R eproductive M anagement
Semen Handling
Pitfalls By: James Arati, Dairy Education Manager, CRI It is important to follow recommended procedures to maximize the viability of your genetic investment. Failure to follow recommended procedures for retrieving, thawing, gun loading and protecting straws until safely inside the cow results in damaged sperm membranes, cold- or heat-shocked sperm, or impaired sperm motility. Compromised semen quality results in overall reduced fertility. Review the following semen handling pitfalls to be sure you are not inadvertently compromising semen quality and fertility.
1
Improperly thawing frozen semen If using the Genex Pocket Thaw™ method, wrap the semen straw in a paper towel and thaw in a thermally protected pocket for two to three minutes. If using water to thaw the straw, ensure the water temperature in the vessel is 95-98˚F and thaw for a minimum of 45 seconds. Check the water temperature before pulling the straw of semen from the storage tank.
2
Improper removal of semen straws from storage tank Always keep the canister below the frost line when retrieving a straw of semen. Keeping an updated tank inventory will help to locate semen quickly.
3
Failure to bring insemination gun to proper temperature Cold- or heat-shock to semen results in damage to morphology and motility of sperm. Place the gun inside clothing or a paper towel to warm it before inserting the thawed semen straw.
4
Straw not properly dried after removal from warm water bath Water kills semen. Use a clean paper towel to wipe the straw completely dry before loading the gun.
5
Semen not protected from direct sunlight Avoid sperm damage from ultraviolet light by protecting it with a clean paper towel.
14
HORIZONS
©2011 CRI
6
Using a contaminated scissor or cutter It is important to use clean, stainless steel scissors to cut the straw. Wipe the scissors after every cut to remove moisture.
7
Straw not fitted correctly into sheath adaptor When fitting the straw into the adaptor of the sheath, give it a quarter turn to snap it into place. This prevents back flushing into the breeding gun during insemination. a) For the ALL-2-MATE™ O-ring gun, use the split sheath with the green insert. b) For the ALL-2-MATE™ Spiral and KombiColor guns, use the non-split sheath with the blue insert.
8
Using incorrect lubricant Only use approved non-spermicidal artificial insemination lubricants. Soaps and detergents are lethal to semen.
9
Taking too long to inseminate Semen that has been thawed should be used within 15 minutes. Semen fertility starts to decline beyond this time.
10
Fast depositing or squirting of semen in the cow Use a slow, gentle motion to depress the plunger on the inseminating gun to avoid sperm damage.