Insemination Techniques The rectovaginal technique of artificial insemination in cattle is one of the most widely used methods. Excess fecal matter can be removed by a series of gentle raking motions of the inserted hand. Then vulva is wiped clean and dried with an absorbent paper towel to prevent contamination. If rectal constrictions persist, press down with palm of the hand and massage back and forth on the floor of the pelvic cavity. This also help to locate the cervix, which has been described as feeling like a turkey neck. The insemination gun should be held at 30 degree angle with the end containing the semen uppermost when entering the reproductive tract; this is necessary to prevent the gun from entering the suburethral diverticulum or urethra, which is located on the floor of the vagina a short way inside the opening of vulva. The gun is forward along the roof of the vagina and at the same time the cervix is pushed forward to straighten out any vaginal folds which might otherwise be encountered with the tip of gun. The cervical os or opening is usually in the center of the cervix, but one may have to probe very lightly with the gun tip until the opening is found. External os can be feel with the left hand thumb and introduced the gun tip through this external os. Having gone through the cervical rings, the gun will slip forward with little resistance. When this happens, the tip of the gun will be in the uterine body, or perhaps may have slipped even further into uterine horn. One will be able to feel the tip since the uterine wall is quite horn. Be sure the gun tip is in the body of uterus. Slowly deposit the semen, taking at least 5 seconds to push the plunger in. Depositing semen slowly helps get the maximum distribution of semen. Bend the sheath and straw as one remove it from insemination gun. Record the bull identity, collection code, date of breeding and registration number. Keep all equipment clean by washing and wipe down prior to use.