Those of you considering using AI this coming season need to plan well in advance. Getting together the straws of your choice, plus equipment and storage facilities if you want to do the job yourself takes time.

Brian Perry & I offer one day "BGS Approved AI Training Courses" and we can come to a suitable location near YOU. Four or five candidates per course is an ideal number and all share our travelling expenses making it the most economical and convenient way to train.

All the required AI equipment can be ordered and I have the American clear plastic "Slim-Line" speculums and lights in stock. These are very easy to use and less stressful for the goats being flexible and comfortable. Once inserted you can take your hand off while you organise your other items. The smaller size is ideal for goatlings and small breeds. They are also inexpensive at £9 + VAT for three.

The storage tank is the most expensive item at £350 + VAT or more. This needs liquid nitrogen and must not be allowed to burn dry or your precious straws will be lost. A contract to keep it topped up is £100 + VAT approx per year. If you cannot afford your own tank maybe a few goatkeepers in your area could share one, or your local club might be willing to have a tank for their members to use?

Ordering straws needs doing well in advance if you are to avoid expensive handling and delivery costs. COBS Ltd has the largest selection and I have a small selection that I can transfer to other tanks by request, as well as semen with export status stored at Innovis Ltd Nr Ledbury. Taking your tank to shows/meetings before the breeding season starts is the cheapest way to pick up your straws. If this is not possible a door to door van delivery will be necessary. Feasible if several inseminators are sharing the cost but expensive if you have to pay for it yourself. There are very few active inseminators offering a service as it is time consuming and demand is limited. However more goatkeepers are becoming interested due to decreasing numbers of well-bred males standing at stud and the movement restrictions in recent years. But timing is critical for success and the best person to AI your goats is YOU.

If you are interested in AI but don't want to train try to interest another goatkeeper in your area and make contact with your local goat club to check if there is already an inseminator within easy travelling distance. I can supply details of who to contact locally if required.

My standard straw price is £15 and includes many quality pedigree breeds/males many of which are winners in the show ring:- Further details available anytime (email preferred) from:- Mrs Christine Ball, Orchard Cottage, Befcote Lane, Gnosall, Staffs ST20 0EB.

info@goatgenetics.com 01785 824897 / 07903763670.

BGS Overseas Officer.

GoatsUK online group manager (all welcome by invitation).

www.goatgenetics.com