24th- 26th September – DIY AI course
APHA approved DIY Artificial Insemination (AI) Course
Why choose this course?
If you would like to learn how to safely and successfully artificially inseminate cows this course is for you. Shepton Vets have run many AI courses over the years training delegates of all ages and backgrounds.
We use a combination of classroom theory and on farm practical sessions during this 3-day course. We have a training cow that is unique to Shepton Vets AI courses that will help you learn this new skill.
Completion of this course leads to a licenced AI certificate. We offer a follow up visit to your farm after the course to support progression
AI refresher courses are available on request
Refresher courses are for those who have done a full AI course and hold an AI certificate. We regularly run these on a one-to-one basis on farm. These sessions are designed for those wanting to improve their confidence with AI or for those that haven’t inseminated cows recently. Perhaps you are just about to start serving and want to maximise your chances of generating as many pregnancies as possible.
We are often able to suggest some fine tuning to semen handling or gun placement that can improve AI results. Contact the office to find out more.
Key learning objectives:
- Understand and be able to perform best practice semen handling and safe AI technique
Course Topics Covered:
- The regulations and welfare considerations relating to artificial insemination in the UK
- Anatomy of the cow’s reproductive tract, oestrus detection, fertility management and correct timing of AI
- The theory of correct semen handling and AI technique
- Practical session using abattoir specimens on anatomy and AI gun placement
- Practical session using our model, training cow on anatomy and AI gun placement
- Progressing to practical sessions using live cows to safely practice AI gun placement and insemination technique
Course Agenda:
Day 1
A classroom session that begins by covering the legislation relating to AI, the anatomy of the female cow’s reproductive tract, how and when to AI cows, fertility management to maximise the chances of successful pregnancies, how to thaw semen and load an AI guns. This session is interactive, and we use lots of visual aids to aid understanding and make this training memorable.
A practical session follows using abattoir specimens to reinforce what was discussed in the theory session.
The training cow replicates the anatomy and feel of a real cow. She is used to give experience of passing an AI gun through the cervix before moving onto real cows during day 2 and 3.
Day 2
This day is spent on farm with lots of cows to practice on. The purpose is this day is to give you as much practice as possible at safely passing AI guns through cow’s cervixes. Our vets will support you to optimise gun position inside of the cow.
Day 3
This day is spent on farm with more cows to practice on. The purpose of this day is to consolidate skills picked up on day 1 and 2 and continue practicing on live cows. There will be an informal assessment at the end where you will AI cows with lube and we will ultrasound scan the cows to confirm positioning.
Follow up session
This will be offered 6- 8 weeks after your course if you live within an hour of Shepton Mallet. This session is used to check progression, if you have had any difficulties these can be discussed and acted on as necessary.
Charlie, Anna and Rosie are experienced AI trainers
Our AI courses are Vet led. Supported by industry AI professional organisations for the delivery of practical elements with real cows on days 2 and 3.
Charlie typically delivers our classroom based sessions on day 1, with the help of our simulator. Rosie and Anna then take delegates through the on farm practical sessions of days 2 and 3 with real cows in a real life environment to build confidence of the classroom learnings and apply those skills practically with real cows
Course Duration:
3 Days
Course Format (e.g. in-person, online, hybrid):
In person
Course Materials Provided:
Course booklet provided on Day 1
Course location:
Day 1: Shepton Vets training room, Shepton Vets Shepton Veterinary Group Limited, Allyn Saxon Drive Shepton Mallet BA4 5QH
Day 2 and 3: We aim to use farms within a 20-minute drive of Shepton Mallet.
Prerequisites:
Delegates must be 16 or over to attend this course. We limit places to 6 on this course. Booking early is recommended
To bring
On day 2 and 3 bring a clean pair of wellies, waterproof trousers, and a parlour top and Lunch.
Is lunch included?
Only on day 1. Please contact the farm office if you have any special dietary requirements.
Cost/Fees:
£550 + VAT per person A £100 deposit will be payable upon booking. The balance will be due 2 days before the course start date.
Payment options:
You will be contacted following your reservation to complete your booking form and payment.
Cancellation policies:
Please note: Due to the need to notify APHA in advance of the course any cancellations must be made up 14 working days in advance to receive a full refund. Please contact the office if you need to cancel. Further details are outlined in the booking form. Shepton Vets reserve the right to cancel a course if the minimum delegates number is not reached.
Enrolment Process:
- Complete online reservation form
- Await contact from our office team or call them directly in order to complete deposit payment.
- Two days prior to course date, receive advanced course materials
If you have any questions, please email training@sheptonvets.com or call 01749 341 761
“Great learning experience, amazing instructors, and great facilities”
“An informative course, very good at boosting confidence”
