Many pork producers are told that reproductive performance will be enhanced when multiparous sows are
inseminated by the intra-uterine procedure. However, many questions about intra-uterine inseminating procedures,
reproductive performance and economic aspects have not been answered with an abundance of scientific data. The
purpose of this manuscript is to discuss pros, cons, results of available research data, and economical aspects
relating to intra-uterine insemination. It was found that some of the claims stated as advantages for the intra-uterine insemination procedure are: (1) less back-flow will occur during and after insemination, (2) fewer sperm cells per dose are needed, (3) a smaller volume of semen is needed, (4) less time is needed to infuse semen after placing the catheter into the uterine body, (5) paternal genetic cost will be lower per dose because less sperm cells are inseminated, and (6) as a result of less sperm cells per dose fewer boars will be needed to produce superior semen. Some of the disadvantages for implementing the use of intra-uterine insemination are: (a) cost
per insemination catheter is increased, (b) time has to be spent to train people on how to effectively use the new
style of catheter, (c) the catheter is not recommended for use with gilts and some Parity 1 females, (d) it takes more
time to carefully insert the catheter, (e) there is an increase in risk of injuring the cervix and uterine body, and (f) a
higher level of catheter sanitation is required because the inner cannula is placed into the uterine body.