The University of Jordan
Reproduction and Artificial Insemination
Faculty of Agriculture
(602451) (3 credit hrs)
Dept. of Animal Production
Prerequisite: Dairy production (602315)
Lecturer: Prof. Mufeed Alnimer
E-mail:- amufeed@ju.edu.jo
COURSE DESCRIPTION:To learn the latest developments and methods that control estrus and ovulation in cattle and sheep. To develop
the necessary skills required for improving the method of freezing of cattle and sheep semen. Provide students
with the opportunity to learn recent developments in techniques of artificial insemination in cattle and sheep.
Week
Subject
1&2
INTRODUCTION
LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT THROUGH REPRODUCTION AND ARTIFICIAL
INSEMINATION
 Genetic improvement of cattle
 The role of Artificial Insemination
 Advantages of Artificial Insemination.
3
THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF THE COW
 Origin and development
 The ovaries
 Tubular genitalia
4
THE ESTROUS CYCLE
 Hormones the regulate estrous cycle
 Puberty and first estrus
 Periods of estrous cycle
 Ovarian and tubular changes
 Artificial Control of estrous cycle
5
OVULATION AND FERTILIZATION
 Ovigenesis
 Ovulation
 Fertilization
 In vitro fertilization
 Superovulation and embryo transfer
6
GESTATION
 Preparation of the reproductive tract
 Changes in the uterus
 The hormones in pregnancy
 Diagnosis of pregnancy
7
PARTURITION
 Initiation of parturition
1
 Signs of approaching parturition
 Normal and abnormal presentation of the fetus
 Stages of parturition.
8
THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT OF THE BULL
 The scrotum
 The testes
 The duct system
 The accessory sex organs
 The penis
9
THE FORMATION AND EJACULATION OF SPERMATOZOA
 Spermatogenesis
 Spermiogenesis
 Endocrine control of spermatogenesis
 Transport of spermatozoa in the ducts
 Ejaculation
10
SEMEN AND ITS COMPONENTS
 Semen formation
 Composition of sperm cell
 Morphology of spermatozoa
11
PHYSIOLOGY OF SPERMATOZOA IN THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT
 Site of semen deposition
 Transport of spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract.
 Interaction between semen and the female reproductive tract.
12
SEMEN COLLECTION AND EVALUATION
 Methods of semen collection
 Gross examination semen
 Semen quality
 Morphology of sperm cells
 Concentration of sperm cells
 Motility of spermatozoa
 Staining of live and dead spermatozoa
13
EXTENDERS AND EXTENSION OF SEMEN
 Principles of sperm preservation
 Extenders for refrigerated semen
 Extenders for storage at ambient temperature.
 Extension procedures and rates
14
FREEZING SPERMATOZOA
2
 Aspects of freezing and thawing
 Extenders for freezing
 Variation in semen quality
15
INSEMINATION OF THE COW
 Techniques of insemination
 Site of insemination
 Optimum time for insemination
16
CONCEPTION RATE AND FACTORS AFFECTING IT:
 Sterility and reduced fertility
 Measures of reproductive efficiency
 Physiological causes of reduced fertility
COURSE OUTCOMES
The practical portion or the course will allow students to develop the technical skills necessary to implement a
successful Artificial Insemination program on their farm or ranch. Students should come out familiar with the
basic principles and practices in the control of estrus and ovulation, handling and evaluation of semen quality,
recent development in techniques of artificial insemination in cattle and sheep and how to prepare males and
females for an artificial insemination program. Students will also learn methods of semen collection, dilution,
cooling and freezing.
CLASS PARTICIPATION
Students are expected to attend classes on time, and fully participate in class work and discussions. Your
attendance is crucial, as each class builds upon the previous class session. Actual participation in class work is
a very important part of your learning experience in this course, so you are expected to come and to be
prepared to do the work, ask questions, and fully engage with the course.
EXAMS AND GRADES
Exam
Grade
Midterm-Exam
20
Lab and report
20
Participation
10
Final Exam
50
Day
Date
REFERENCES
Textbook :
Joe Bearden, H and Fuquay, J.W. Applied Animal Reproduction. Fourth Edition. Asimon and
Schuster Company. New Jersey. 2004.
Additional References:
 Barth, A.D and OKO, R. J. Abnormal Morphology of Bovine Spermatozoa Insemination First
Edition. Iowa State University. 1989.
 Hafez, B and Hafez, E.S.E. Reproduction in Farm Animals. 7th Edition. Lea and Febiger,
Phyladelphia. 2000.
 Senger PL. Pathways to pregnancy and parturition. 1st edition. Pullman, WA: Current Conceptions, Inc.;
2003.
 Ball PJH, and Peters AR. Reproduction in Cattle. Third Edition. Blackwell Publishing; 2004.
3