A step-by-step guide to the process of artificial insemination

There are many benefits to using artificial insemination of a commercial or stud herd or flock, but the process is complicated and requires knowledge and practice

- Janine Ryan

Artificial insemination (AI) of livestock is not a new practice, but an article published by the University of Missouri in June 1939 is probably one of the first to detail the use of AI on the dairy cattle at the university’s experimental farm. According to the article, AI was first used on the farm’s dairy cows in July 1937.

“During the past 18 months, this method of impregnating dairy cows has given such encouraging results that the practice has been adopted by approximately 100 dairy farmers in Missouri. Breeders co-operating with the Department of Dairy Husbandry have supplied records showing nearly 500 cows settled in calf with an average service rate comparing [favourably] with natural service,” the article stated.

According to the article, the practice went back to the late 1700s, and was used in Russia by the Tsar in the early 1900s to impregnate dairy cows on a stud farm. From 1923, the practice had become more widespread in Russia. In 1930, almost 20 000 cows had been impregnated using AI. By 1938, this number had risen to 1,5 million cows, which was around 5% of Russia’s total dairy cow population.

“The Department of Dairy Husbandry, University of Missouri, first used artificial breeding in the spring of 1937 when a valuable proved sire, Campus Aaggie Segis Sultan 586515, sustained a thigh injury which prevented his serving a cow. Semen was obtained by massage and several cows inseminated.”

Since then, AI has become an increasingly important feature of stud and commercial