Quote:
Originally Posted by mkbartz  For some reason I always that thought that AI was done when the stud was "older" or perhaps in a different geographical area than the dam.
Does any breeder here use AI because they prefer it to "the natural way" even when both dogs are in the same geographical area and could be bred the conventional way? |
AI can be done for several reasons but the most common I believe is location. It is easier to ship semen then to ship a bitch or stud.
Also if the male or female are inexperienced it is easier and less stressful for both.
Size of the male or eagerness of the male. I have spent many hours watching and waiting for a male to tie with a girl. Sometimes they just are not "into" a certain female and it is either AI or miss the breeding.
I know of a breeder of Labs here that only does AI with his dogs. No dogs are bred naturally, and no OOPS litters are born. He will stud his males out, but will only do it AI. That way no stds are passed from one to the other.
Learning to AI is simple but must be done in a sterile manner. I was taught by my vet, however so far have chosen to let her have the honors for that....
of which she thanks me for..lol...I have bred dogs, birthed them, tube feed babies, cut tails and dewclaw, etc. I however have decided that the $125 that is costs to do an AI is well worth it
