Yes, and like SAI, TCI success depends on:

• Using good quality semen (morphology and motility)
• Getting the timing spot-on via repeat progesterone testing
• A vet who’s experienced in AI procedures

Reported canine (all breeds) success rates (depending on semen type):

• Fresh semen: 80–90% pregnancy rate
• Chilled semen: 60–80% pregnancy rate
• Frozen semen: 50–70% pregnancy rate,
• However, Greyhounds are known to have good fertility, straightforward for the insertion of the TCI catheter, and are anticipated to have higher conception rates with good AI timing.
• A study on greyhounds in the USA, using frozen semen showed an 89% whelping rate when TCI was well-timed and current GA data has a whelping rate of 80% for TCI in greyhounds.

Importantly, GA’s frozen semen standards haven’t changed — the amount needed in a breeding unit of semen is the same for TCI and SAI and are based on the internationally agreed minimum standards for dogs.

 Frozen semen

• Must have at least 100 million good-quality, moving (motile) sperm in each straw (breeding unit)
• Best if 40% or more are still moving (motility) well after thawing (70% or more is ideal)
• Where motility and sperm quality are poor, most vets recommend using doses with around 150 million sperm to give a safety margin
• When frozen and thawed, semen extenders and thawing mediums are used to enhance semen quality and longevity, particularly where semen motility and quality are poor

Chilled or fresh semen

•  Same 100 million minimum
• Chilled semen should be used within 24–48 hours
• Aim for motility of 50–75% or more

Getting the timing right with the female’s ovulation is critical for success.

The best way to track ovulation is through:

• Repeat blood progesterone tests (most accurate)
• Vaginal swabs (cytology)
• Vaginal examination (vaginoscopy)

Timing is similar to what was used for surgical AI:

• Frozen semen: inseminate 5–6 days after the LH surge
• Fresh or chilled: inseminate 4–5 days after LH surge

Ask your vet about timing based on progesterone trends. It is important to know that different progesterone machines may produce different results, so your vet’s early involvement is important to get the timing right.

Once is enough, as long as the timing is right and semen quality is good.

Repeated procedures can irritate the uterus, leading to inflammation which might lower the chance of pregnancy.

Yes — greyhounds are generally very relaxed during the procedure, especially when done at the right time.

• Most don’t need sedation
• If a dog is anxious or uncooperative, vets might use a mild sedative, but this is not common
• Some vets will request having the owner there to help calm the dog

That’s normal and not a sign of failure — it happens with SAI too. Some leakage at the cervix is expected — it doesn’t mean the procedure didn’t work.

It takes practice, but most greyhound AI vets are already trained or in the process of doing advanced training. The AVA has helped run workshops and training courses.

GA has facilitated an on-line workshop for all breeding vets with two registered breeding specialists to present best-practice guidelines for TCI to vets and facilitate a Question-and-Answer session.

Greyhounds are one of the easiest breeds to perform TCI on because of their anatomy and temperament.

GA recommends that you:

1. Check in with your frozen semen storage facility & DNA test your new breeding females early
2. Start using TCI now if possible — don’t wait until Jan 2026
3. Use progesterone testing to get the timing right
4. Ask your vet about their experience with TCI or training opportunities
5. Talk to your vet, your local Controlling Body or GA if you have questions