Standard Operating Procedures - pigs
Artificial insemination
Ref Code: PIG01
Category
Teaching - 3 (Instructor:student ratio 1:3)
Research - 4
Objective
To artificially deliver an effective dose of semen to the sow's uterus.
Alternatives to animal use for teaching
Practice on abattoir specimens, prior to demonstrations with sows.
Details of procedure
Sows or gilts should only be inseminated if in standing oestrus. This is best demonstrated by stimulation by a boar (see SOP 15). Best success occurs when sows have been adequately stimulated prior to AI. Sows should not need to be restrained for this procedure.
The insemination catheter is passed through the lips of the vagina taking care to avoid contamination. The catheter is then passed anteriorly along the roof of the vagina to avoid entry into the urethra and bladder.
If using a spiral catheter, it should be twisted gently in an anticlockwise direction as the tip of the catheter meets the external os of the cervix, in effect screwing the catheter into place until it becomes locked. To check placement of a non-spiral catheter, tug back gently and there should be some resistance.
Once the catheter is in position, the semen bottle can be attached and the semen allowed to flow slowly (often by gravity alone) into the uterus. Stimulation of the sow's flank by rubbing or by applying weight to the sow's back will increase the flow of semen. Semen delivery may take up to 5 to 7 minutes as does natural service in the pig.
The catheter should be removed with a gentle clockwise twist to unlock it from the folds of the cervix.
Drugs, chemicals, or biological agents
Semen, semen diluents
Impact of procedure on the wellbeing of animal(s)
Procedure is well tolerated
Reuse and repeated use
Sows may be inseminated at 12 hourly intervals whilst in standing oestrus
Care of animal(s) during/after procedure
Observation
Pain relief measures
Nil
Qualifications, experience or training necessary to perform this procedure
Operators should be familiar with the correct techniques and the anatomy and physiology of the sow before attempting this procedure.
Procedures should be clearly demonstrated before students attempt the procedure.