AI

Artificial Insemination (AI)

The process of collecting semen from males and depositing it into the reproductive tract of females in estrus.

Superior sires

High-quality male animals used to improve genetic traits in offspring through artificial insemination.

Advantages of AI

superior sires, ability to store semen after the sire's death, and reduction in reproductive diseases.

Disadvantages of AI

Drawbacks which include potential for inbreeding, requirement of AI training, and increased labor.

Semen collection techniques

Methods used for collecting semen, including artificial vaginas, mechanical manipulation, and electrical stimulation.

Microscopic evaluation of semen

Assessing semen characteristics such as concentration, motility, and morphology.

Extension of semen

Dilution and preservation methods for semen, including the use of nutrients and buffer agents.

Nutritional diluents in semen freezing

Ingredients like egg yolk citrate or milk used to extend and protect semen during freezing.

Packing semen

Methods for storing semen, such as in straws, ampules, or pellets.

Semen storage refrigeration temperature

Ideal temperature for storing semen is 4-5°C (39-40°F) to maintain viability.

Frozen semen storage

Semen can be stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C (-320°F) for over 50 years.

Insemination site for cows

Semen is deposited into the uterine body at the tip of the cervix.

Estrous synchronization

Techniques used to synchronize female animals so that they are in heat at the same time.

prostaglandins

Hormones used to induce estrous synchronization by causing regression of the corpus luteum.

CIDR

Controlled Intervaginal Drug Release; a device used to release progesterone for estrous synchronization.

Heat detection methods

Techniques for identifying animals in estrus, including observing behavior and using marker animals.

Time of insemination for cows

Recommended to inseminate cows 12-18 hours after the onset of estrus.

Embryo Transfer

The method of transferring fertilized embryos from one female to another to increase reproductive efficiency.

Benefits of embryo transfer

Advantageous in extending the productivity of superior females and shortening generation intervals.

Problems with embryo transfer

Challenges such as high costs and variable response to superovulation.

Superovulation

A procedure to encourage multiple ovum production in donor females prior to embryo transfer.

Sexing Semen

A technique that increases the likelihood of producing a specific sex of offspring, typically 90% effective.

Freezing embryos

The process of preserving embryos for future use.

Microsurgical procedures on embryos

Surgical techniques aimed at repairing birth defects before implantation.

Induced Parturition

A practice of artificially triggering labor to save the lives of at-risk neonates or mothers.

Semen concentration

A measure of sperm cell density; higher concentrations are usually preferred.

Semen motility

The percentage of sperm cells moving forward; higher values indicate better quality.

Semen morphology

The assessment of the structure and form of sperm cells.

Number of inseminations per ejaculate in cattle

A normal male can provide 300-400 inseminations from one ejaculate.

Thawing of semen

The process of warming frozen semen prior to insemination.

AI training necessity

Training that is essential for successful and effective implementation of artificial insemination.

Cost barriers in AI utilization

Financial limitations that may hinder the widespread use of artificial insemination.

Natural behavior in insemination

Observing female heat signs is required to effectively time artificial insemination.

Teaser animals

Altered males used to provoke behavioral responses in females to help detect heat.

Marker animals

Animals equipped with devices to indicate mating behavior and heat detection.

Fads in breeding practices

Trends that can arise quickly, impacting breeding decisions and practices.

Gomer bulls

Vasectomized males used as teasers to detect estrus in female cattle.

Computer pedometer

A tool that tracks animal movement for detecting estrus activity.

Efficiency of artificial insemination

Calculated based on percentage of females in heat and various fertility rates, often resulting in about 73% pregnant.

Clean-up sire

A male used after artificial insemination to breed any females that did not conceive.

Flush embryos process

The nonsurgical method of recovering embryos from the uterus of a donor female after fertilization.

Embryo abnormalities checking

Examination of flushed embryos for structural and functional defects before transfer.

Progestins

Hormonal agents used to manage estrous cycles in livestock.

Duration for semen thawing

Semen should be thawed for 10-30 seconds at optimal temperatures before use.

Milk

what is a substance used to dilute semen for preservation purposes.