Semen is most often collected using an artificial vagina (AV). It’s stored in liquid nitrogen, thawed and then inserted into the cow’s uterus using a guided AI pipette for insemination.

The AI process is completed by technicians that have completed detailed training and practice.¹

When collecting semen from bulls for artificial insemination, the most common method involves an artificial vagina (AV). A teaser animal or dummy helps get the bull ready, and when he mounts, a technician gently guides him into the AV, which mimics natural conditions to stimulate ejaculation.¹ The semen is then collected in a tube.

If a bull can't mount, electroejaculation can be used to collect semen. This method involves placing a probe in the bull’s rectum, which sends mild pulses to stimulate ejaculation. This is typically a last resort for semen collection.²

An AI tank contains liquid nitrogen that stores the frozen semen tubes or straws. Straws are removed from the tank and thawed in a water bath at 35-37 degrees.³ Once thawed, the technician dries it and loads it into an insemination pipette. 

The technician first cleans the vulva, then places an arm into the cow's rectum to locate and hold the cervix. Next, the AI pipette is inserted and the technician carefully passes the tip of the pipette through the cervix. Once in position, the semen is released into the uterus by pressing the plunger.³

To find out more about why artificial insemination is used in dairy, read here.

References

1. ReproLogix, 2025. Artificial Insemination. [online] Available at: https://reprologix.com/services/bovine-division/artificial-insemination/ [Accessed 17 June 2025].
2. FutureBeef, 2025. Artificial Breeding of Beef Cattle. [online] Available at: https://futurebeef.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Artificial_breeding_of_beef_cattle.pdf [Accessed 17 June 2025].
3. Repro360, 2025. Inseminates a Cow. [online] Available at: https://www.repro360.com.au/inseminates-a-cow [Accessed 17 June 2025].