Thank you for considering us for your canine semen import. We are frequently asked “how much semen should I ask for” or “what is a breeding unit”?
These questions can be confusing, especially since there is no real standard between countries or even between veterinarians.
The following are the requirements we would like for our clients, to obtain the best chances for successful breeding. These parameters are optimal, but it is certainly understandable if you are purchasing semen from a deceased stud dog, or if the semen is in short demand, to need to work with smaller numbers.
Semen is frozen by different methods, resulting in either “straws” or “vials”. Vials are simple math, as they are usually divided into individual breeding units. One vial= one breeding unit.
Straws are generally 0.5 ml straws with a set amount of sperm in each, and the number required will depend on variables such as morphology and post thaw motility. Generally, we see a breeding unit of 3-5 straws.
Breeding units are where it gets extra tricky and there is no set standard. The following is the recommended protocol for any imported semen.
- A complete sperm count is done on the collection, and both morphology and post thaw motility being accessed when determining how to package the breeding unit.
- We request a copy of the completed semenalysis prior to the importation to help with recommendations on how much semen to have sent over.
- Regardless of the breed, we would like to see a minimum of 150 million live, normal, motile sperm cells, with the POST THAW MOTILITY included in the calculations. The preferred number is 200 million, but in smaller breeds, or when there is only a small amount of semen available, we can work with 150 million live, motile sperm per breeding unit.
- We require the same number of live motile sperm per breeding unit, regardless of if the semen will be implanted via Transcervical insemination, or surgical implant.
When doing Transcervical insemination, optimum protocol is to do two inseminations, one breeding unit per insemination. With this in mind, we ask for a minimum of 2 breeding units, regardless of the method used to freeze the semen, whenever possible. Due to the cost involved, it is worth having a discussion between the stud owner and purchasing bitch owner about sending an extra unit or two, in case the bitch does not take on the first breeding attempt.
- If doing Surgical insemination, one breeding unit is used for the insemination. In many cases, a second breeding unit will be used for a follow up transcervical insemination.
- If the semen is needing to be registered with the American Kennel Club, please note that we will need a small amount of semen to send in for DNA, if a swab is not included with the shipment, or if the stud dog is deceased. The DNA process requires 1 straw or 3 pellets to complete the DNA profile, so please send additional semen for the DNA testing.
Occasionally stud owners will send additional semen to us for storage in case of a missed breeding attempt. We ask the stud and bitch owners to work out who’s account it will be stored under and who will continue with payments on the storage account going forward.
We hope this information is helpful when negotiating how much semen you will be purchasing. If everyone works with the same numbers and information, it increases chances for successful breeding and also keeps expectations uniform for all involved.
Please do not hesitate to ask us if you have any questions. We can be reached at export@siriuscaninefertility.com
Bridgett and Arabelle
Sirius Canine Fertility, Export Department
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