SPACE innovation: Eye Breed

The Eye Breed device allows the operator to inseminate cows without rectal palpation. The technology has a few benefits, compared to the traditional way of artificial insemination. First, less training is required to master it. Secondly, it is much more labour-friendly for the user. Rectal palpation requires a lot of effort and specific skills. Eye Breed does not result in better reproduction and does not save time, explains Benjamin Ferniot, business developer of Axce, the enterprise that developed the technique. However, the benefits include welfare of the cow and operator and it is an easier method to learn.

The Eye Breed was one of the biggest innovations at the SPACE 2019 exhibition last week in Rennes, France. Photo: Henk Riswick

Insemination using Eye Breed is a five step procedure.

1. Visualise the cervix with help from the camera on the frontside of the device. The image will show up in real time to the operators phone.

2. The cervix will be prepared for insemination by suction to establish permanent contact. A vacuum pump creates a link between the the device and the cervix.

3. As soon as the contact has been made, the operator can align the cervix rings to allow the stainless catheter to reach the uterine body and deposit the semen

4. The insemination is now connected and the process can be recorded, analyzed and monitored live.

5. By using a sanitary sheath the operator can secure the sanitary circumstances. The stainless steel catheter is therefore protected until it is inserted into the cervix.

French farmers can rent the Eye Breed from Axce. Users outside France can buy it. The estimated price of the device is around € 2.500. French farmers can connect the device with their management program.