Thank you for considering us for your canine semen import. Two of the most common questions we hear are “how much semen should I ask for?” and “what is a breeding unit?” Both are fair questions — and surprisingly hard to answer, since there’s no universal standard between countries or even between veterinarians.
This guide lays out our requirements and recommendations so you can negotiate confidently with stud owners and give your bitch the best possible chance at a successful breeding.
What Is a Canine Breeding Unit?
A breeding unit is the amount of frozen semen used for a single insemination. The problem is that there’s no industry-wide definition of what that actually contains. Sperm count, morphology, and post-thaw motility all vary between collections, and packaging methods differ between facilities. That’s why understanding how semen is frozen and packaged matters before you start buying.
Straws vs. Vials: How Frozen Semen Is Packaged
Frozen canine semen comes in one of two formats — straws or vials — and the math works differently for each.
Vials are the simpler of the two. They’re typically divided into individual breeding units at the time of freezing. One vial equals one breeding unit.
Straws are generally 0.5 ml each and contain a set number of sperm cells. The number of straws needed per breeding unit depends on the morphology and post-thaw motility of that specific collection. As a general rule, one breeding unit runs 3 to 5 straws.
Our Minimum Sperm Count Requirements for Imported Semen
Here’s where precision matters. The following protocol applies to all imported semen we work with, regardless of breed or insemination method.
Every collection should have a complete semenalysis performed, including morphology and post-thaw motility. We request a copy of that semenalysis before the semen is shipped so we can advise on how many breeding units to import.
Our minimum requirement is 150 million live, normal, motile sperm cells per breeding unit, with post-thaw motility factored into that calculation. The preferred target is 200 million, but we understand that smaller breeds or limited semen availability may bring you closer to the 150 million floor. That’s workable.
This number applies equally whether the semen will be used for transcervical insemination (TCI) or surgical implant. The required sperm count per unit does not change based on the delivery method.
How Many Breeding Units Should You Request?
For Transcervical Insemination (TCI)
Our optimum TCI protocol calls for two inseminations, each using one breeding unit. That means you need a minimum of two breeding units for a single breeding attempt. We recommend this minimum regardless of how the semen was frozen.
Given the cost of importing semen — especially internationally — it’s worth having a direct conversation between the stud owner and the purchasing bitch owner about sending one or two extra units. If the bitch doesn’t take on the first attempt, having backup units already in storage saves significant time, expense, and heartache.
For Surgical Insemination
Surgical insemination uses one breeding unit for the procedure itself. In many cases, a second unit is used for a follow-up transcervical insemination to improve conception rates. Plan accordingly.
Working With Limited or Deceased Stud Dog Semen
These parameters are optimal, but we understand the reality. If you’re purchasing semen from a deceased stud dog or from a dog with limited remaining inventory, you may need to work with smaller numbers. That’s a conversation we’re happy to have — just get us the semenalysis and we’ll help you make the best decision with what’s available.
AKC DNA Registration Requirements
If the semen needs to be registered with the American Kennel Club, we’ll need a small amount of semen to submit for DNA profiling — unless a DNA swab is included with the shipment or the stud dog’s profile is already on file. For deceased stud dogs, this step is especially important.
The DNA process requires one straw or three pellets. Make sure additional semen is included in the shipment specifically for this purpose so it doesn’t cut into your breeding units.
A Note on Extra Semen and Storage
Stud owners occasionally send additional semen beyond what’s needed for the immediate breeding. When that happens, we ask the stud and bitch owners to work out in advance whose account it will be stored under and who will handle ongoing storage payments. Getting this sorted before the shipment arrives avoids confusion down the road.
Let’s Get This Right Together
The goal here is simple — when everyone is working with the same numbers and expectations, breeding success rates go up and surprises go down. We hope this guide makes your semen purchase negotiations more straightforward.
If you have any questions, reach out to us directly at [email protected].
Bridgett and Arabelle Sirius Canine Fertility, Export Department
