The Visual Guide to
Bovine Reproduction
Reproductive Technology: Artificial Insemination
Clean Insertion of AI Pipet.
After wiping the vulva clean, a clean crumpled up paper towel may be placed in the ventral portion of the vulva to part the lips for a clean entry of the insemination syringe.
Drost M (1974)
Proper Technique for Artificial Insemination.
Cleanliness is important for success in artificial insemination. The fingers in the rectum can initially be used to spread the lips of the vulva by downward and backward pressure just in front of the anal sphincter.
Drost M (1974)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Components.
1. Syringe with sterile proprietary solution 2. Syringe adapter 3. Delivery bulb. 4. Semen straw
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Thawing Unit.
Immerse the syringe(s) with the proprietary solution in the water for the semen to thaw for 2-3 minutes (35-37C) and for both to have the same temperature at the time of insemination.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Assembly 1.
Step 1: Begin by removing the secure cover which caps off the luer lock end of the syringe filled with proprietary solution consisting of sodium nitrate, citric acid and phenol red in sterile water.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Assembly 2.
Step 2: Attach the tip of the syringe with the luer lock to the syringe adapter. Twist until snug.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Assembly 3.
Close up of syringe adapter and syringe. Step 3: Attach the tip of the syringe via the luer lock to the syringe adapter. Twist until snug.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Assembly 4.
Adapter tip of the AI pipet for the attachment of the semen straw.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Assembly 5.
Step 5. Transverse cut of the sealed end (opposite to the cotton plug end) of the semen straw.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Assembly 6.
Step 6. Cut the opposite end of the semen straw proximal to the cotton plug.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Assembly 7.
Step 7: Cut the cotton plugged end of the thawed semen straw off with a pair of scissors. Place the cut end into the anterior end of the syringe adapter. Push firmly to ensure a snug seal. Avoid squeezing the straw which may cause some semen to leak out.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Assembly 8.
Step 8: Slide the bulb over the straw that has already been placed in the syringe adapter.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Assembly 9.
Step 9: Put on a fresh palpation sleeve and lubricate the hand. Grasp the bulb with the thumb and middle finger and extend the index finger along side and slightly beyond the curvature of the tip.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Assembly 10.
Step 9: Put on a fresh palpation sleeve and lubricate the hand. Grasp the bulb with the thumb and middle finger and extend the index finger along side and slightly beyond the curvature of the tip.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Assembly 11.
Step 10: Extend, locate, and insert the index finger into the external os of the cervix.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Assembly 12.
Step 11: Withdraw the index finger and insert the device as deep as possible into the cervical canal until the widest portion of the device seals the cervix.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Assembly 13.
Step 12: Inject the semen into the uterus by gently pressing the plunger of the syringe containing the liquid activator. Wait for 5 to 10 seconds and then retract the hand with the device.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Fully Assembled.
A special cone shaped delivery bulb with a 35 mm curved tip is placed over the semen straw which has been inserted in the syringe adapter.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Torito Express Prior to Insertion.
Cone shaped delivery bulb with a 35 mm curved tip prior to insertion into the vagina.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Vaginal Speculum.
Black vaginal speculum covered with a sterile blue sleeve. A small amount of sterile lubricant may be added to the tip to facilitate insertion into the vagina.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Visualizing External Cervical Os.
Speculum fully inserted and centered on the external os of the cervix. Small pen light at the top.
Drost M (2011)
Modified AI Pipet - Torito Express Inserted Using Speculum.
The blue vagina speculum is aimed at the cervix. Torito Express with undulated delivery tip inserted directly into the external os. Small syringe with 4 ml of proprietary chasing solution on the lower right.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)