Current and Evolving Trends in Artificial Insemination of Animal Species

Artificial insemination (AI) is one of the distinct study areas with increasing demand in animal husbandry as well as among humans. Animal husbandry is known as a carrier of various diseases that will spread quickly if not handled under hygienic conditions. In this chapter, the steps involved in AI are discussed in detail, beginning with collection of semen samples and its prerequisites during the process; collection methods including collecting the semen from vagina of naturally mated female, breeding bag, massage method, electro-ejaculator, surgical method, and artificial vagina (A.V.) method along with their respective advantages and disadvantages; the components of A.V. including strong outer casting (cylinder), thin inner rubber (sleeves), rubber bands, valve, receiving cone, test tube, warming bag; constituents of semen; and the methods to process and preserve semen. Ovulation is seasonal in specific animals such as sheep and horses, unlike humans and other cattle that have an all-year-round reproductive season, and the biological events prior to depositing semen into the female reproductive tract are significant for successful AI; hence, monitoring and detection of ovulation are comprehensively covered in this chapter. Lastly, merits of AI in poultry, cattle, pigs, and horses, such as increased genetic selection, livestock production, and reduced disease transmission, are discussed in detail.