However, the semen collection
process isn’t that straightforward. It requires unique skills and techniques to
collect the right amount of semen from a healthy bull to get a cow pregnant.
In this post, we will take a
look at some of the primary and common methods for the collection of bull semen.
1. False Mount Method (Artificial Vagina)
The false mount method is unquestionably the most popular
method for collecting bull and Brahman semen. In this method, semen is
collected from the bulls using an artificial vagina (AV).
A false mounting technique is used to arouse the bull and
the semen required. The process is initiated when the bull is brought near at
the rear of the dummy female. Subsequently, the erect penis of the bull
indicates its arousal, which means it’s ready to ejaculate sperm in the AV.
Next, the bull mounts on the dummy while the sperm collector diverts the bull’s
penis to the AV where he makes to and fro movements to release his sperm.
The entire process requires three people. One that holds the
dummy animal, one that controls the bull, and the one that collects the semen
ejaculated. For the entire process to be successful and safe, it’s important
that the collection area is clean and non-slippery, which not only avoids the team from slipping but also help the bull not getting nervous about his
footing.
In addition, the effective collection of semen through an AV
is based on how well the bull is trained to use the AV and how relaxed he is
around people. Meanwhile, in the whole process, personal safety should be
stressed constantly, since bulls can be dangerous in such situations.
2. Electro Ejaculation Method
The electro ejaculation method was first used in the early
1950s for the collection of semen from guinea pigs. It was later introduced to
the cattle industry and utilized to collect semen from bulls that are unable to
mount or urine often.
In this method, a probe is inserted to the bull’s rectum and
adjusted to the prostate gland. It is then switched on to give current in a
gradually increasing manner to give stimulation to the bull and erect its penis.
The probe is activated for a couple of seconds, while ejaculation happens after
3-4 stimulus cycle. The sperm through the ejaculation is collected in a tube
which is stored in recommended temperature settings.
Today there are several electro ejaculators available in the
market for professional use. They can be operated through a battery or
battery-cum-electric transistorized circuits. Through electro ejaculators, an adequate amount of semen can be collected from bulls that are too young, old,
or ones that are unable to mount due to injury. Moreover, the best part about
this method is that it doesn’t require any dummy cow, while there are slightly
fewer chances of semen contamination.
3. Massage Method
This is a simple method of semen collection used for bulls
which are lazy, unwilling to mount, or unable to copulate. However, this method
requires expert skills by the semen collector.
In this semen collection technique, the bull is first
restrained in a service crate, not allowing him to move. At first, the
collector uses a full arm obstetrical rubber sleeve with lubrication to insert
in the rectum. He then manually massages the seminal vesicles for a while which
erects the bull’s penis, subsequently releasing its semen. The semen ejaculated
by the bull is collected in a tube and stored for later use.
Though this technique doesn’t require much equipment, there
are certain restraints for efficient semen collection through it. Semen
collected through this method is generally not clean, while several bulls
poorly respond to this method of semen collection.
Some Final Thoughts
The methods of semen collection have been devised over the years. At the present time, the above discussed approaches are the ones widely
used worldwide.
With the help of these methods, artificial insemination has
become possible, facilitating genetic improvement by using the semen of only
the top bulls for reproduction.
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