Artificial Insemination Technician

Position Overview

Artificial insemination technicians help to breed various types of animals. They will inseminate the animal to help with impregnation, often done using carefully selected animal lines for optimum performance of future generations. As such, artificial insemination technicians are required to carefully watch and understand the ovulation cycle of female livestock. This way they can inseminate the animal at the most appropriate time to ensure the best chance of impregnation. The semen used for insemination is stored in straws submerged in liquid nitrogen. The technician handles these straws, allowing them to thaw, and then inseminating the animal with accuracy and speed to increase the chance of pregnancy. They need to ensure all equipment is maintained and cleaned properly. Artificial insemination technicians should be organised, as they handle all insemination records and provide advice to breeders based on history and industry trends. They may work with cattle, horses, pigs, and sheep.

Artificial Insemination Technician Duties

• Artificially inseminate livestock for breeding purposes
• Use understanding of animal anatomy to watch for optimum insemination conditions
• Provide advice to farmers and breeders on breeding selection and techniques
• Record all insemination history
• Clean all equipment to ensure sanitary breeding practices
• Work closely with clients to understand their specific livestock needs
• Promote current products to clients
• Vaccinate animals when needed
• Handle animals humanely
• Spend a significant amount of time travelling to different farms for consultation and insemination
• Store and travel with semen to perform the insemination
• Follows proper safety protocols when handling hazardous materials, such as liquid nitrogen

Typical Employers

• Beef, swine, or dairy associations
• Self-employed
• Large animal veterinarians
• Universities (for research purposes)

Required Education and Training

Artificial insemination technicians are required to be certified in artificial insemination. They are also encouraged to pursue a bachelor's degree in animal science or biology; however, this is not required. Some artificial insemination technicians also go through for a veterinary technician license. Overall, they need to have a thorough understanding of animal anatomy and reproduction.

Key Skills and Qualities

• Highly organised
• Good communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Manual dexterity
• Excellent record keeping skills
• Genuine interest in livestock / animal breeding
• Ability to problem solve
• Values precision
• Understand existing artificial insemination techniques

Average Salary

The average salary of an artificial insemination technician is £30,000. Their salary can raise to be about £50,000 if they have several years of experience and a high success rate.