Artificial insemination (AI), as practiced by bees and many other flying insects, has played an important role in plant reproduction for a very long time. Use of AI in animals is a human invention and more recent. Undocumented tales exist of Arabs obtaining sperm from mated mares belonging to rival groups and using the sperm to inseminate their own mares. However, our story starts with recorded history, where facts are available to document noteworthy achievements. Consequently, the story is related chronologically.
Much of the development of AI occurred before the 1980s when electronic networks became available, so earlier references are included. The developments that made AI the most important animal biotechnology applied to date include improved methods of male management and semen collection, evaluation, preservation, and insemination. Detection of estrus and control of the estrous cycle in the female also were important. The development of AI is a remarkable story of tireless workers dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, to the replacement of fiction with facts, and the application thereof. Dairy cattle will be emphasized because AI has had the greatest genetic impact in that species. Other species overviewed include swine, horses, sheep, goats, dogs, rabbits, poultry, and endangered species.
Who Should Attend?
Whosoever is interested in Livestock industry.
Course Contents
Semester 1
- Principles of Livestock Production
- Animal Health and Welfare
- Animal Nutrition
- Animal Husbandry
Semester 2
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Aquatics and fishkeeping
- Animal behavior
- Production Animal Management
