Cubrición

Cubrición is the term used in animal breeding to describe the process of impregnating a female by a male. It derives from cubrir, to cover, and is used primarily in Spanish-speaking contexts to refer to breeding activities in livestock management. The concept encompasses both natural service (cubrición natural) and artificial insemination (inseminación artificial). In natural cubrición, a male mates with the female, and conception depends on factors such as the timing of estrus, male fertility, and the female’s reproductive status. In artificial insemination, semen is collected, processed, stored, and deposited into the female’s reproductive tract by a veterinarian or trained technician. AI offers advantages such as greater genetic selection, improved biosecurity, reduced need to maintain multiple breeding males, and greater flexibility in timing.

Practically, cubrición is used across species including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and pigs. Successful programs rely on heat detection, breeding soundness examinations, and careful record-keeping of matings, pregnancies, and offspring. Semen can be fresh, cooled, or frozen, and artificial insemination often enables synchronization of ovulation to increase conception rates.

Ethical and welfare considerations apply, including minimizing stress and injury and complying with veterinary and regulatory requirements for handling animals and transporting semen. Historically, cubrición has driven genetic improvement in many livestock sectors, especially with the adoption of artificial insemination in the 20th century.

See also: Reproduction in animals; Artificial insemination; Livestock breeding.