Ai

SkeeterBlue · #1 03/17/15, 09:19 AM

Please someone teach me what is involved in AI. I have lovely animals, Nigerian Dwarfs, but only one herd sire. I need to have another buck or learn about doing AI.

Is it expensive? Is it complicated?

Here's one of our new bucklings.

20150316_135531 vs.jpg

**mygoat** · #2 03/17/15, 10:32 AM

AI is used as a tool for improvement, and it can be very powerful if you use it properly.

(just because a buck is collected doesn't mean he should have been LOL). But, it is not 100% effective. On induced heats I have a 50% settle rate. On natural heats and with experience, a good tech can manage around 75%. This means keeping a live buck on hand to 'clean up' is a good idea so a doe you've been trying to AI that hasn't settled can be more assuredly bred instead of standing dry next year.

Start up is expensive. Tank is around 575.00, AI equipment around 100-150.00 or so. The equipment is mostly non-renewable so it's MOSTLY a one time purchase. The things I've had to repeat buy is lube, long swabs (so you can clear mucous off of the cervix and see what you're doing), and sheaths. None are expensive to purchase. I bought the kit from BioGenics ltd, and the tank from Goode cattle company - XC20 millenium.

You will also need to fill your tank about 3-4 times per year. For me, it's about 40.00 a fill, and it's a 20L tank. You fill when the tank is down to about 10cm of nitrogen (most new tanks will come with a measuring stick).

Semen is what is you will go through that can be pricy. Straws range from 25.00 to hundreds each depending on bucks. Usually they are sold at 5 or 10 at a time at price breaks (half cane, full cane).

mzgarden · #3 03/17/15, 10:32 AM

Following this. I've been hunting for almost 6 months to find someone that can teach me AI - or travel to our herd and perform the AI. I have a vet agreeing to let me use his semen storage equipment (he AI's horses and cattle). I have contacted US ADGA and local ADGA chapters, vets in the area, and our extension agents connected with local 4H/Fair. I've had no joy but would love to find a way to learn (Youtube videos are a bit too 'distant' for me)

**mygoat** · #4 03/17/15, 02:19 PM

Mzgarden - how do you plan on transporting semen from vet's storage equipment to your farm? Are they going to trust you with their equipment as well as all the other semen they are likely storing in those tanks? I wouldn't, if I were them - even if just because accidents happen. Usually after proper thaw, straw needs to be used in 15mins. As little temperature fluctuation as possible in storage and transport is essential for quality semen and good results. Semen handling is critical.

Have you tried contacting your local or state dairy goat association? Most states or areas have them, and you could possibly at least go observe someone do AI's on their own animals which is useful. Many associations put on AI clinics. The goat AI group on facebook has been great to find resources, semen, and AI classes near you, as well. I forgot about the AI class I was going to attend, and thankfully I learn very well from reading. The big obstacle for me was learning how to use and handle the equipment, which was totally new for me.

Wonderland · #5 03/17/15, 02:43 PM

So from what I'm gathering, it's basically impossible to use AI without owning your own tank? I've been wondering about doing an AI breeding (or two or three), but I don't see it as something I want to do on a regular, long term basis. I was hoping there were options of purchasing semen and paying an AI facility to store and administer it to my does. Is that not an option?

mzgarden · #6 03/17/15, 02:57 PM

MyGoat, good questions. My vet said he would be interested in expanding to goats, so he would bring his vet van with the tank, as he would if he were AI'ing a horse or cow on property. I have contacted ADGA and the SW Ohio ADGA, as well as our local Extension Agent, 4H and local livestock vets. The only person in our area that AI's goats says he is doing laproscopic AI, which I don't want to do. I didn't know about a goat AI group on FB, but I'll check them out for a local class.

Wonderland, we were thinking the same. Finally we'll just get a buckling this year since we're not looking to do more than just 2 does, really for the dairy aspect.

**mygoat** · #7 03/17/15, 03:12 PM

Wonderland,

There really isn't much professional industry for goats for services like AI. It's not the same as cow or sheep AI, so it requires some special AI equipment (thankfully not pricy) and some know-how.

Wether or not you can find someone to store semen locally, use their equipment, or will offer their services to you will depend on who is near you and what they're comfortable with. Equipment is expensive and the semen is valuable. I wouldn't risk letting someone borrow my tank and take it off the property unless I really knew them and trusted them. Doing AI for other people is fairly low risk but I'm sure there's some liability issues - possibility for damage, disease (metritis etc) is slight but not impossible. Getting people to want to come out to your farm to service your does on their heat cycles (or your schedule) is another complication.

The AI group on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/173602019445731/

The good news is that tanks are easily resold. I will warn you that AI is pretty addicting and if you start you probably won't stop. :P Once you realize the possibilities and the power of this breeding tool, it's hard to justify not doing it anymore LOL.

Wonderland · #8 03/17/15, 06:44 PM

I think B&D Genetics could do the AI for me (though I don't know about cost). They are where I get my CAE and preg tests done now, and they're only about an hour and a half away! I also realized they do AI training, but their next one is six hours away from me in Illinois. I knew I remember them mentioning reproductive services on their website, so I'm glad I looked! http://www.bdgenetics.com/embryo-transfer--ai.html

That doesn't solve my problem with storing semen, though. They do have some Nigerian semen for sale, but probably not what I'd choose.

Now you've got me really thinking seriously about all the possibilities, and I can definitely see how it would become addicting!

SkeeterBlue · #9 03/19/15, 04:48 AM

Who fills your tank? Or how do you get your tank filled?

**mygoat** · #10 03/19/15, 09:52 AM

Any of the 'Airgas' sites usually have it. Places that refill commercial air tanks for scuba diving etc usually also get in nitrogen. I take mine to a cattle breeding services/DHIR lab - Northstar Cooperative. From what I hear they're a bit pricier than the airgas places but I haven't had time to find one closer, and this one is right on my way home. :P