After putting on an arm-length plastic glove, he is ready. Each cow he has bred has a case history which the farmers should have waiting. Record keeping is a critical part of an AI-program. Sire selection is an important, effective tool. It deserves top priority for genetic improvement.
Artificial insemination makes it possible for herd managers to economically select superior genes.
They can breed the herd and not just a cow. The decisions need to be planned in advance because the genes selected will be mixed into future generations. Farmers need to establish herd objectives and develop a mating chart. This allows them to avoid in-breeding or breeding a cow with a serious fault with a bull known to transmit that fault. This includes evaluations of matings, desired traits for the off-spring and names of sires which meet herd breeding goals.