Agricultural Careers

Artificial Inseminator

By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Anna Burgess

Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office

Georgia Department of Education

June 2005

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What does an Artificial Inseminator do?

•Upkeep and maintenance of equipment

•Maintain the general health of the animal while in ones care

•Heat synchronize the animals if AIing more than one

•Take records of tasks performed

•Check to be sure ones job is done correctly and repeat if necessary

•Stay up to date on the bloodlines and semen available

What kind of qualities and skills are needed?

Animal breeding technicians need to be able to organize their time efficiently and concentrate for long periods of time.

Despite the environment of their work, these professionals need to keep a clean and tidy appearance, and be able to relate well to the farmers that they work with.

Educational requirements that might be important include an ability to work with computers and good handwriting and written communication for keeping records.

AI technicians also need to know about livestock anatomy in order to carry out their duties.

What is my salary?

On average, an artificial insemination technician with experience can earn around $40 per hour; however, experienced animal breeding technicians can earn around $50 to $80 per hour. But, they do not usually put in 40 hours a week.

What are the conditions of the work environment?

•Most work will be done outdoors in a barn

•Few technicians work in laboratory settings

•Hours per week vary depending on the number of clients one has.

•Most work will be done in the early morning or late evening

•Will work with foul odors

How can I become an Artificial Inseminator?

•Many A.I. organizations offer internships to provide an individual with the opportunity to experience the industry before committing to a specific career. Most are offered during the summer and some during the school year.

•An internship can involve any phase of the organization

•Internships provide the individual a very valuable background for potential employment within the AI industry.

•One should also subscribe to semen magazines to learn about the bloodlines available.

•High school classes in farm animal production/reproduction will also be beneficial.