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Breeding technicians use liquid nitrogen to store straws of semen for insemination.

Breeding technician

A breeding technician is responsible for the successful breeding programme of cows within a dairy herd to high welfare standards and to ensure a sustainable farm business.

Also known as artificial insemination (AI) technician.

Breeding technicians use liquid nitrogen to store straws of semen for insemination.

This profile highlights the skills and knowledge associated with the role. However, jobs will have varying responsibilities depending on level of the role and the size or type of the business.

Cow health and wellbeing are priorities on a dairy farm, as poor health can lead to a range of illnesses and problems, such as poor fertility.

Some health problems can be caused by external factors, such as pathogens, which cause disease, whereas others are passed down through genes. Therefore, many dairy farms in the UK now use artificial insemination (AI) for their dairy cows as it provides the farmer access to the best bull genetics, such as good health traits, fertility, milk production, and behaviour.

As a breeding technician, you would need to have good experience working with cattle. You will be fully trained in how to safely inseminate cows using straws of semen collected from the selected bull.

AI bulls are also carefully monitored for any genetic issue that may be passed down to their offspring. Selecting bulls that are well-behaved or those that have not developed horns can also provide improved safety to those who work closely with the livestock.

When a cow is at her most fertile, she will show specific signs of behaviour known as ‘heat.’ This is when she is most likely to conceive. As a breeding technician, you would be responsible for monitoring the dairy herd, identifying any signs of heat, and ensuring the safe handling and thawing of semen straws that have been stored in liquid nitrogen.

Other livestock, such as sheep, pigs, or cattle that are raised for meat, can also be artificially inseminated.

You’ll be part of a team, working with the farm manager, owner, vets, and nutritionists to achieve the best results. Good communication skills are essential to identify any issues and relay data.

There are opportunities to work on one specific farm, especially if the herd is large, or you could also choose to work for a cattle genetics business where you would visit different farms. For this role, you will need to have a full driver’s licence, although a work vehicle is usually provided.

As a breeding technician, your responsibilities might include:

Monitoring individual cow breeding cycles and recording observations
Identifying appropriate timing for AI by correctly identifying peak fertility times
Utilising traditional chalk and technology heat monitoring systems for identifying heat in cows
Being responsible for the fertility data of all cows and preparing reports where required
Carrying out the AI process in a quick and accurate manner while maintaining the welfare of livestock
Working with due care and attention around livestock at all times
Keeping up-to-date and accurate records of all cows that have been inseminated
Reporting any issues relating to health and safety and animal health and welfare to the farm management team
Working closely with the farm management team to develop and oversee the livestock breeding plan and make recommendations
Safely handling all AI equipment and materials
Following farm protocols for health and safety to always ensure the wellbeing of yourself and others
Following farm protocols for animal health and wellbeing and environmental protection at all times

To work as a breeding technician, you should be:

Able to work effectively in a calm manner
Able to work under own initiative
Highly organised and able to overcome challenges
Able to listen well and communicate effectively
Able to react quickly and effectively to situations
Able to identify opportunities and make recommendations
Have good attention to detail and be able to spot issues

To become a breeding technician, you do not necessarily require a degree or other animal science or agriculture qualification. However, you will require previous experience working with cattle and a good understanding of cattle health, welfare, and production.

You must also be fully trained in the AI of livestock. You may be offered training by your employer, or you could consider doing a course (usually three days) with a local training provider or veterinary practice that specialises in livestock.

You could also consider a relevant apprenticeship where you could develop knowledge and skills in livestock health.

As a breeding technician, you’ll have the following competencies in relation to taking responsibility for the successful breeding of livestock through effective AI techniques. You will:

Utilise technology to enhance the business and production
Support the management of the business to ensure financial sustainability
Support the management to control the quality of farm production
Always promote good welfare and environmental practice
Ensure regulations for health and safety, and good physical and emotional wellbeing are maintained throughout the business
Support the management of livestock production through knowledge and skills which ensure the successful breeding of livestock

Salaries are in the region of £25,000 to £30,000 for fully trained applicants, with higher salaries available depending on experience and location.

As a breeding technician, you may choose to gain further experience in your role by working for a genetics business where you would provide AI services across many farms. This role would particularly suit someone who enjoys building customer relationships with different farmers.

You could also explore other roles on the farm, such as senior herdsperson or herd manager. However, if you enjoy the scientific nature of livestock breeding, there are many opportunities within businesses that specialise in livestock genetics, such as roles within sales, lab services, and genomic testing. Some of these roles may require a specific qualification.