Facts, Views & Vision
in ObGyn

Journal of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy

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Artificial insemination in livestock production: the Vet’s perspective

Keywords:

AI, cattle, artificial insemination, assisted reproduction, sperm sexing, deep intra-uterine insemination

P. E. J. Bols 1, A. Langbeen 1, S. Verberckmoes 2, J. L. M. R. Leroy 1

1 University of Antwerp, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Gamete Research Center, Universiteitsplein 1, Gebouw U, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
2 Dierenartsenpraktijk Verberckmoes, Beerveldestraat 118, 9160 Lokeren, Belgium

Correspondence at: Peter.Bols@ua.ac.be

Abstract

Artificial insemination (AI) can undoubtedly be considered as the oldest and most widely used technique in the assisted reproduction spectrum for livestock production. Following a brief introduction on the history of artificial insemination, an overview is given on available bovine assisted reproduction techniques. Subsequently, indications for use of AI in livestock production are discussed and the outlines of the cattle AI business are given. In addition, current and new applications of AI are described such as sperm sexing and the accompanying new interest in low dose and deep intrauterine insemination.