Artificial Insemination Course

A&P International hosted an A.I. course over the 25^th, 26^th and 27^th of June 2014. We were lucky to have a fantastic venue and facilities to use, at the Zambeef Kalundu Dairy in Chisamba. We hope that this will become a regular event, to offer after – sales support to our SEMEX customers.  Ten participants, some who travelled across Zambia, to Chisamba attended the course.

In accordance with the high professional standards of A&P International those on the course received excellent tuition. Although A.I. is not a veterinary procedure, the course was facilitated by consultant veterinarian Dr. Douglas Bruce, who regularly teaches A.I. Dr. Bruce was assisted by Dr. Danstan Mwinga of Zambeef, and their Herd Manager Mr. Raphael Phiri, an accomplished A.I. technician, who has performed a mere eleven thousand inseminations throughout his career. A special thanks to Mr. Steven Hapelt, for assistance with catering and organization of cull cows on the farm, and to all of the staff at Kalundu Dairy for welcoming the group.

Students during the anatomy practical on female reproductive tracts.

A number of topics were covered in the classroom. Firstly an anatomy lesson was conducted, which included dissection of female reproductive tracts. This provided necessary insight to the shape and function of female reproductive organs and their association with A.I. procedures. Each student was also able to practice inseminations on the reproductive tracts.

After sufficient practice and handling of the reproductive tracts, the students were able to partake in ‘rectal tourism’ as Dr. Bruce calls it. A group of cull cows was used for practice, so that each student could become familiar with the anatomy of a live cow. Students were encouraged to swop animals and become habituated to the variation between different cows, which they are likely to encounter in their future as an inseminator.

Cows lined up for the practical session.

Bruce also gave an introduction to physiology and hormones. Moreover nutrition with respect to reproduction, and milk yield was also covered. The advantages and disadvantages of using A.I. were discussed, as well as lessons on correct use and storage and handling of semen, nitrogen flasks and other A.I. equipment. Detecting heat is integral to correct timing of insemination, and hence conception, therefore this was covered in depth in the classroom, and some time was spent watching cow groups for signs of heat.

Tour of the Kalundu Dairy farm.

A tour of the Kalundu farm was conducted one evening, which allowed participants to learn and ask questions about all aspects of cattle and dairy farming. Dr. Bruce touched briefly on calf rearing and feeding, silage preparation, and feeding of the pre- and post –partum cows and heifers. This was also an opportunity to show-case the new cow housing on the farm.  A short presentation on the upcoming prospects in animal biotechnology was given, including sections on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.  The participants were also educated on the oestrus cycle and oestrus synchronization. The cull cows which were used in the second practical sessions had been synchronized so that most of them were on heat during the practice sessions. This meant that the students were taught and could practice the A.I. procedure in a realistic setting.

Practical test – Orshen Bubala of Kushiya Farm.

A couple of the students who attended already perform A.I., but attended the course in order to refine their technique and were grateful for the opportunity to question Dr. Bruce and Dr. Mwinga about any difficulties they experience. These experienced participants were of great assistance to the beginners.

On the last day, a short test was written, and thankfully passed, by all participants. Following the theory test, a practical test was held. The students approached one by one, where they were presented with a table laid out with all the necessary equipment. Each student had to remove a semen straw from the nitrogen flask, correctly thaw it, load their pistolette, select a cow and perform the insemination. This was monitored by Dr. Bruce, Dr. Mwinga and

Practical session – learning to perform A.I., assisted by Dr. Bruce.

Practical session – learning to perform A.I., assisted by Dr. Danstan Mwinga and Raphael Phiri.

Mr. Raphael Phiri, to ensure that each student’s insemination technique was appropriate and accurate. We urge each of the successful participants to continue to practice regularly, and for the amateurs, who are qualified but not experienced, to find a mentor and gain experience.

Mr. Dale Cantlay, the Managing director of A&P International, Lusaka joined the group on Friday to present certificates to the participants. On the whole the A.I. course was enjoyed by all involved and the participants have left with a valuable life-skill.