Artificial insemination in animal cultivation is a modern phenomenon gaining grounds in efforts to improve health and increase production. 

The hindrance to the success of this method is the manual and time-consuming distribution of semen across long distances, standing at risk of semen soiling.

An artificial insemination use project between Zipline and Piper Pretty Farms is liberating the scenario of transportation of semen into animal farms for swift insemination without the hassle of risking its potency.

In livestock farming, superior genetics may be identified in some animals which indicate their overall high health, performance, and easy adaptability within their environment.

This genetics contributes to enhanced survival of livestock, reproductive success, and resilience to ecological situations.

To thrive in the livestock farming business, artificial insemination has become the most viable and effective method to cross genetic and increase breeds to meet demands.

The insemination comes with a timeline; animals on heat are expected to receive the insemination within 48 hours.

The process is being threatened by slow, time-consuming and labour-intensive distribution methods where delays are recorded affecting the success of the breeding programme.

“The semen is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Yet, people drive miles to come for artificial insemination, putting the semen at risk of losing its potency. The delay raises the temperature above required, making the success rate low,” Chief Executive Officer of Piper Pretty Company Limited, Isaac Owusu Asubonteng, said.

The situation requires fast and effective distribution methods to keep the business thriving.

The launch of an artificial insemination use project in pig farming between Zipline and Piper Pretty Farms has the potential to be the new resolution to ensure animal health and a successful insemination process.

The drone delivery system guarantees an 80 to 90 per cent success rate and a delivery time of one hour.

Flight Operations Manager for Zipline Centre at Mpanya, Josephine Fianu, describes how the drone services will work in the agricultural sector.

“We receive the product weekly, store them in our warehouse and incubator, and when there’s an order, Piper Pretty gives the go-ahead. We then package the product and deliver it safely to the client,” she said.

Isaac Owusu Asubonteng says the drone services will facilitate robust progress in his livestock farming business.

“Our weekly delivery was 50 doses of semen, but with the Zipline drone delivery; we can reach all catchment areas and do 700 to 1,000 doses of delivery per week. This will have enormous economic benefits and ensure farmers get value for their product,” he said.

Fulfillment Operations Manager for Zipline Centre at Mpanya, Maame Esi Amoah says the partnership will widen the prospect of Zipline in other sectors.

“We started with health, delivering millions of medical products. How we can support the system, is now allowing us to venture into the animal space, we believe it will expand prospects in the future,” she said.