North Central Regional Extension Publication #216
Sponsored by the Extension Services of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. This publication is offered as a guide for poultry hobbyists, aviculturists and others who breed ornamental fowl and want to use techniques commercial poultry breeders, particularly those in the turkey industry, have perfected to improve fertility. |
When to Use Artificial InseminationChicken breeders may be disappointed when their better birds fail to reproduce. The birds may not mate because of shyness, physical limitations, lack of interest or social incompatibility. Unsatisfactory nutrition, age of breeders, management conditions, egg collection and holding practices, and incubation procedures can also influence production.If birds do not reproduce when other conditions are adequate, artificial insemination may be the answer. It is relatively simple and can be used for many kinds of birds, but it requires practice and the proper equipment. It cannot, however, overcome poor management practices, poor health, genetic lethals or differences; nor will it halt early embryonic deaths. Artificial insemination is more an art than a science. The procedure is not highly technical, but basic knowledge and appreciation of the bird’s anatomy is necessary. Success depends largely on the patience and skill of the inseminator. Wild-bird and waterfowl breeders should practice first with some common poultry type; Cornish bantams would be an excellent choices. |
The FemaleFor best results, the female used for artificial insemination:
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Figure 3. Note position of the operator's right hand. The white area between the thumb and forefinger is semen flowing from this male chicken. | Procedure (Male)Experts have developed several ways to hold males for semen collection. Techniques may require one or two persons. The following two-operator method works well and reduces fright or feather damage to the bird.Hold the male with his head toward the operator and with the keel lying in the palm of the left hand. Secure the right leg between the first and second fingers. To make larger birds more comfortable, hold the left leg between the second and third fingers. Stroke the back from midpoint toward the tail with the right hand, massaging the abdomen from below with the fingers of the left hand. After several vigorous strokes, transfer the right hand from the back to a position where the thumb and forefinger can apply pressure to either side of the vent. Simultaneously, apply pressure to the abdomen with the fingers of the left hand. This normally extends the copulatory organ and causes a flow of semen, as shown in Figure 3. A slight milking action may increase semen flow. An assistant should catch the semen in an eyecup or other small smooth-edges vessel. In some instances, especially with waterfowl, the copulatory organ may not extend completely. Semen collection is still possible, however, as it flows over the surface of the partially everted vent. |
Points to Remember
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Procedure (Female)When handling and exposing the female, remember the hen is delicate and must be treated gently. Hold and stimulate her in much the same way as the male. As the operator applies pressure after the preliminary stroking and massage, the vent exerts and an orifice appears on the left side. It may be a round rosette or a cleft or skin overfold. This orifice, shown in Figure 4, is the oviduct’s terminal opening. An assistant should place the semen ¼ to 1 inch deep into this opening with a 1 cc syringe, a medicine dropper or similar device.When making individual mating - one male with one female - use the entire semen collection. Various studies show, however, that good results can be achieved with as little as 0.05 cc of semen per insemination. Relax pressure on the female’s body as soon as possible after insemination so the oviduct can return to its normal position, drawing the semen inward. | Figure 4. Note position of hands and the exposed terminal end of the oviduct of this female chicken. |
Points to Remember
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When to Consider Artificial Insemination
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Sponsored by the Extension services of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, in cooperation with ES-USDA.
This publication is available from your Wisconsin county Extension office or from:     Agricultural Bulletin Building     1535 Observatory Drive     Madison, Wisconsin 53706     608-262-3346 Editors, before publicizing, contact the Agricultural Bulletin Building to determine availability. John l. Skinner is professor, Department of Poultry Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison and poultry and small-animal specialist, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Wisconsin-Extension. Louis C. Arrington is professor, Department of Poultry Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison and poultry specialist, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Wisconsin-Extension. |
For single copies of this and other North Central Regional Extension Publications, write to:
    Publications Office, Cooperative Extension Service, in care of the University Listed on your left for your state. If you want information about ordering quantities of this or other Regional Publications, write or call the coordinating office for the     NCR Educational Materials Project     B-10 Curtiss Hall     Iowa State University     Ames, Iowa 50011     515-294-8802. Programs and activities of the Cooperative Extension Service are available to all potential clientele without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, or handicap. In Cooperation with NCR Educational Materials Project Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Cooperative Extension Services of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Dakota. Charles F. Koval, Director, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706 | North Central region Publication Extension No. 216 |