Goat AI schedule

While the program takes 16 days from start to finish, at least 3 months of preparation should go into preparing the does and semen donors.

It is pointless inseminating does in poor condition, or stress from simple handling procedures. For unknown reasons artificial breeding results are enhanced using minerals and higher protein feeds in the period leading up to the AI day.

​

Weather is also a factor that can drastically effect results, consistant weather is fine but a cold change and wet conditions can ruin results. Lightning is often thought to have an effect, but I somewhat doubt it.

 

The most important effect is the season and even the month the program is performed.

Ideally the aim is to synchronised cycling does, not induce heats out of season. The natural season is 6 weeks into decreasing day length to 4 weeks into increasing day length. For us in Australia its Feb 15 to July 14.

There is a small window of opportunity in December just prior to the summer equinox. This timing produces kids in May/June, that might be more valuable due to scarcity.

Decide why you are using AI, is it to increase numbers or is it to introduce new genetics, or is it to have progeny out of season for financial reasons.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

To start with... The Doe

Day 1) At any convenient time insert the Progesterone infused Cidrs or sponges into the Does vagina.

Only the string should be visible.

The applicator should not be difficult to insert, you may need to insert a figure to remove any blockage or define the canal. Lubricants and disinfectants can be used but not necessary. Basic cleanliness and hygiene is important. If a device comes out before being pulled out, it is the operators fault, not the doe. Trim strings to more suitable length and remove the bulb off the cidr nylon will overcome the idea that the doe pulls or rubs it out.

Day 2) Check devices are still in place.

​

Day 13) Inject additional hormones if they are being used. Both can be given at any time into the muscle. Usually the neck

FSH 1.0 to 1.5ml IM

Prostaglandin 1.0ml IM given at any time.

Day 14) Pull cidrs out with 30 mins of the instructed time. 

With larger number of animals take care to put a system in place to ensure all are are removed. Using spray marker can help, and always count the devices and equate the total to the number of does in the program. Any doe that has lost its device should be identified and presented tot he technician on the day for 2 reasons. She may have come on heat in unison affected by the injections and surrounding activity, or the device may still be inside the vagina and must be removed.

Day 15) Does should be in heat by 30 hours after device removal. Some will come on later. It is important to know not who is on heat but who is not. That group that come on late need to be identified. and those that do not respond the the synchronisation procedure need to be removed from the program. Any female retaining a device will not cycle.

Day 16) Commence inseminations with fresh or frozen semen at approx 48 hours after device removal.

Day 17) any doe still on heat at this point has little chance of holding if it has been AIed 24 hours ahead of time. In a very few cases the majority of does in a program cycle late by 24 hours. Why, I have no clue but have seen it 3 times in 20 years. This problem can be addressed with accurate heat detection​.

Each doe takes from 30 seconds to 2 minutes to inseminate.

                         

Yellow pages free add, links to your web site.

​

Do not forget the Buck.

In the case of a fresh semen program the buck must be in the right physical state to donate semen. Where a buck is lethargic and does not want to work, chances are his semen will not be effective either. If the buck is not used to the confinement, and pressure on him, needed to collect semen then this can result in time wasting. The buck must be able to be tied up, used to being touched, and most importantly used to hand breeding preferably in the same area the collection is to take place.

The buck will mount a doe on heat tied using a halter in an appropriate location.

A buck will produce approximately 40 doses per ejaculate, 3 times in succession. Young bucks under 12 months may produce less. To accomplish these targets the buck must be rested from breeding for at least 3 days and in old bucks they need to be cleaned out a week a head of the collection. 

​

Conditions required.

Usually the working yards and shed on the property are adequate.

A way to restrain the varies depending on breed.

Milking stand, head bale, a rail  to support just before the hind legs, a chair, a fulcrum positioned in a restraining crate. There are so many options something can be worked out on the day.

Yards and working area should be hosed down in dry conditions to reduce dust.

A solid table, power and a bucket of clean water is necessary.  

It is not possible to inseminate a doe in full sunlight, so shading is essential.