To start off, I am not a vet. It is not my intent to give you medical advise. Artificial insemination is often necessary, but not limited to, when the female is unreceptive, anatomically impossible, or it is the preference of the breeder. With that said, artificial insemination does not have to be done by a vet. Since 2006 I’ve artificially inseminated a fair amount of Alaskan Malamutes and Golden Retrievers. I’ve learned techniques from vets, reproduction specialists, and other breeders. Over time, experience has become more important to properly perform my technique. Each female has their own unique anatomy, and each procedure is dealt with differently.
Artificially Insemination
When visiting vets to perform an AI, I’ve seen multiple times the techs are unable to have the stud perform. If a stud is unable to perform, that creates issues with breeding the female especially when the bitch’s owner has traveled some distance for the stud. As a result, I’ve made sure to learn multiple techniques so that I don’t have to take my males to uncomfortable locations to perform their act. AI are not 100% successful. My success rate is about 90%. However, comparing that to natural breeding, I’ve seen a similar percent rate. Not all females will impregnate even under perfect circumstances. Reasons that are not always understood. If performed correctly, an AI can be just as successful as a natural pairing.
It is not my intent to show you how to inseminate a dog, but show you supplies that may be necessary to get the job done. It is important to always use new supplies every time you perform the procedure. I’ve seen dogs who were inseminated with reused supplies that resulted in pymetra the same day by a different breeder. Coincidence or not, it is not worth the thousands of dollars in surgery to save a few dollars on supplies. It is recommended that females have a progesterone test performed before having an AI being done. That way the AI is done at the optimal time. Many breeders will perform multiple AI’s over the course of a few days. Generally there is only a 3 day window for the eggs to be fertile. Below are the supplies we use and will be applicable to golden retrievers, or most large breed canines.
Semen Collection Cones
To collect the semen from your male, you will need something to collect it in. Some breeders go cheap and use plastic baggies (sandwich baggies). However that can be uncomfortable to your male, which may also result in an underperformance. The bags/cones need to be soft and have no sharp edges, but sturdy enough not to break. There are collection cones with open ends to use vials for collection. For me that is more of a headache and is why we just use cones with closed ends.
Syringes
Once the semen is collected in the cone, it will temporarily be held in a syringe. The syringe will connect to the artificial insemination rods listed in the next section.
We have also used regular syringes without needles in the past without difficulties as well. The only problem is sometimes it can be difficult to connect to the insemination rods. 10 CC is usually enough. However, sometimes your male might produce more than 10 cc’s, and a 20 cc syringe will come in handy. I would buy small amounts till you find out which syringes you prefer. Then buy in bulk if you perform AI’s often. Either choose the syringes above, or ones listed below.
Disposable Artificial Insemination Rods
Insemination rods are used to insert semen into the cranial vagina or uterus of a bitch during the fertile period of her estrous cycle. We have used different types. Recently we use:
In the past we have used Breeder’s Edge® Collect Him™ Disposable Pipettes, however they are not flexible and they are also thicker.
All-purpose Sterile, Non-Spermicidal Lubricating Jelly
When inserting the rod into your bitch, you will want to lubricate your insertion finger and rod. This will make it more comfortable for your girl. We use the jelly below. It must be non-spermicidal.
Gloves
We always wash our hands, but I also use exam gloves. I prefer powder free, as I don’t want anything to affect the semen (even if the powder is only on the inside of the glove). The ones I use are hard to find and not always available. Below is something similar. I use large size for my hands. Below is a medium size.
Everything listed is pretty much all you need for an AI. I keep everything stored so they can’t be contaminated. Storing chilled semen requires more supplies, but most AI’s are performed with the male and female together. If you are in the Riverside County area of California, feel free to ask questions for help if needed.
Thank you Tim
I am a bit new at doing the ai myself but have had vet do it for years I. My golden. Can you tell me in inches approximately how far the pipette is inserted in to female. I have been unsure of this. This is discussed din numerous ways but no one states a length
So I’m not a vet, so take my info as a grain of salt. For me I insert my left index finger into her vagina and immediately the canal goes up. You will go up over a hill, that will drop ever so slightly and flatten out. I go in about 2 inches till I hit a wall. Every girl is different, but when you get to the wall you have reached the cervix. Most girls you can feel the opening of the cervix. I slide the pipette with the tip sliding on the bottom of my index so that I can feel it’s entry all the way through. I’ve been told that some will insert the pipette on top of the finger so that you don’t “accidentally” go into the bladder. I’ve never had that happen, but it is more comfortable for the girl if you have the pipette sliding down your own finger rather than running jagged on the folds of the vagina. If you run the folds, your girl will let you know in discomfort. Anyway, I hope this helps. Hopefully I described it properly that at least makes sense. I’ve had a 90% success rate in the past two years. One of which missed was missed because she was too late in the cycle. I always elevate their rear for 10 minutes post insertion. I’ve been told that is useless, however those I’ve been told to don’t have near of a success rate as me. Hope this helps. I’d ask someone to show you in person and give you tips on your first time. If you are near me I can always help too.