PSX-12 Comparison of transcervical and intracervical artificial insemination techniques for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in the goat

• Published in: Journal of animal science 2019-12, Vol.97 (Supplement_3), p.464-464
• Main Authors: Foxworth, William B, Horner, Scott, Ho-Watson, Alphina, Gilmore, Islyn, Gutierrez, Katherine, Lewis, Shaye, Newton, Gary
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: POSTER PRESENTATIONS
• ISSN: 0021-8812; 1525-3163
• DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz258.914

Abstract The efficacy of transcervical (TC) and intracervical (IC) semen deposition was evaluated for pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) in a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) program in the goat. Three breeds (Alpine, n = 50, Boer, n = 17 and Spanish n = 20) were synchronized by a Co-synch program and then inseminated by TCAI (n = 52) or a commercial ICAI (RamGo, TecnoGen) technique (n = 35). On d0, the goats received a CIDR insert and a single injection of GnRH. On d12, CIDRs were removed and a single injection of PGF2α was administered, followed seventeen hours by an injection of GnRH. On d14, 49–50 hours post CIDR removal, the does were inseminated with fresh, cooled (4OC) semen. For TCAI, the external os cervix was visualized and the insemination gun inserted. Following manipulation through the cervical rings, semen was deposited in the uterine body. For ICAI, the straw was loaded into a RamGo intracervical catheter (ICC) and mixed with media to increase the volume. The doe was held at 60–70 degrees (head down). The external os cervix was visualized, the tip of the ICC placed in the os cervix and manipulated into the first cervical ring. Semen was deposited intracervically. Pregnancy status was determined on day 30–35 via transrectal ultrasound. No difference in P/AI was noted between the TC or IC technique (45.7 and 30.8 %, respectively). Additionally, no interactive effect on P/AI was found between insemination method and breed. The timing of FTAI did present a significant difference in the P/AI among the breeds. Spanish does demonstrated a lower P/AI than the Boer and Alpine does (10 vs 41.2 and 46 %, respectively). In summary, ICAI requires less technical proficiency and is a practical technique for FTAI in the goat. The P/AI results further demonstrate a need for continued evaluation of the optimal timing of insemination between breeds.