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258. Artificial insemination (AI) was developed in the 1930s and the vast majority of dairy herds are now served using this procedure.
259. In order to carry out commercial AI in cattle, non-veterinarians are required to be trained and assessed as competent in the technique and operate under the general direction of the veterinary surgeon specified in the supply licence. Those that are employed in any commercial operation must be full-time employees of the holder of a supply licence. Furthermore, the Artificial Insemination of Cattle (Animal Health) (England and Wales) Regulations 1985 require farmers carrying out AI solely on their own cattle to have regularly carried out the procedure prior to 1977, or have completed a recognised course of training under the direction of a veterinary surgeon.
260. There should be no relaxation of the requirement that non-veterinarians seeking to carry out insemination of cattle should have reached a high level of competence. Government officials are presently examining the existing controls and we urge them to consider fully the welfare implications.
261. Cows held for insemination in unfamiliar surroundings for a number of hours, in an area which is often sited away from the remainder of the herd, are likely to be stressed. From a welfare point of view, it is better for a cow to be kept in familiar surroundings until time of insemination. She can then be moved into an appropriate stall and inseminated immediately.
262. There should be no relaxation of the current controls over AI in cattle and all relevant staff must be competent and properly trained in the procedure. Levels of competence should be maintained and retraining may be required.