Information on Artificial Insemination of Goats

Although many goat owners still use natural breeding methods for their goats, artificial insemination in goats is becoming a popular option. If you're considering artificial insemination for your goats, being aware of the facts surrounding goat artificial insemination will help you decide if this type of reproductive technology is a good match for your goat operation.

  1. The Facts

    • Artificial insemination in goats involves collecting semen from the buck (the male) in order to transfer it to the reproductive tract of the doe (female) at a later time in order to impregnate her. Although fresh semen can be used, most goat producers utilizing artificial insemination use frozen semen. When using artificial insemination in goats, the artificial inseminator (the person performing the procedure) uses special tools to insert semen into the cervix of a doe that is in heat. You repeat this procedure at regular intervals during your doe's heat in order to maximize her chances of conceiving.

    Benefits

    • Benefits of artificial insemination in goats include cost and genetic improvement. Using artificial insemination eliminates your need to keep a buck on your property; this reduces your housing, feeding and fencing costs since you won't need to maintain separate facilities for your bucks. Since frozen semen can be stored indefinitely, using artificial insemination allows you to store and use semen from many different, high quality bucks. Instead of having to use the same buck on all of your does, you can select a buck for each doe that will produce genetically superior kids.

    Drawbacks

    • Drawbacks of artificial insemination in goats include initial investment costs and your need for specialized knowledge about goat reproduction and insemination techniques. According to John F. Smith, Extension Dairy Specialist at New Mexico State University, purchasing the liquid nitrogen tank alone costs approximately $500. Unless you're able to find a local artificial inseminator for goats, you will need to learn how to artificially inseminate your goats on your own; your success depends on how familiar you are with your goats' reproductive cycles, as well as the correct procedures for thawing and handling goat semen.

    Equipment

    • Artificial insemination in goats requires you to use specialized equipment that you should be able to obtain from a livestock supply company. A liquid nitrogen tank filled with liquid nitrogen provides storage for the frozen semen; be sure to exercise care when working with liquid nitrogen since its frigid temperature can cause cryogenic burns. In addition to purchasing straws of semen from the selected bucks, you will also need an artificial insemination light; straw tweezers and cutters for handling the straws of semen during insemination; a thermos to holds water to defrost the semen straw; a thermometer, a speculum to allow you to see the cervix during insemination; and an insemination gun to push the semen out of the straw. Paper towels, sterile lubricant and a stanchion or holding box will also make your job easier.

    Considerations

    • Understanding a doe's reproductive cycle is key to succeeding with artificial insemination. Most dairy goats are seasonal breeders, with their cycles typically occurring between August and January in the U.S. According to Smith, a doe's average cycle length is 21 days, and she will usually be in heat for 24 to 36 hours. Keeping accurate reproductive records on each doe (record time of heat, length of heat and length of cycle) and having a heat detection program in place will help maximize your chances of success with an artificial insemination program for your goats.