Genetics - Artificial Insemination... How do you do it...

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Actually whole milk can be used as a semen extender. I've done a bunch of research on poultry semen and AI and it certainly can be done. You would collected the semen, mix with some extender and then freeze it in "straws". One small straw should inseminate 2 hens. The freezing should be in a -20 degree freezer or with dry ice. Potentially you could ship them to another breeder. The biggest cost would be shipping. Dry Ice is cheap but the approved container for shipping in dry ice are a little bit pricey. I get them free at work

The box would have to be shipped Express Mail...or better yet overnight FedEx.

Fertility does drop some with freezing, but you could still get a hen "pregnant" with it and should be able to get several fertile eggs from her. Can you tell I have too much time on my hands at work??

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

The only issue I see with this is that the freezing would damage the sperm. Even with turkey semen, the hens must have the semen inserted within 2 hours for the fertility to remain up.

 

[jen5680]

Quote:
Ok what is a straw and were would you buy them and how much milk would you put in with the sperm??
Just a few questions. LOL!!
I also thought the youtube video made it look pretty easy but she did say that it took her several years to get it right
so maybe it is harder than it looks?????
Did you see the other one? I think it was called cajun rub and it was soooo funny!!!
here is the link to it

 

[jen5680]

Come on peoples!! Don't stop on me now with the info!!LOL!!
We are on to something here!! LOL!!!!!

 

[briteday]

Not sure if all semen extender is created the same...but I came across some in the most recent QC Supply catalog that I received recently.

Items #
320400
320430
320443
320444

It's on page 141 along with other AI supplies.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

As as been mentioned, any extender will do...they are all basically the same.

Straws are small pipettes that can be frozen (i.e. plastic). You would put some (say 1 tsp) of extender in a clean cup, collect the room and mix the semen in with the extender. Then take the "straws" and draw up the mixture. You should be able to to a bunch of straws from one session. Place them in an approved container with dry ice and ship them off.

The receiver takes them out, brings them to room temp and inseminates the hen with them. I would use one whole straw on a hen since the semen is diluted with extender. If memory serves, one straw should hold about 1/2 cc of mixture.

If you are interested in how to obtain the shippers for free, PM me.

 

[DaKid]

Ok may be a stupid question but where do you get / buy those thinks that you suck the sperm so I can try this on my turkeys and chicken

alan

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

You can either suck the semen with an eyedropper, then mix it with extender in a tiny cup.

 

[justuschickens59]

Great information. BUt I have a question? How often do you need to do AI? Say I have a hen that I want to inseminate from a particular rooster. How often would she need to be inseminated?

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

About once a week for best fertility. Obviously, you would have to keep her away from other roosters while you collect her eggs.