Page 167 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

timely to meet the ovulated egg for conception. The process is also done under high
hygiene to avoid contamination of the semen and the reproductive system. This
process is done by trained personnel to avoid injuries to the reproductive parts of the
animal. Figure 7.6 demonstrates AI in cattle.

Large intestine
Guiding arm
Uterus

Bladder

Inseminating rod
Ovaries

Figure 7.6: Demonstration picture of artificial insemination in cows
Advantages of AI over natural mating
(a) It increases the usefulness of the superior sires which cannot mate because of
various reasons.
(b) It is cheaper than natural mating as it does not need keeping of a bull.
(c) Semen from a single breeding male can inseminate several females.
(d) Semen from a good quality breeding male can be collected, processed and
stored for use over many years.
(e) Semen from good quality males in one area or country can be used to inseminate
females which are far apart.
(f) The spread of venereal diseases is minimised.

Challenges of artificial insemination
(a) It requires highly qualified personnel and equipment.
(b) It requires more time than the natural mating.
(c) Poor hygiene of AI instruments can lead to health problem to females.
(d) AI centres in the country are few.
(e) In case of undesirable gene in the semen, it will be inherited to many offspring.
(f) There may be low conception rate if oestrus is not properly detected and AI is
not done timely.

Student’s Book Form Three
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AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 156
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 156 10/01/2025 12:31