Many errors in cattle insemination technology
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July 21 03:32:52, 2025
At present, China's bovine artificial insemination technology has gained widespread popularity and plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of cattle and dairy cows. The adoption of improved breeds has continuously expanded, leading to larger body sizes in beef cattle and significantly increased milk production in dairy cows. This advancement has contributed positively to the development of the national economy. However, despite its benefits, many inseminators still face challenges in the proper execution of artificial insemination, which can result in significant losses in livestock production.
Common issues include unstandardized techniques that may lead to reproductive tract infections, transmission of genital diseases, lower conception rates, and even injuries to both humans and animals. These errors can also widen the gap between expected and actual performance, further impacting productivity.
To address these concerns, this article will outline some common non-standard practices during artificial insemination and provide an analysis for reference.
1. Understanding Estrus Symptoms and Ovulation Time
Correctly identifying estrus symptoms and ovulation timing is essential for successful fertilization. Many breeders lack sufficient knowledge in this area, often making inaccurate judgments about when a cow is in heat.
1.1 Common Misconceptions About Estrus Symptoms
Some breeders assume that if a cow allows mounting, it is in estrus. However, true estrus involves more than just behavioral signs. It should be assessed through three key factors: external behavior, mucus characteristics (color, viscosity, and flow), and follicle development. A properly identified estrus will show clear signs such as cows being mounted by others, clear mucus forming a thread-like strand, and visible follicles on the ovaries.
1.2 Errors in Timing Ovulation
Many breeders believe that insemination should occur 6 to 10 hours after the end of estrus, but the correct window is typically 4 to 16 hours. Missing this window can reduce conception rates. To ensure accuracy, a rectal examination should be performed to check follicle size—ideally around 1.5 to 2.0 cm with a thin, bulging tip. At this stage, insemination is almost guaranteed to be successful.
2. Proper Technique for Rectal Examination
Experienced breeders know the importance of rectal exams, but some skip critical steps, such as checking the cervix, uterus, and ovaries systematically. This can lead to misdiagnoses, especially in cases of uterine inflammation or early pregnancy. The correct procedure starts from the cervix, moving through the uterus, uterine horns, fallopian tubes, and finally the ovaries. This ensures accurate assessment of the reproductive system and helps avoid unnecessary mistakes.
3. Mastering Correct Artificial Insemination Procedures
Proper technique not only improves efficiency but also reduces risks of injury to both people and animals. When handling liquid nitrogen tanks, the lid should be opened carefully to prevent contamination. Semen straws must remain sterile until used. Before insemination, the vulva should be cleaned with water and then disinfected with a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution. The insemination gun must never be placed directly against the vulva, and personnel should avoid standing behind the cow to prevent accidental injury. After insemination, the gun should be slowly withdrawn while applying pressure to the clitoris to prevent semen from flowing back.
4. Misunderstandings About Timely Insemination
While many breeders rely solely on observing estrus to determine breeding time, this method is not always precise. A comprehensive evaluation of both internal and external signs is necessary.
4.1 External Signs: During late estrus, cows may become quieter, their appetite returns, and they may avoid other cows’ mounts. The vulva swells and wrinkles.
4.2 Mucus: The vaginal mucosa turns dark red, and the mucus becomes thick, cloudy, or pale.
4.3 Rectal Examination: The cervix gradually hardens from outside to inside, feels elastic, and the follicles are thin and sensitive to touch.
By addressing these issues and improving training, the effectiveness of artificial insemination can be greatly enhanced, leading to better outcomes for farmers and the industry as a whole.