Artificial insemination : technique and critical point of the handling of bull semen. Training of technicians, use of phantoms

Résumé

Bovine artificial insemination is a wellestablished technique and probably for this reason, wrongly underestimated when analyzing the reproductive performance of a herd. In reality, a large part of the conception rate depends on the semen handling and insemination technique employed. The positive outcome of an AI depends to a large extent on how the whole procedure is carried out, starting with the handling of the semen inside the tank. It is possible to summarize the implementation of a successful AI in 14 steps. It is essential to ensure excellent conception rates that technicians are trained and updated regularly. In this regard, the implementation of SOPs, training and refresher courses, is essential. Given current animal welfare regulations, the training and refresher courses for AI technicians must and will increasingly have to include simulators and virtual reality.