How to Artificially Inseminate Gilts and Sows Post Cervically

As a breeding technician, you are only good as the tools you use and how accurately you detect sows in heat. Conventional artificial insemination, or AI, has been a heavily utilized tool since the 1990s to make use of new, superior genetics at a potentially lower cost than natural-service systems, reduce the risk of disease transmission, and improve conception rates. However, since the 2000s, a new tool has been developing. Post cervical artificial insemination, or PCAI, can be used to continue to lower semen dose, improve genetic potential, and improve conception rates. PCAI is an insemination tool that allows for semen to be deposited into the uterus, which is closer to the location of the eggs. To do this, a special catheter is used that has two pieces, an outer rod that is like a conventional AI catheter, and a smaller diameter inner rod, that can pass through the cervix and into the uterus. For more information on NEOGEN®'s extensive line of reproductive products, please visit NEOGEN.com.