Transcript A Guide to Basic Boar Semen Evaluation, Processing, and

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There are numerous methods available for
processing semen which utilize various equipment
items and techniques. Always keep in mind the
two basic principles of semen collection and
processing.
(1) Use hygienic techniques.
(2) Control temperature changes.
For the most part, if these principles are followed,
specific techniques and equipment, which are
used, become a matter of economics, ease of
maintaining quality control and personal
preferences.
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Prepare extender at least 30 minutes before it is
to be used.
Always use distilled water.
1 liter pouch per 1000ml distilled water.
Stir often.
Target temperature, 102* F.
Unused extender (in an enclosed container or
bag) can be stored in a refrigerator for 24 to 48
hours.
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Lengthen the viability of undiluted semen by
protecting it against cold shock.
Act as a buffer against low pH.
Provide proper osmotic pressure and
electrolyte balance.
Inhibit bacterial growth (added antibiotics).
Supply nutrients to the sperm (glucose).
Extend the use of the ejaculate so more females
can be inseminated per ejaculate.
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Weigh the collection container and subtract the
tare weight. This will give you the ejaculate
volume. Note: Semen is actually slightly heavier
than water which weighs 1 gram per ml or cc, but
use a 1 to 1 ratio, this is close enough.
Use your microscope to evaluate sperm motility
and concentration. Always use a pre-warmed glass
slide and cover slip. Ejaculates with a progressive
motility estimate of less than 60% are generally
discarded. Observe for the presence of abnormal
sperm and cellular debris and "clumping".
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Decide how many bottles (units) of semen that can be
processed from the ejaculate. Each bottle should
contain about 3 to 4 billion sperm and 80 to 100 ml
fluid. The boar ejaculate may contain from a low of 10
to 15 billion up to over 100 billion sperm or enough
sperm for 2 or 3 bottles up to 25 or more bottles. This
number depends upon age, breed, frequency of
collection, and individual boar. If you do not have a
sperm counting device, you will have to follow some
guidelines. Actually you will make an educated guess.
Depending upon relative sperm density (opaqueness)
most recommendations are to dilute the ejaculate from
1 part semen to 3 parts extender up to 1 part semen to
10 parts extender. The more opaque and chalky
appearing, the higher the possible dilution rate.
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3 = watered down milk; 6 = milky; 10 = creamy
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Cardinal Rules
1. Adjust extender temperature to within 1° of
semen temperature.
2. Always add the extender to the semen.
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Always add extender to semen slowly.
When bottling/tubing semen, remove as much
excess air as possible.
Allow semen to gradually cool to
approximately 72*-75* F.
Keep away from sunlight or other U.V. light.
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Ideal temperature range from 54*-62* F.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations.
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Avoid temperature <48* and >72* F.
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Gently rotate semen daily.
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Factors that affect semen longevity.
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Age of boar
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Breed of boar
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Frequency of collection
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Type of extender used