Why Artifical insemination?

Artificial insemination (AI) is becoming increasing popular in the UK due to the benefits and ethical considerations that reduce stress of performing natural mating’s. 

Natural matings can sometimes be traumatic for the dog and/or bitch; the dog slipping and causing internal harm to the bitch, high amounts of stress and behavioural issues due to inexperience or negiative experiences during the natural mating process. This is important as welfare is a key concept to consider when mating a bitch, ensuring the 5 freedoms are met. Stress can cause immunosuppression and make the bitch more predisposed to obtaining an infection throughout the mating and can also reduce fertility. Therefore, the process of artificial insemination reduces the stress put upon the bitch and can increase fertility which means that conception rates can increase. 

A low motility and density of sperm cells in the ejaculate reduces the conception rates in the bitch, therefore meaning sperm quality from the dog is paramount. Through using artificial insemination, it allows for assessmesnt of the semen quality before inseminating into the bitch– this ensures that only highly motile semen is inseminated which can help to reduce the chances of smaller litter sizes.

Artificial insemination also has benefits focusing upon a diverse selection of stud dogs worldwide, where a semen samples can be imported and exported to the bitch without the requirement of having to transport the bitch and dog to each other. This opens possibilities of increasing genetic diversity within a breed. Similarly, there is a high level of quality stud dogs to select from with a diverse blood line, which means there is an excellent selection for clients to consider. 

For more information on artificial insemination, please call 01948668059 or email anna@elitekennelfertility.com, and we would be happy to talk you through the procedure in further details and book your appointment.