Q&A FAQ on Freezing Semen
Q What paperwork will I need to bring?
A You will need to have copies of your dog's AKC registration, all owner information, and DNA number, if the DNA test has already been performed.A negative brucellosis test performed within the last 6 months. DNA and brucellosis testing can be performed during your visit. Front and sides pictures of your dog. If your stud is not a AKC registered breed, check with your breed's registry to inquire on any requirements for frozen semen breedings.
Q Does your semen bank own semen of different breeds?
A We DO NOT own or sell semen of different breeds ourselves, but only store semen for the owners of the stud dogs.
Q What additional tests will be run?
A A DNA test will need to be performed if not already done, and a brucellosis test if not done within 6 months. If abnormalities are found, bacterial cultures or additional health tests may be recommended. If you might consider shipping semen to a foreign country, check to see what requirements pertain to that country. Many countries require additional blood tests to be sent to state or government labs.
Q What age is best to collect my stud dog?
A While older dogs can still be collected and stored, a younger stud's sperm is more resilient and survives the freezing process better. The best age has been found to be between the ages of 2 and 6 years old.
Q What if my dog has never been collected, or has not been used for an extended time?
A It is helpful to have a female in heat present (teaser). Some dogs may take more than one attempt for a collection, but this is rare.If your stud has not been used for several months we recommend he be collected then wait 2 weeks before obtaining the "keeper" sample. Likewise, if a dog has been very active as a stud it may be wise to rest him for a week or so to obtain the best sample. The importance of these factors will vary greatly from dog to dog.
Q How long will the process take?
A The collection process will usually last 30 minutes or less, at which point the owner can leave. However, the analysis and freezing procedure will take us several hours. Please have the proper paper documentation ready upon request. Having a "teaser" female (in heat) usually will be helpful to interest the male and increase libido.
Q How many breedings will I be able to get from each collection?
A This will vary from dog to dog and collection to collection. A normal dog's sperm count is from 300 million up to 1 billion. Each collection will be somewhat different. Other factors critical in determining the number of breeding units will be 1% normal sperm 2% motile sperm 3% motile sperm on test thaw after freezing. All of these factors will be considered to determine the proper number of breeding units. Remember, splitting into a higher number of breeding units should only be performed if the proper number of normal, active sperm permit it. Smaller breeds can present a challenge due to the lower sperm counts.
Q What if my dog's sample is not suitable for freezing?
A A semen analysis will be done before you leave.In the event that we determine a semen sample is less than optimal, we will discuss our findings and make a plan to increase the quality of your dog’s semen. There are many factor’s affecting semen quality. Some options for treatment or diagnosis may include cultures, anibitotics, nutritional supplements etc.. Should you wish to proceed with the freeze we will note our discussion on your paperwork and continue per your request.
Q I have heard of straws and pellets. Which is better and what do you use?
A Both are acceptable and successful methods for freezing semen. Many times the people that use straws say their method is best and those who utilize pellets say their way is best.We use the straw method. Breeding units are determined by the number of motile sperm per straw. The average breeding unit is 3-4 straws.The method may not be as critical as the individual performing the procedure and their adherence to proper techniques in freezing, storing, thawing, insemination, and timing of the breedings.
Q What is the procedure when wanting to use frozen semen?
A Proper planning is crucial.If the semen is stored with us, simply notify us directly by telephone or email of which semen you intend to use and when the female begins her cycle. A baseline progesterone should be run around the 5th day of heat. We will continue to run progesterone tests and many times store frozen serum so we can go "backwards" and run an LH test as well. Our goal is to pinpoint ovulation, and inseminate the female 72 hours later. Because frozen semen only lives 12 to 24 hours it is imperative that the eggs be in a fertile state prior to inseminating. The best results are obtained by surgical implants. A small incision is made on the midline and the semen is thawed and deposited in each horn of the uterus.
Q What if my dog doesn't "like" being collected?
A Most dogs will allow themselves to be collected when a female teaser is present, occasionally certain dogs will not permit it. Sometimes a followup appointment will find the dog more relaxed and he will better understanding of what is expected.If you plan on using a dog as a stud dog, remember not to correct or discourage him from showing interest in females. Some dogs will not respond well to females in heat because they have been conditioned or trained not to by their owners. We have also found it helpful to introduce the collection process to a dog when he is fairly young, rather than waiting until they are several years old. If a dog cannot be collected, clients will only be charged for the office visit.
