What is artificial insemination? Give its uses.

Artificial insemination (AI) is the process of collecting sperm cells from a male animal and manually depositing them into the reproductive tract of a female. Artificial insemination is commonly used instead of natural mating in many species of animals because of the many benefits it helps in.

● the ability to use sires of superior genetic merit (the best bulls of the breed);

● improving production traits in cattle operation;

● the ability to mate specific sire to individual cows;

● reducing the number of herd bulls needed in cattle operation;

● increased genetics for replacement heifers; and

● when combined with estrous synchronization, a shorter calving season can be achieved, resulting in a more consistent, uniform calf crop.