Artificial insemination (AI) is the most important reproduction biotechnology for genetic improvement in domestic animals.
Progeny or sib testing based on AI is a prerequisite for an accurate estimation of breeding values in cattle and pigs, for production traits as well as for robustness (functional traits).

The major advantages of AI are:
- genetically excellent animals can be used often and efficiently
- control of diseases
- no transport of live animals (their semen instead)