Artificial Insemination

DELIVERING GENETIC IMPROVEMENT

Rattlerow has been at the leading edge of genetic transfer through the use of AI for many years. Experience from our own AI studs and breeding units in the UK and from Rattlerow Seghers studs and farms around the world helps to ensure our customers continue to have the products and support to improve their performance.

Elite Boars
Only the very best boars from the companies own nucleus farms are selected for AI. They will have undergone extensive on-farm performance testing and across herd BLUP analysis, DNA testing and continual visual selection to ensure that only the top 3% of animals enter the stud. 

The boars are replaced at regular intervals by new superior animals predicted to improve customer performance. This ensures that genetic improvement is maintained and customers receive the most recent genetic advances.

Sire Line semen is available from four differing boar lines, enabling customers to select the most appropriate genetics for their production system and carcass specification.

Dam Line GP semen from three highly productive female lines is available for specialised breeders to operate a closed herd policy to produce prolific parent gilts on their own farms through the GENmatch programme.

Biosecurity and Health Testing
The 4 UK Rattlerow studs are situated in extremely isolated areas of low animal density to avoid disease risks. Strict biosecurity controls covering, personnel, animals, feed, bedding, and vehicle are constantly maintained. All supplying nucleus farms operate under strict health monitoring protocols. In addition, independent health checks prior to entry, in stud quarantine and weekly veterinary monitoring combined with blood tests and PCR screening for economically important diseases, ensure the highest health is maintained. This is of vital importance for customer farms and our own nucleus units.

Quality Assurance
Every ejaculate is thoroughly evaluated for morphological abnormalities, viability and motility before release. Retained samples from each boar continue to be examined daily for at least five days after collection. Rattlerow studs are independently monitored to ensure best practice is maintained and that semen is being processed consistently to maximise fertility and ensure traceability. Most Rattlerow studs are EU licensed and monitored under the BPEX AI Standard. The Standard is based on best practice principles and covers more than 70 individual standards and an annual independent audit.

Worldwide Delivery
Semen can be supplied to all parts of the UK and abroad  and can be delivered by temperature controlled courier to many areas or posted in specially developed high U-value, polyurethane boxes. The use of long life diluents ensures semen will survive for several days after arrival as indicated on the packaging.

Support
Rattlerow views training and support as a vital component of successful artificial insemination. Through its AI specialists and managers, Rattlerow is used to giving professional and practical help and advice backed up by many years of experience.

Flat pack and GTB
Semen can be supplied in a flat pack storage bag, in a gene transfer bag, (GTB) or by the AutoMate system. The GTB offers a more secure seal with reduced chance of leakage or contamination than other packs. The bag incorporating a higher grade plastic which is softer and more flexible to respond to the contractions of the sow or gilt. Its smaller size means it is also easier to handle and store when filled.