Intra-uterine insemination: Revolutionising productivity in pig farming

Abstract

Artificial Insemination (AI) is the most used reproductive biotechnology in swine industry. Traditionally, two to three billion sperm are deposited into the cervix in 90 mL extended liquid boar semen. Although, this achieve satisfactory conception rate but use high number of sperms per insemination, indicating its poor effeciency. To overcome above constraint, Intra-Uterine Artificial Insemination (IUAI) has been developed using specially designed catheter in which semen is deposited into the uterus. In this, lesser number of sperms are required to achieve good farrowing rate and large litter size. This technique enhances the genetic gain faster than traditional method. Besides, it needs lesser time to perform AI. Coupled with frozen semen, sexed semen and embryo transfer technology, IUAI will be the next generation reproductive biotechnology which holds great promises for pig farmers.