The Visual Guide to
Caprine Reproduction
Reproductive Technology: Artificial Insemination
Laparoscopic Insemination.
Laparoscopic insemination of an estrous doe under general inhalation anesthesia. Elevation of the hindquarters aids in visualization of the uterus and ovaries.
Morris RG (1999)
Endoscopic Artificial Insemination.
Laparoscopic insemination of an estrous doe under general inhalation anesthesia. Elevation of the hindquarters aids in visualization of the uterus and ovaries.
Pugh DG (2007)
Vaginal Speculum.
A cylindrical vaginal speculum is used to directly view the external os of the cervix and pass the insemination catheter.
Smith MC (2006)
Artificial Insemination Straw Gun.
Artificial insemination gun with breeding straw and sheath is pictured on top. A short extender has been attached to the straw for ease in penetrating the cervix. The semen has not yet been expelled from the straw in the center by pushing the cotton plug up the straw.
Smith MC (2006)
Loading the Straw.
The straw is inserted into the tip of insemination gun with the plug end first.
Smith MC (2006)
Insertion into the Cervix.
The tip of the AI syringe is inserted into the external os of the cervix under direct visualization. Completely traversing the cervix is difficult, hence the semen (1 billion sperm) is generally deposited in the caudal cervix.
Smith MC (2006)
Manipulation into the Cervix.
The tip of the straw gun is maneuvered as far as possible into the cervical canal.
Smith MC (2006)
Use of Glasses with a Light Source.
Magnifying glasses with a light source can be used to visualize the cervical os via a speculum.
Smith MC (2006)
Artificial Vagina.
The rigid black cylinder in the center has a tube attached to it to fill the assembled unit with warm (40 to 45 degrees Celsius) water. The cone-shaped rubber liner above is inserted into the cylinder and the ends are folded back over the cylinder and held in place with rubber bands. Warm water is injected into the space between the cylinder and the liner, and the tube is clamped off. The centrifuge tube is connected to a rubber funnel, which in turn is connected to the artificial vagina itself.
Smith MC (2006)
Artificial Vagina Assembled.
Fully assembled artificial vagina with a mercury thermometer and nonspermicidal KY lubricant.
Smith MC (2006)
Filling the Artificial Vagina.
The temperature of the water in the artificial vagina should be 40 to 45 degrees centigrade at the time of collection, but hotter water is used to fill the AV.
Smith MC (2006)
Checking the Pressure of the Artificial Vagina.
Pressure of the AV can be gauged by inserting a thumb, which should meet enough resistance that the AV can be suspended from the thumb.
Smith MC (2006)