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Question:
What is an economic animal?
Answer:
Economic animal is one which produces one calf in a year, resistant to diseases; produce maximum milk
with minimum input cost i.e. minimal per litre milk production cost.
Question:
What is a state breeding policy? Why should it be followed?
Answer:
Every state has defined its own breeding policy based on geographical and climatic conditions of the
state and distribution of different breeds in the state. Breeding policy is a guideline to indicate what breed and
breed combination or exotic blood level is most suitable in the given agro climatic condition of the state. It should
be followed to get the optimum output from your animals and to conserve the native breed available in the state.
Question:
What type of semen should be used to breed different type of animals? Whether AI Technician (AIT)
carries semen doses of all breeds of semen so that I can choose the best option for my animal? What is sire
directory? Is it available with every AIT?
Answer:
Semen procured only from A and B graded semen stations should be used. The semen used should be
in accordance with the breeding policy of the state. The semen doses must be carried in cryocan (not in any other
container).
All AITs may not always carry the semen as per the breeding policy of the state so being an aware and progressive
farmer one should be vigilant and should insist to know the breed, exotic blood level and pedigree details of the
bull, the semen of which is being used to breed your animal.
Sire directory contains pedigree details of all bulls in the semen station. Ideally it should be available with AI
technician if not, then the farmer may ask the AIT to obtain it from the semen station.
Question:
Is Artificial Insemination (AI) a treatment for infertility/ repeat breeding?
Answer:
No, AI is not a treatment for infertility or repeat breeding. It is an artificial method to inseminate an animal
with semen of disease free High Genetic Merit (HGM) bull. If an animal is not able to conceive through natural
service due to infertility then it won’t conceive even through artificial insemination.
Question:
Is there any advantage of using more than one dose of semen in one heat?
Answer:
If done at correct time of heat using good quality semen and using correct AI technique following
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) one dose of semen is sufficient for successful conception. However, in a few
cases, if the heat period is extended beyond normal duration; ovulation is also delayed and in such cases, second
insemination may be required.
Question:
Should I take the animal to a bull after AI?
Answer:
No, the animal should never be taken to a bull after AI.
Question:
What is the ideal success rate of AI?
Answer:
Success rate of 40% and above will be appropriate.
Question:
Is AI successful in buffaloes?
Answer:
Yes, AI in buffaloes is as successful as in cows. However, proper care should be taken for detection of heat
and timely insemination of buffaloes for higher conception. The only problemone encounters with buffalo is silent
heat where in animals do not exhibit heat symptoms overtly and duration of heat is also reduced.
Question:
Does AI produce only male calves or weak calves or, reduce milk yield of the dam?
Answer:
Analysing large number of observations has revealed that there is no adverse effect of AI on male: female
ratio, calf birth weight or milk production of dam. These are superstitions or myths which are propagated by vested
interests without any scientific evidence.
Question:
Which bull semen is most suitable for breeding a non-descript Indian cow to get better milk from its
progeny?
Answer:
Use of semen from indigenous bulls like Sahiwal/Gir/Red Sindhi etc. is most suitable depending on
resources or breeding policy of the state. If the farmer has resources to maintain a crossbred animal and the state
breeding policy permits it, he can use pure HF/Jersey semen for production of a crossbred progeny.