Over 2,000 ewes artificially inseminated in one week
Irish Farmers Journal, October 2009
Last week, Innovis artificially inseminated more than 2,000 ewes as part of the next step forward in the Sheep Ireland breeding programme.
A Central Progeny Test (or CPT for short) programme has been set up for testing rams. The aim of the CPT IS to compare rams for similar traits across all breeds and, thereby, identify the best genetics available regardless of breed
Three flocks have been selected for evaluating rams. These are John large, Gortnahoe, Co Tipperary, Andrew Maloney, Edenderry, Co Offaly and James Napper, Oldcastle, Co Meath. The Lyons estate flock was also inseminated with CPT rams to allow further research to take place. Thirty five rams were used in the programme this year
ARTlFlCIAL INSEMINATION
Artificial insemination (AI) was chosen as the only realistic means possible of serving such a high number of ewes at the same. Otherwise, difficulties would occur with naturally breeding ewes and rams, as the lambing spread would be widened. This may lead to a chance of bias occurring between flocks. By using artificial insemination ewes will lamb at a much tighter interval, both in the flock and between flocks and lambs will be more easily evaluated.
Innovis were the company contracted to carry out the AI, specialising in services to support breed improvement in all livestock. Their headquarters is in Wales with centres in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. They also undertake work for many pedigree breeders in the Republic of Ireland.
Using frozen thawed semen for AI presents challenges as fertilisation rates and conception rates can be extremely low. Fertilisation rates improve significantly with the use of fresh semen. Innovls supply all the equipment needed for collection, testing and administration of semen on farm. Laparoscoplc AI was the chosen method of AI.
GETTING THE JOB DONE
I visited John Large's farm to see the process in action. Walking into the shed, I have to admit I expected a far more complicated and laborious job than experienced. I had not envisaged that about 70 ewes could be inseminated per hour. The smooth running of the operation has to be credited to facilities, second to none on the farm, team work by the Sheep Ireland lads and professional work by Innovis operators. A team of l0 to l2 rams were transported to the farm from Lyons estate each morning for fresh semen collection. All rams were individually penned in sight and smell of teaser ewes that were artificially brought into season.
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