Boar Semen History

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 pigs. 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 in which the impact on genetic improvement and control of venereal diseases have been greatest. Other species briefly included are cattle, 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.