Swine Artificial Insemination

Question 1

Ovulation occurs _____ after onset of estrus.

Answer 1

40 hours

Question 2

Sows ovulate _____ ova.

Gilts ovulate _____ ova.

Answer 2

Sows - 18-20

Gilts - 12-14

Question 3

Fertilization: Boars deposit semen in the _____ close to the _____.

Answer 3

Deposition in cervix close to the uterine body

Question 4

Sperm cells live only _____ inside the sow.

Answer 4

24-48 hours

Question 5

Ova are viable for _____ post-ovulation.

Answer 5

8-10 hours

Question 6

AI Advantages (5)

Answer 6

1. ) Use of new, superior genetics at low cost
2. ) Less disease risk
3. ) Genetic diversity
4. ) Increase # of inseminations/ejaculate
5. ) Little boar management

Question 7

AI Disadvantages (3)

Answer 7

1. Highest level of management
2. Greatest environment effect: collection, dilution, transport, deposition
3. Heat check at least once daily

Question 8

Collected semen is evaluated for (4)…

Answer 8

1. Volume
2. Motility
3. Morphology
4. Concentration

Question 9

Raw Semen

Answer 9

• Acceptable conception rates and litter size
• Boar must be close to females
• Several females need to be in estrus for optimal use of semen

Question 10

Extended Liquid Semen:

Describe, how is it stored

Answer 10

• Extenders increase shelf life and increase # of doses
  
  • Glucose, sodium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, antibiotics
• Store between 60-64º F
  
  • Invert at least once daily

Question 11

What is the most common type of semen used?

Answer 11

Extended Liquid Semen

Question 12

Estrus detection - What two ways?

Answer 12

Twice and Once daily heat checks

Question 13

Twice daily heat checks (4)

Answer 13

• More effective than once daily
• As close to 12 hours apart as possible
• First check in the morning before feeding or at least one hour post-feeding
• Second check at the end of the work day

Question 14

Once daily heat checks

Answer 14

Check in the morning before feeding or at least one hour post-feeding

Question 15

Timing of Insemination (3)

Answer 15

• Goal is to breed within a few hours of ovulation
• Variation in timing
  
  • Gilts ovulate sooner than sows
• Insemination should occur twice for greatest conception rates and litter size

Question 16

For twice daily heat checks, gilts need to be inseminated _____ after detection and again _____ hours later.

Answer 16

12 hours; 12 hours

Question 17

For twice daily heat checks, sows need to be inseminated _____ after detection and again _____ hours later.

Answer 17

24 hours, 12 hours

Question 18

For once daily heat checks, pigs need to be inseminated after being found in estrus and again _____ hours later.

Answer 18

12 hours later

Question 19

Insemination Process:

Answer 19

• Should be done in the presence of a boar
• Always insert the spirette into the vulva and vagina at an upward 45º angle.

Question 20

What happens once you insert the spirette? What’s next? (4)

Answer 20

• It locks in place in the cervix.
• Attach semen supply to the end of the spirette.
• Begin rubbing underline and flanks of the female to stimulate uterine contractions
  
  • Grunting
  • Boar pheromones
  • Stimulation belts
• Generally takes 10-15 min to complete