Semen Handling
(Continued from Page 50)
technique. Precise measurements of nearly 800
reproductive tracts revealed that the average length
of the uterine body was only 5 /s of an inch, the size of
a dime. There is not much room for error in place
ment of the rod tip. Analysis of all inseminations in
dicated only 39 percent of the rod tip placements
were within the uterine body. Placements in the
cervix, right uterine horn and left uterine horn were
25, 23, and 13 percnt, respectively. Considerable
variation was found among inseminators. These in
dividuals were likely representative of professional
inseminators and herdsman-inseminators through
out the country. Obviously, consistent placement of
the rod tip within the uterine body is difficult.
Subsequent to this study, research at Washington
State University showed that retrograde movement
of sperm into the vagina was 2-fold greater follow
ing cervical insemination compared to uterine depo
sition. If one assumes that 25 percent of
inseminations may result in cervical deposition of
semen, than there is significant loss of sperm. This
isn’t an incomplete pass it is an interception.
Make sure you extend the rod tip beyond the inter-
ree Demonstration!
mem mem INTERCOURSE pa
■ ■AAnMrn 800 732-0017
■ ■ FOUR LOCATIONS
■ora
nal cervical opening and be careful the rod tip is not
inadvertently pulled back into the cervix during de
position of the semen.
• All inseminators should periodically attend a
retraining course to review their technique and
learn new developments.
This is only a brief review of important concepts
and potential problem areas related to A.I. proce
dures. More detailed information can be obtained
from your A.I. representative. Further information
about insemination technique and semen handling
can be obtained at the following Websites:
www.das.psu.edu/reproduction/insem/index.html
www.das.psu.edu/reproduction/check/pdf/
semen.pdf
f f * > *
VbitusOnluni
McALISTERVILLE, PA
800 433-8670
MIDDLETOWN, DE
800 341-4028
SEAFORD, DE
800 843-3056
'
We Lew
Cream Of
manHou
SS
> Highest Hydraulic Capacities on the
Market: Load-Sensing - 38 6PM
with 3900 PSI
> Excellent for Trench Silage De-Facing
► Shuttle Shift Torque Converter
>■ Center-Mount Engine Stability
► Excellent Visibility
>■ Easy Maintenance
>■ Backed by Supreme's 1 -year money
back Performance Guarantee
>■ North America's First Manufacturer of
Vertical Mixers
>■ Patented Vertical Cylindrical Screw
Design
► 3-Year warranty on gearboxes and
planetary drives
► Many Unloading Options
► 2nd Cutter and Roller Mills
Attachments Available