Laparoscopic insemination involves the penetration of the abdominal cavity and deposition of semen directly into the uterus of a ewe in oestrous. In addition, gas is inserted into the abdominal cavity through a second abdominal penetration to assist insemination.

Laparoscopic insemination is carried out by stud breeders with the main aims of breeding stud rams and improving the genetic merit of progeny.

The RSPCA believes that where laparoscopic insemination is conducted, adequate anaesthesia, pre- and post-operative analgesia must be provided. Laparoscopic insemination must not be conducted routinely on the same ewe. Synchronisation of oestrous of ewes which are to be inseminated must be under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon.