan as to when cows will be served and with which bull
  • Voluntary waiting period – when will cows be eligible to serve?
  • Breeding planning – How many replacements do we need to generate?
  • Selection criteria – Which cows do we want to breed replacements from? Which animals may be poor candidates for sexed semen?
• Identification of cows to serve – serving the correct cows at the correct time is critical to achieve good conceptions rates
  • Heat detection strategy – Who will be responsible and how will it be undertaken?
  • Timing of service – When’s the optimal time to serve?
  • Drafting cows for service – Are cows easy to identify to avoid mistakes?
• Handling cows for insemination – stress around service can negatively impact the chances of a successful service
  • Holding area – Adequate space to hold cows without overcrowding
  • Time delay – Minimise delays from drafting to AI. If delays likely ensure cows have access to feed, water and lying area
  • Handling – handle cattle quietly and calmly to avoid stress
• Equipment and facilities – correct equipment available, in good working order, cleaned regularly to avoid contamination and set up appropriately to facilitate good practice
  • Handling facility – Adequate restraint to allow safe and controlled insemination
  • Flask – Located in an appropriate place. Checked and maintained regularly.
  • Thawer – Thermostatically regulated thawing device. Regularly clean and check temperature
  • Rods – clean, fully functional and compatible with straws in use
• Semen handling – have a clear robust protocol
  • Flask management – Minimise interaction, know where the straw you want is before you start.
  • Handling straws – Use tweezers to avoid damage to sperm.
  • Thawing – 40 seconds at 35˚ Don’t overload thawer and avoid clumping
  • Preparing for insemination – pre warm the AI gun. Use sharp scissors to cut the straw and sheath to correct length
• Insemination – ensure all inseminators have received appropriate training and avoid rushing
  • Ambient temperature – protect semen from cooling between thawer and cow
  • Site of deposition – rod should be passed just beyond the cervix
  • Pulling the trigger – make sure you’re pushing the plunger in, rather than pulling the gun out
• Review – regularly reviewing results and periodic auditing of both insemination technique and on farm protocols are critical to ensure long term success