1. Breeding Methods By Walt Iciek Topic# 3026

2. Two Main Types of Breeding Artificial Insemination –Collected semen deposited directly in to females reproductive tract by humans Natural Insemination –Animals breeding the way they would in nature

3. Function of the male Produce large number of live sex cells Contribute half the chromosomes

4. Male Reproductive Organs Testicles –Produce spermatozoa & testosterone Scrotum- sack which carries the testicles –Heat regulator Epididymis- tube that connects testes –Stores sperm –Sperm matures there

5. Male Reproductive Organs (cont.) Vas Deferens –Tube which connects to epididymis Accessory Glands –Prostate –Seminal vesicles –Cowpers glands –Adds volume and nutrients to semen

6. Function of the Female Contribute half the chromosomes Give birth to offspring Care for young until weaning

7. Female Reproduction Organs Cervix- “mouth of the womb” –Opening into uterus Uterine Horns –Two branches of the Uterus Fallopian Tubes- uterine horn –Lined with cilia, aids in egg migration

8. Female Reproductive Organs (cont.) Ovaries –End of fallopian tubes –Large number of eggs, all stages of development –Few eggs reach maturity –If not fertilized, eggs are reabsorbed by the body

9. “Heat” Time when female is receptive to male and is willing to breed Identified by: –Aggressive behavior –Swelling of vulva Consist of four stages of estrous

10. Estrous Proestrous –Ovary is about to release an egg Estrous –Female receptivity Metestrous- uterus prepares for pregnancy –Fertilized egg attaches to uterus Disestrous- longest period of cycle –inactive

11. Natural Breeding Advantages –Less expensive –Requires no special equipment Limitations –Slower genetic improvement –Cost of maintaining sires –Passing on traits or diseases to offspring

12. Artificial Insemination Definition –Deposition of sperm in the female by artificial means –Used commercially in U.S. since 1938 –Most widely used in dairy and beef cattle

13. Process of A.I. Equipment needed –Liquid nitrogen– used to store semen at –385 degrees Fahrenheit –Semen straws contain one dose of semen –Stainless steel insemination straw Used to place semen in reproductive tract –Semen thawing unit

14. Insemination Process Restrain female gently, squeeze chutes most common method Prepare semen Palpate the rectum and locate the cervix Insemination –Insert insemination gun into vagina and deposit semen

15. Eight steps in the procedure Thaw frozen semen slowly Place plastic glove over hand and arm Lubricate plastic glove Restrain animal Insert arm into animal’s rectum Grasp animals cervix Insert insemination gun into the vagina Deposit semen into animal’s cervix

16. Artificial Insemination- Advantages Use of outstanding sires Alleviates danger of keeping sires Lessens sire costs Helps control diseases Creates large families of animals Increases profits

17. Artificial Insemination- Disadvantages Requires trained technicians May accentuate poor sires Restricts the sire market Hard to identify true heats in females Timing is crucial