Artificial insemination is commonly used instead of natural mating because natural mating is physically stressful on animals, and is more likely to cause accidents and/or injury to either the male or female. As well, artificial insemination is not a painful procedure for animals. Artificial insemination allows the ability to use superior genes, controls venereal diseases, and results in healthy offspring (enhanced carcass value, improved weaning performance, more productive replacement heifers). Benefits also include increased potential for genetic selection, increased safety for animals and farmers, and reduced risk of disease transmission.
Collected semen from males can be diluted and extended using extending powder mixed with water to create hundreds of doses from a single ejaculate. Whereas, with natural mating, there is one ejaculate per female. Thus artificial insemination is a more efficient process and prevents overuse and fatigue in males.