Success of Artificial Insemination in Two Breeds of Maine Sheep is Not Hindered by Breed Differences
The use of artificial insemination (AI) on sheep is an emerging field of research in the United States. Rates of AI success for frozen-thawed semen have been consistently lower than 30%; this makes long-term sperm storage for commercial use difficult. The method and semen extender used in this study...
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DigitalCommons@UMaine
2017
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| Online Access: | https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/289 https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1288&context=honors |
| Summary: | The use of artificial insemination (AI) on sheep is an emerging field of research in the United States. Rates of AI success for frozen-thawed semen have been consistently lower than 30%; this makes long-term sperm storage for commercial use difficult. The method and semen extender used in this study were developed in Iceland and has consistently achieved success rates of 60% or higher. This study was designed to examine the effectiveness of this Icelandic method of AI in both Icelandic and East Friesian breeds of sheep. The results of our study show that East Friesian ewes achieved a success rate of 94.12% and the Icelandic ewes achieved a success rate of 50%. Although conclusions are limited by the size and design of the study, these results lead us to believe that there is no perceivable breed difference that would inhibit AI success in East Friesian sheep. |
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