Improve your AI success

SEMEN TANK — LOCATION AND MAINTENANCE

Yes

No

1.

I keep my tank in an area where it can be easily observed.

2.

I check the tank daily for external frost buildup, indicating a loss of vacuum.

3.

I keep my tank on a wooden platform instead of on concrete.

4.

I keep my semen tank away from the milkhouse cleaning acids, manure, fertilizer, and pesticides.

5.

My tank is easy to get to, so the nitrogen can be replaced.

6.

I rarely transport my semen tank.

7.

If I take the tank anywhere, I fasten it securely in the truck.

8.

I keep my tank out of direct sunlight.

9.

I keep children and animals away from the semen tank.

10.

I keep the semen protected from vandals and thieves.

11.

I keep my tank in an area where lighting is available so I can easily see into the neck for straw removal and inventory.

12.

I measure the liquid nitrogen monthly and replenish when level falls to 3 inches (1 inch is a red flag).

13.

I always keep the same bull on 1 cane and inventory of semen location so I can easily find the semen I want without raising a straw over the 5-inch mark.

14.

I keep accurate records of the bulls I have and where they are in the tank; I cross out the names of the bulls that have been removed.

15.

I have a backup plan to relocate semen rapidly in case of tank failure.

INSEMINATION TECHNIQUE CHECKLIST

Yes

No

1.

Use a new glove for every insemination.

2.

Lubricate the glove with mineral oil or a commercial A.I. lubricant.

3.

Speak to and touch the animal to make her aware of your presence.

4.

Massage the anus with mineral oil or lubricant.

5.

Gently enter the rectum by forming a cone with your fingers.

6.

Gently and thoroughly clean the rectum of manure.

7.

Check the uterus for any abnormal condition.

8.

Clean manure from the vulva and from the underside of your arm with a paper towel.

9.

Spread the vulva by pulling down with your arm in the rectum.

10.

Gently and smoothly pass the gun through the vagina to the opening to the cervical canal — the cervical os.

11.

Place the tip of the gun into the os.

12.

Hold the cervix ahead of the gun’s tip; manipulate the cervix to allow the gun to pass.

13.

Avoid passing the gun through the cervix if pregnancy is suspected. NOTE: Pregnancy is indicated by a “sticky” mucus plug.

14.

Place your index finger at the far end of the cervical canal opening.

15.

Gently move the gun tip forward until you feel it with your finger.

16.

Pass the gun tip ¼ inch past the end of the cervix. Your target is only the size of a dime.

17.

Be certain the gun tip is not caught in between cervical rings.

18.

Concentrate on accurate semen placement during deposition.

19.

Firmly hold the cervix while keeping the index finger in contact with the top of the gun tip.

20.

Hold the shoulder of the gun between your ring and middle fingers.

21.

Hold your right hand against your left arm to ensure that the gun is not pulled back, out of the cervix, during semen deposition.

22.

Slowly (5 seconds) push the plunger into the straw gun.

23.

If the animal moves, stop the deposit. Wait until movement stops, check positioning, then continue to deposit.

24.

Gently remove the gun and check for an abnormal discharge and a complete semen deposit.

25.

Record when, and to what sire, the animal was bred.