Over the past decade the use of artificial insemination has become common as producers recognize the benefits it provides. Artificial insemination can provide the use of genetically superior boars, reduce transmission of disease as well as decrease the cost of boar housing. However, there are also several management aspects that must be monitored closely in order to ensure success. Some areas that should be monitored closely involve the handling and storage of extended semen, proper insemination technique as well as accurate heat detection. For example, temperature fluctuations of extended semen can be harmful to boar sperm. Cold or heat shock can occur by removing a tube of semen from storage temperature at 17¢ªC and placing it on a window ledge, counter or penning. It is best to place extended semen into a cooler for transport to the breeding barn and only to remove enough semen for one hour of breeding so as not to fatigue the technician. It is recommended that one technician only inseminate 7-8 sows/hour. Reversal of temperature should also be avoided so as not to harm the sperm, stressing again that only the one hours worth of semen tubes be taken to the breeding barn in the cooler. Heat checking and insemination timing is very critical. In the presence of a boar, sows will express a standing heat when stimulated. This response may be exhibited up to 10-15 minutes following stimulation and not longer. Therefore it is important that the boar is not too far ahead of the technician when heat checking or inseminating. If the sow is stimulated too early, the technician will not be able to accurately detect estrus. Finally, it is not a good idea to move the sow once she has been inseminated. If she must be moved it should not occur between day 4 and 30 of gestation, as this is the period of embryo migration and implantation. Moving during this time would cause abortion or reduced litter size. These are four important management areas of artificial insemination that require specific attention, as they are critical to success.