Artificial Insemination in the Boer Goat

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Article from ABGA magazine "The Boer Goat" - Jan/Feb 2001

By Dr. Stuart Southwell, B.V.SC. - M.R.C.V.S.
Premier Genetics NZ Ltd. - Drury, New Zealand

The best way to spread elite genetic material throughout a population is by AI. Semen can be collected from top sires, frozen, then transported throughout the world, where it can influence large populations.

The Boer goat industry is essentially in its infancy, but when top sires are able to be identified, their genetics can be spread effectively by AI. I believe the Boer goat industry will use AI as a technique for spreading genetics more in the future, whereas it is now more dependent on embryo transfer.

Some Important Facts About AI

  1. Obtain frozen semen from a reputable source. - There is large variability in the number of live sperm obtained upon thawing. Have yor frozen semen checked.
  2. Rules of Probability.
    (a) If using fresh semen, good results can be achieved with cervical insemination. Best results are from natural heats, followed closely by synchronized heats. What you should expect to achieve - 65% pregnancy rate.
    (b) Frozen semen should only be used for laproscopic insemination. Cervical inseminations are too variable. However, some operators do achieve good results off natural heats. From a practical point of view, if you are going to use frozen semen, then synchronize your does and inseminate laproscopically. anticipated pregnancy rate - 60%.
  3. When to Inseminate - Inseminate approximately 12 hours after the first sign of oestrous. If the does are in season in the morning, inseminate in the evening. In season in the evening, inseminate the following morning.
  4. Doe Management - Female goats must be prepared carefully prior to insemination. Does must be run together at least six months prior to programming. If they have kids at foot, these must be weaned two months before insemination. DO NOT mix groups of does just prior to programming, as it won't work. Two weeks before the commencement of the program, teaser bucks should be run with the does. This will stimulate oestrous and hence begin the reproductive mechanism. At the onset of the program does need to be nutritionally "flushed." This continues through to insemination and is maintained until 40 days past insemination. The doe will be gaining weight over this period and will have greater pregnancy rates by doing this than is she had not been flushed.

A Typical AL Program Would be as Follows:

The use of P.M.S.G. is debatable. Out of season situations do require the use of P.M.S.G. Dose rates are 150 I.U. to 400 I.U per goat. This is normally given at CIDR Out. In-season situation - I don't recommend the use of P.M.S.G. as I feel it reduces the pregnancy rate. Good management will give good results.

    About the Author

No one individual has contributed more to the development of the international Boer goat industry than Dr. Stuart Southwell of Premier Genetics N.Z. Ltd in Drury, New Zealand. He is widely known and respected for pi9oneering many of the embryo transfer techniques and program protocols that  are being employed by veterinarians and goat producers in many different countries of the world, and has willingly shared his knowledge and experience with those who have sought his advice and counsel. In addition to sharing his surgical techniques with other of his fellow veterinarians, Dr. Southwell has, himself, performed embryo recovery, splitting , and transfer on many thousands of Boer goats.

Dr. Stuart Southwell can be contacted at

Premier Genetics, NZ Ltd.
Ingram Road, RD 3
 Druary, NZ
 Phone 0-9 236-0616