What Are the Advantages of Artificial Insemination in Agriculture?

Artificial insemination involves the collection, processing, storage and artificial induction of sperm from a male animal, with the subsequent introduction of the sperm into a female of the same species. While the most common use of artificial insemination in the agriculture industry involves breeding dairy cattle, the equine, swine and goat industries also make use of the technique, which offers advantages to breeders and producers.

  1. Quality

    • Dilution of the sperm from a single ejaculate allows breeding of several females as opposed to the breeding of only one female by conventional methods. This allows the breeder to use semen from higher quality genetic males to breed larger numbers of females, therefore helping increase the desirable birth traits for that specific species of animal. Because quality semen is available from various sperm banks, it allows the producer to more efficiently introduce new genetic stains into his herds, at a cost far below traditional single-animal breeding fees.

    Fewer Males

    • The use of artificial insemination allows the breeder to eliminate much of the danger associated with keeping unruly male animals. It also eliminates the use of infertile, old or stressed breeding males. The use of fewer males for breeding purposes also eliminates some of the labor, feeding and housing required to maintain the extra animals.

    Disease

    • The use of artificial insemination allows the producer to limit the possible introduction of disease, especially genital disease, into the herd. The prevention of disease is limited, however, depending on the cleanliness of the technique used for the insemination procedure. The introduction of dirt or fecal matter into the female during the procedure can lead to infection of the female or abortion of the fetus. Many commercial supplies of semen have antibiotics added to prevent disease.

    Birthing Times

    • The use of artificial insemination often incorporates the use of injections in the females of the herd to bring them into estrus during a select period of time. This is especially true in the dairy industry. This allows the breeder to artificially inseminate large numbers of breeding females in a short period of time. The use of this method allows the producer to keep a closer watch on the expectant females at birthing time. Another advantage is that the offspring will tend to be uniform in size, which is desirable if the offspring are intended for market.