Artificial insemination technology in Chinese geese began later, but it has gradually gained importance as the waterfowl industry becomes more intensive. In a highly competitive goose market, reducing production costs—especially breeding costs—is crucial for improving economic efficiency. Artificial insemination can increase the number of breeding geese by three times, which means that 3/4 of goslings can be reduced, significantly enhancing the utilization of high-quality male geese and minimizing the spread of genital diseases during natural mating. It also improves egg fertilization rates and boosts the economic returns from goose farming.
First, the selection and training of male geese:
About 15 to 30 days before the start of fertility training, spare-breeding males and females with strong vitality and high libido are raised separately. During training, the feathers around the cloaca (approximately 5–7 cm in diameter) are trimmed. Using the massage method for sperm collection, mature and healthy male geese are trained once or twice daily for 5 to 7 days. Male geese with weak sexual reflexes, underdeveloped penises, low sperm count, or poor quality should be removed promptly during this process.
Second, the semen collection technique:
The best method for collecting goose semen is through back-to-back massage. The procedure involves: placing the left palm against the goose's back and stroking 4–5 times from the wing base to the tail. Then, the left hand gently compresses the tail root while the right thumb and index finger rhythmically massage the abdomen. The soft area behind the cloaca is massaged and squeezed gradually. When the male goose’s penis is fully erect, a slight squeeze on the back of the cloaca helps the semen flow out smoothly. The collected semen is then gathered in a spermatophore facing upward.
Third, characteristics of the semen:
Normal, uncontaminated semen appears as a milky, opaque liquid. If mixed with blood, it turns pink; if contaminated with feces, it becomes yellow-brown and is unsuitable for artificial insemination. On average, a male goose ejaculates between 0.1 and 1.38 milliliters. The volume varies depending on age, season, individual differences, and the skill of the collector. Larger and more stable volumes are preferred for breeding. Collected semen is kept in a constant temperature chamber at around 37°C or on a heated plate. Elite male goose semen is vortexed and examined under a microscope at 200–400x magnification. Sperm motility should be between 0.7 and 0.9 grades, with straight forward movement. Sperm density can reach up to 1 billion per milliliter. After dilution with 3% sodium chloride solution at a 200-fold ratio, the density is measured using a hemacytometer. Checking semen quality helps improve egg fertilization rates and allows for adjustments to enhance the overall performance of each goose species, providing a scientific basis for proper feeding and management.
Fourth, semen dilution and preservation:
Diluting semen increases the volume for insemination, supplies nutrients, reduces lactic acid damage, and extends sperm viability. Commonly used diluents include 0.9% normal saline, or 300–500 units/ml of penicillin or streptomycin. A 1:1 to 1:3 dilution ratio is typically effective, with a recommended live sperm count of 300–400 million per milliliter after dilution.
Fifth, insemination techniques:
1. Equipment: Use a 1 ml tuberculin syringe.
2. Method: The process includes five steps. First, secure the female goose. An assistant holds the wings and places her on the ground or a platform about 70 cm high. Second, gently press the lower edge of the cloaca to open it. Before insemination, trim the feathers around the vent and clean it with a saline-soaked cotton ball. The inseminator uses four fingers together to push the tail feathers aside and gently presses the cloaca to open it. Third, insert the catheter into the cloaca. Once inserted without resistance, it should be about 5–7 cm deep. Fourth, inject the semen slowly. Fifth, remove the catheter carefully and release the pressure. The cloaca should be gently retracted, and the goose placed back on the ground.
3. Timing: Best performed between 4:00 and 6:00 PM. This is because hens usually lay eggs in the morning, and many eggs in the oviduct have not yet formed hard shells. Inseminating at this time helps improve the chances of successful fertilization.
4. Frequency and dose: Goose sperm can remain viable in the oviduct for up to 10 days. It is generally recommended to inseminate once every 5–6 days, with an initial dose of 0.1 ml and increasing to 0.2 ml. This can result in over 80% fertilization rate within 5 days of egg collection.
Sixth, precautions during artificial insemination:
1. All equipment used for sperm collection and insemination must be sterilized via autoclaving. Dilutions should be sterilized in a pressure cooker at 9.80710 to 14.710 kPa for 30 minutes and cooled naturally before use.
2. Stop watering for 3–5 hours before collection to reduce fecal contamination.
3. The same person should handle the process, as different techniques and strengths can cause stress in the geese and affect semen quality. Massage should be moderate to avoid excessive stimulation leading to defecation or urine production.
4. Smoking is strictly prohibited during the process, and strong light or large temperature changes should be avoided. The time from collection to insemination should not exceed 90 minutes.
5. Ensure no air bubbles are present in the syringe, as they may cause overflow and reduce fertilization success.
6. Insert the catheter 5–7 cm into the cloaca. Too shallow may cause spillage, while too deep may lead to embryonic death.
7. Geese with reproductive tract infections should not be inseminated and should be isolated. After each use, the catheter should be wiped with an alcohol swab to prevent cross-infection.
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