Adding small ruminant reproduction to your practice

Breaking the myth that you need expensive equipment and extensive training

Abstract

Equipment needs for transcervical insemination (TCI) of whitetail deer and goats are essentially the same. Trans-cervical insemination of sheep can use the same equipment, but pregnancy rates are low in this species with TCI, and the author does not recommend this technique for use in sheep, especially with frozen-thawed semen. Laparoscopic artificial insemination requires more equipment and some practice, but can be mastered with a little practice and patience. Collecting and freezing semen is not difficult, but highly technical and requires attention to detail. Most equipment is readily available at a reasonable cost. A list of the equipment needed and comments concerning the equipment are included in this presentation.