Q. How many units do I need for a successful breeding?

A. Only one! Each unit holds a minimum of 250 million sperm, more than adequate for a successful conception.

 

Q. Can I breed my bitch by using the unit at any time during the estrus of my bitch?

A. No! To ensure success and conception, the bitch's estrus cycle should be charted using progesterone tests to determine when ovulation occurs and the bitch inseminated accordingly. This would be decided by your Veterinarian.

Q. Can I deposit the unit of semen in the vagina the same way as natural or chilled semen?

A. No! Chilled and natural semen collections do not have an extender added to the collection, as does frozen. The extender used in the frozen semen cannot overcome the natural mucous at the entrance to the cervix. Modern scientific methods dictate the protocol to deposit the unit of semen directly into the uterus. This can be done by a minor surgical incision, or by the use of a pipette through the vagina and cervix. This second method is used frequently in Europe. Either method ensures that the semen is deposited directly where it is needed, in the uterus. In this way the breeder has a 98% chance of success.

 

Q. How do I know there are actually 250 million sperm in each unit?

A. When the collection is made, the semen is checked microscopically and by the computer to see how many good, virile, vigorous, and straight swimming sperm there are. Based on this information, the sperm are frozen into pellets and the pellets placed in an ampoule (one breeding unit) to give 250 million sperm per ampoule. Then as a live test, a few of the pellets are thawed to see how many in real-time use would come back to life. Depending on the thaw-back rate, the ampoules are then adjusted to ensure that upon thaw-back there would be actually a minimum of 250 million live sperm.

 

Q. Can I use more than one unit at the time of breeding?

A. Yes! Definitely! But bear in mind that based upon the previous answers, the use of more than one may be unnecessary and excessive, why not wait and use the others at further breedings. If the ovulation timing of the bitch is correctly indicated by your veterinarian then the use of one ampoule is sufficient. Some veterinarians may want to deposit a second ampoule approximately one day after the first insemination of the bitch but if the progesterone tests are done correctly a second deposition is not necessary.

 

Q. Is there any chance my bitch can pick up infections or transmissible diseases from the frozen semen?

A. No! Definitely Not! The male from whom the collection is made has to have negative blood test results for Brucellosis and Leptospirosis to ensure that there are no fears of possible transmission. The blood test results last for thirty days. After that, any subsequent collections must be preceded by yet another blood test.

The stud dog is also fully examined by the collecting vet to ensure it is in optimum health and all vaccinations are in order.

 

Q. How long can I keep this frozen semen?

A. Indefinitely. The semen can be stored and used in later generations to pick up certain traits long after the dog itself has died.

 

Q. Who owns the semen?

A. Once the semen is paid for and the shipment has been sent, the accompanying documentation ensures that the semen is the property of the purchaser - for ever.

 

Q. If I buy some of this semen, can I sell it to someone else?

A. Depending on the contract with the supplier, the answer is usually "YES".

It should be borne in mind that international agreement at the moment prohibits it from being transferred via another country. For example: If a Canadian bought semen from an Englishman, and then later wished to sell it, he could to another Canadian, but not to an Australian. The semen can only travel in one straight line.

This may ultimately change but that is the rule at the moment.

 

Q. Can I have frozen semen from more than one dog shipped in one container to save cost?

A. Yes! Definitely! The ampoules are collected, frozen, heat sealed and marked with the donor's name and credentials. There is no problem in using the dry shipper to carry the frozen semen of more than one dog.

 

Q. Is the semen shipped in liquid nitrogen which causes some airlines and customs problems? Is this a dangerous cargo?

A. No. To avoid the problems of some country's attitude towards liquid nitrogen as a dangerous cargo, the semen is sent in a special shipper, which is lined with a specific type of foam material that absorbs and holds the liquid nitrogen so there is no loose liquid to move around or spill. This is acceptable by the airlines and ensures prompt and safe delivery.