Artificial insemination in pig, its status and future perspective in India: A review

Abstract

The pig production must be sustainable, efficient and competitive to minimize its impact on environment. There is argument to keep fewer breedable animals to produce more numbers of piglets. In India, pig rearing is still done on traditional manner with low productivity. Artificial insemination (AI) is the best reproductive technology available in the current scenario for enhancing the efficiency of pig production in a sustainable way. This in pig involves, collection of semen, processing in laboratory, packaging in 80 to 90 ml semen pouch containing two to three billion spermatozoa and inseminating the sow at correct time. AI in pig is used widely in the world with the use of freshly diluted semen. The use of AI has allowed significant improvement in swine population over the world. Besides genetic improvement, it allows for better maintenance of farm record, saving farm labour and prevents disease transmission. Artificial insemination in northeast India has been introduced only recently but the response from the different stakeholders is quite favourable. In order to replicate the successes achieved in different countries, a proper understanding of the technique, its adaptability to local conditions and the regulations need to be put in place. The establishment of support services is vital to achieve success. The technology has the potential for enhancing the profitability of pig farming in sustainable way. To reap the full potential of this technology, concerted efforts are needed from all stakeholders.

Effect of artificial insemination in comparison to natural mating on the reproductive performance and profitability of smallholder pig production system in Indian Himalaya

“…The health status (Hodel et al, 2021) and frequency of use of rental boars may compromise semen quality, which would potentially reduce their reproductive efficiency (Am-in et al, 2010). It was previously reported that farmers uses the same boar for breeding purpose in a village for three to four years over few breedable sows (Kadirvel et al, 2013;Singh and Mollier, 2020). This leads to inbreeding which results in low productivity and reproductive efficiency.…”

“…The semen doses used in the present study were collected from boars (Ghungroo × Hampshire) reared at the ICAR Nagaland Centre's Pig Research Farm. Semen from boars was collected using the gloved hand method (Singh and Mollier, 2020). Semen was transported in a thermos flask to the laboratory within 15 min of collection.…”

“…After locking the catheter in the cervix, the semen pouch is attached to the catheter and the semen is allowed to flow into the cervix using gravity and gentle pressure over a 3-to 4-min period. The catheter is inserted at an angle of 30 • to the backbone (Singh and Mollier, 2020). After the complete deposition of the semen, a catheter is gently withdrawn by simultaneously twisting it in a clockwise direction.…”

“…This can be achieved through the use of improved technology in key areas such as genetics, nutrition, management, cleanliness, and reproduction. Among these areas, artificial insemination (AI) is one of the most effective approaches to improve pig productivity (Celestin et al, 2019;Singh and Mollier, 2020). Throughout the globe, AI in pigs has improved pig fertility and reproductive efficiency with a minimum risk of diseases (Knox, 2016;Singh et al, 2021a).…”

“…Throughout the globe, AI in pigs has improved pig fertility and reproductive efficiency with a minimum risk of diseases (Knox, 2016;Singh et al, 2021a). In Europe and North America, more than 90% of pigs are being bred with AI, while in India, less than 1% of pigs are being inseminated artificially (Knox, 2016;Singh and Mollier, 2020). The use of AI to improve smallholder pig production systems in rural areas was suggested earlier (Am-in et al, 2010;Visalvethaya et al, 2011;Kadirvel et al, 2013).…”