Collecting and Handling Semen 4-H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary Medicine 

Objectives Describe methods for semen collection List the steps for handling semen for freezing

Purpose Evaluation Evaluate breeding soundness Breed artificially Increases economic rewards Evaluate breeding soundness Breed artificially Storage Increase bred animals Reduce disease transmission

Semen Collection Species dependent Types Keep warm Avoid light Artificial vagina (AV) Electroejaculator Palpation of accessory glands Keep warm Avoid light

AV Rigid tubular structure Jacket Tube on end Ideal Filled with water Good sperm quality

Electroejaculator Sends electrical impulses Inserted rectally Lower sperm quality Poor libido males

Palpation Seminal vesecles Epididymis Ampulla Vesicular glands Prostate gland Cowper’s glands

Bull and Ram Collect with Mount Electroejaculator AV Palpation Castrated animal Cow/ewe Dummy

Stallions Collect with AV Condoms Mount Mare Dummy (most common)

Boar Collect with AV (modified) Gloved hand technique (most common) Electroejaculation (anesthetize)

Dogs and Cats Dogs Manual collection Cats AV collection

Semen Evaluation Macroscopically Microscopically Grossly Color Volume Creamy, white or gray Volume Depends on age and species Consistency Concentration Microscopically Sperm motility Forward motion Morphology

Macroscopic evaluation Motility Morphology Normal sperm composed of a head, mid-piece, and tail

Abnormalities in Semen May swim in circles or in place Conformational problems Primary defects Originate in testicles more serious Secondary defects Acquired as sperm pass through the tubules and ducts of repro system also by poor handling Large number of either type may result in decreased fertility

Extending Diluted for insemination or for storage Only highest quality of pure substances of various compounds should be used Increases the number of females to be bred with single ejaculate Provides energy source and protection Extenders include egg yolk phosphates, egg yolk-citrate, tris, homogenized milk, or cream and if frozen for long term glycerol Sometimes antibiotics are includes to prevent contamination of sperm

Storing Cool slowly Stored -130oC prevents crystal formation Prevent cold shock Preserve viability Stored -130oC prevents crystal formation Accomplished by liquid nitrogen process called cyrostorage Various methods Straws

Storing Divided in ½ or 1 ml fractions 20 million cells per straw Labeled and placed into canes in canisters within liquid nitrogen tank Canisters are numbered for records

Thawing Quickly Warm water 10-30 seconds Ice water Few minutes