The Visual Guide to
Ovine Reproduction
Reproductive Technology: Artificial Insemination
Transcervical AI Supplies.
From top to bottom: 1. Styrofoam thawing unit; 2. Pointed stylet for the vaginal speculum; 3. Vaginal speculum; 4. Universal pipet for 0.5 and 0.25 straws; 5. spiral tip device; 6. Syringe with 4 ml of semen activator (proprietary solution).
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Thawing Unit.
Syringes with activator fluid in 35-37 C water to thaw semen straw for 2 - 3 minutes. It is important for the activator fluid and the semen to have the same temperature at the time of insemination.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Attach AI Pipet to Syringe.
After drying the syringe and removing its cap the AI pipet is attached to the luer lock syringe by twisting it on.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Prefilling the AI Pipet.
The diluent is gently pushed from the syringe to within 2.5 cm of the end of the AI pipet. It is important to not overfill.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Cutting Off Sealed End of the Straw.
The sealed end of the thawed semen straw is cut off prior to insertion into the end of the AI pipet.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Attach Semen Straw to AI Pipet.
The sealed end of the thawed semen straw is cut off and inserted into the end of the AI pipet.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Spiral Device Placement over Semen Straw.
The spiral device is placed over the attached semen straw.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Spiral Device Completely In Place.
The spiral device has been completely slid over the semen straw until the tip of the straw touches the anterior spiral end of the device.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Fully Assembled Modified AI Unit.
The spiral device has been completely assembled and is ready for insemination.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Vaginoscope with Sealed Tip.
A "stylet" have been inserted into the speculum prior to insertion to prevent the open tip from scraping up mucus or contamination from the vagina.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Vaginoscope Insertion.
With the estrous ewe in sternal recumbency and both hind legs extended, the slightly lubricated vaginoscope (speculum) is inserted into the vagina.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Vaginoscopic View of Cervix.
Vaginoscopic view of the external os of the cervix with the aid of a penlight.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Insertion of Spiral Tip.
The spiral tip of the modified artificial insemination device is inserted into the external os of the cervix.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Advanced Insertion of Spiral Tip.
The spiral tip of the RamGo canula insemination device is inserted, by twisting and turning, as deeply as possible until the widest part of the device seals the cervix.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Injection of the Semen.
The plunger of the syringe with the proprietary fluid is gently pushed to delivered all of the semen from the straw into the uterus. Wait 5 to 10 seconds before removing the device.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Actual Injection of the Semen.
The plunger of the syringe with the proprietary fluid is gently pushed to deliver all of the semen into the uterus. Wait 5 to 10 seconds before removing the device.
Hidalgo-Mendoza MA (2011)
Canes in Canister.
Canister number 6 is briefly lifted part way out of the liquid Nitrogen container (tank) to expose the tops of the (2) marked canes containing frozen semen straws.
Smith MC (2006)
Cradle for AI.
The estrous ewe is positioned in dorsal recumbency for the procedure of transcervical artificial insemination.
Smith MC (2006)
Transcervical AI.
A slotted vaginal speculum is in place. Forceps applied to the external cervical ring allow traction to straighten the cervical canal and then the instrument is pulled to the side through the slot to permit insertion of the AI straw into the external cervical os.
Smith MC (2006)