Assisted Reproduction

Using a Bottle or Tube with a Spiral Catheter

 

Link to picture set

 

Preparation for service                                       When training tick off

1

Remove the boar from sight and sound of the sow for at least one hour prior to breeding

 

2

Parade a boar in front of the female outside the pen.  If the signs of oestrus are demonstrated sit on her back and prove she will stand still

 

3

Only inseminate females which demonstrate "standing reflex"

 

4

Wipe vulva clean with a dry tissue. If the vulva is clean do not clean with tissue

 

5

Place gloves on both hands

 

6

Select semen bottle by checking it is the required boar

 

7

Mix settled semen by gently rotating bottle (top over bottom 6 times) then place mixed semen in overall top pocket

 

8

Wipe clippers clean with dry tissue and put clean clippers in overall top pocket

 

9

Take a new catheter and lubricate on both sides of the spiral.  Take care not to put any lubricant in or near the hole

 

Insemination procedure

1

Part vulva lips and gently insert catheter into vagina forwards and upward to prevent catheter entering bladder

 

2

Push catheter straight forward until the ridges of the cervix are felt.  Do not twist

 

3

Rotate anticlockwise until a lock (flick-back) is felt. Rotate clockwise to release lock, push catheter further forward.  Rotate anti-clockwise until firm lock is felt

 

4

Take semen from pocket, gently rotate (top over bottom once), cut top 1 cm off spout

 

5

Re-lock the catheter and maintain twist with one hand, then insert semen bottle firmly into catheter.  Apply gently pressure to the bottle to prime the catheter.  Keep bottle at an upwards angle of about 30

 

6

Use free hand to rub female flanks, and apply back pressure, during insemination to stimulate and maintain standing still reflex

 

7

Maintain lock on the catheter during insemination.  Allow the female to draw semen,  Apply gentle pressure on the bottle to overcome vacuum pressure  It may be necessary to remove bottle half way through to allow air back into bottle to release vacuum pressure

 

8

If no semen flows apply firm even pressure to bottle, if still no flow turn catheter 1/2 turn clockwise and try again

 

9

If any leak back occurs, stop inseminating immediately, remove bottle from catheter.  Re-lock catheters and start again.  If excessive leak back occurs it many be best to re-inseminate with another bottle of semen or serve using the boar

 

10

When bottle empty slowly remove catheter by rotating clockwise

 

11

Record service and score quality of service

 

12

If this is the first insemination, re-inseminate 24 hours later if the female passes the standing reflex

 

 

Assisting the gilt or sow to stand during insemination