Artificial insemination (AI) was the first great biotechnology applied to improve reproduction and genetics of farm animals. It has had an enormous impact worldwide in many species, particularly in dairy cattle. The acceptance of AI technology worldwide provided the impetus for developing other technologies, such as cryopreservation and sexing of sperm, estrous cycle regulation, and embryo harvesting, freezing, culture and transfer, and cloning. New, highly effective methods of sire evaluation were developed. The history of development of AI is reviewed, particularly in dairy cattle, in which the impact on genetic improvement and control of venereal diseases have been greatest. Other 1 species briefly included are swine, horses, sheep, goats, dogs, rabbits, poultry, and endangered species. Major landmarks in AI development are cited, along with the people most closely associated with these developments. Many of these pioneers helped to develop a new generation of reproductive physiologists and biotechnologists. A bit of the flavor of the times is included, along with the historical facts. Many of the references will take the reader back to an era before electronic networks were available, so these citations of classical studies will not be found with the press of a key on the electronic keyboard. Readers are invited to explore these historical treats that have provided a springboard for the future.control of the estrous cycle in the female also were important. The development of AI is a remarkable story of tireless workers dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, to the replacement of fiction with facts, and the application thereof.Dairy cattle will be emphasized because AI has had the greatest genetic impact in that species. Other species overviewed include swine, horses, sheep, goats, dogs, rabbits, poultry, and endangered species.This review can only provide a taste of the important discoveries and developments associated with AI and the people most involved. A more comprehensive overview of the technical aspects of AI are available in many of the books on AI and reproduction (Walton,
