Artificial Insemination (AI) Protocol

Our AI protocol guidelines are designed to ensure better conception rates and improve breeding efficiency on your dairy farm.

Guidelines for Storing, Thawing & Artificial Insemination

Lift the canister from its storage position to just below the frost line. Canister should not be held below the frost line more than 10 seconds
Use a pre-cooled tweezer (forceps) to transfer the straw to a temperature controlled thaw bath (Thaw unit) in less than 5 seconds
Thaw the semen straw in the ‘thaw unit’ at 35°C – 37°C for 60 seconds for bovine and 120 seconds for buffalo Sex Sorted Semen
[If multiple straws are being thawed (not recommended), ensure they are not in contact with each other. Only thaw enough semen straws that can be used within 5 minutes for Sex Sorted Semen]
Remove the straw from the ‘thaw unit’, dry with a clean towel. Gently shake the straw by holding at the sealed end with two fingers. Do not touch any other part of straw with bare hands. Load the straw in the gun with plug end first
Cut the straw using a straw cutter. If a scissors is used for cutting, make sure it is cut at right angle through the air space. Always keep the straw cutter / scissors clean
Place the sheath on the gun over the cut end of the straw and lock the sheath to the gun. Place sanitary ‘sheath protector’ over the gun if used
Wrap the A.I. gun with a clean dry paper towel to protect against dirt, moisture and temperature fluctuations
Inseminate with Sex Sorted Semen 14 – 20 hours after the first signs of standing heat
Record the animal ID, bull information, type of semen used (sex sorted or conventional), date of A.I. and name of inseminator