The Visual Guide to
Porcine Reproduction
Reproductive Technology: Artificial Insemination
A.I. Supplies.
The thermos bottle is flanked by two rigid AI pipets with curved tips, on the left, and a flexible rubber catheter with a corkscrew tip which can engage the spiral canal of the cervix. The plastic pipets (diameter 4 mm) with the bent tip can be rotated to negotiate the cervical canal.
Larsen RE (1981)
A.I. Equipment.
The thermos bottle is shown next to a large flexible rubber AI pipet with a spiral tip and three rigid AI pipets: one with a white spiral tip and two with curved tips which can engage the spiral canal of the cervix. The plastic pipets (diameter 4 mm) with the bent tip can be rotated to engage the cervical os.
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Comparison of A.I. Pipets.
Comparison of a large rubber AI pipet with a spiral tip and a 4-mm diameter rigid AI pipet. The spiral tip is designed to engage the cervical folds to prevent back flow of the semen. The small white tip needs to be pressed into the external os of the cervix.
Shipley C (2006)
Comparison of Pipet Tips.
Comparison of a large rubber AI pipet with a spiral tip and a 4-mm diameter rigid AI pipet. The spiral tip is designed to engage the cervical folds to prevent back flow of the semen. The small white tip needs to be pressed into the external os of the cervix.
Shipley C (2006)
Different AI Pipets.
AI pipets with different tips: a rigid pipet is at the top with a simple curved tip, in the center is a flexible rubber catheter with a corkscrew tip, and at the bottom is a rigid pipet with a soft plug. All are designed to accommodate the spiral canal of the cervix.
Smith MC (2011)
Vulva Washed before AI.
Vulva and perineal area are washed prior to insertion of the pipet.
Smith MC (2006)
Lubrication Before Insemination.
The tip of the AI pipet is lubricated with a small amount of sterile lubricant.
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AI Pipet Insertion.
The insemination catheter is inserted dorso-cranially through the vulva and vestibule to avoid entering the urethra.
Larsen RE (1981)
AI Pipet Insertion.
The AI pipet is inserted dorso-cranially through the vulva and vestibule to avoid entering the urethra.
Shipley C (2006)
AI Pipet Insertion - Close Up.
The AI pipet is inserted dorso-cranially while the tip of the vulva is pulled back.
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Infusion of the Semen.
The large volume of semen is infused gradually over a period of 3 to 5 minutes into the cervix and uterus of the estrous sow.
Larsen RE (1981)
Wiping the Vulva Clean.
Cleaning the vulva prior to insemination. Note the swollen labiae.
Smith MC (2010)
Angling the Pipet.
Aiming the insemination rod dorsally to avoid entry into the urethra.
Smith MC (2010)
Verifying Pipet Placement.
Insertion of the insemination rod. Light traction on the rod is used to verify that it has locked into the cervix.
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Extended Semen.
Cutting the tip off the tube of fresh extended semen before connecting it to the insemination rod.
Smith MC (2010)
Injection of the Semen.
Injecting the Duroc semen by applying gentle pressure to the semen pouch while waiting for the sow to aspirate the semen. Each dose of extended semen contains approximately 5 billion sperm.
Smith MC (2010)
Semen Deposition in Artificial Insemination.
Artificial insemination is accomplished by applying gentle pressure on the semen bottle and waiting for the sow to aspirate the semen. Each dose of extended semen contains approximately 5 billion sperm.
Shipley C (2006)
Injection of the Semen.
Artificial insemination by applying gentle pressure on the semen bottle while waiting for the gilt to aspirate the semen.
Shipley C (2006)
Injection of the Semen.
Artificial insemination by injection of the semen with a large 50 cc syringe. Pressure on the back of the sow aids in getting her to stand for the procedure.
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Close Up of the Syringe.
Artificial insemination by injection of the semen with a large 50 cc syringe.
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Shipped Semen.
Commercially shipped semen in an insulated container with cool but not frozen gel pacs. The insulated box is rotated daily to resuspend the semen. Life expectancy is 5 to 6 days from collection.
Smith MC (2010)
Unpacking Shipped Semen.
Commercially shipped semen comes in an insulated box with cool packs. The semen remains viable for 5 to 6 days after collection.
Smith MC (2010)
Phantom.
A stable stationary phantom is used as a substitute for an estrous sow to collect semen, especially from trained boars.
Larsen RE (1981)
Phantom Lateral View.
A stable stationary phantom is used as a substitute for an estrous sow to collect semen, especially from trained boars.
Larsen RE (1981)
Phantom Posterior View.
A stable stationary phantom is used as a substitute for an estrous sow to collect semen, especially from trained boars.
Larsen RE (1981)
Phantom Ventral View.
A stable stationary phantom is used as a substitute for an estrous sow to collect semen, especially from trained boars.
Larsen RE (1981)
Metal Boar Phantom.
A stable stationary phantom (dummy) can be used as a substitute for an estrous sow to collect semen, especially from trained boars.
Smith MC (2010)
Aroused Boar.
Boar aroused by the presence of a sow in heat and / or her pheromones.
Smith MC (2010)
Prolonged Ejaculation.
Natural breeding in the aisle. Waiting for ejaculation to be completed. Breeding usually takes 3 to 5 minutes.
Smith MC (2010)
Semen Collection.
The extended penis is deflected with the gloved hand and manual pressure is applied to the glans penis. A sow in estrus is used as the mount animal.
Larsen RE (1981)
Digital Pressure on the Glans.
Steady firm pressure is applied to the penis to simulate pressure of the cervical folds on the glans.
Larsen RE (1981)
Catching the Ejaculate.
The ejaculate is collected in a warm container at 39 degrees Celsius.
Larsen RE (1981)
Using the Artificial Vagina.
It is necessary to apply pressure to the spiraled glans penis so that it locks at complete erection as in the cervical folds of the sow. This can be achieved with a heavy rubber casing 4.5 cm in diameter and 12.5 cm long with a rubber liner and a small piece of sponge rubber between it and the casing where warm water at 45 to 50 degrees Celsius is placed to warm the artificial vagina. The sponge rubber causes increased pressure on the glans penis.
Larsen RE (1981)