SEMEN COLLECTION & EVALUATION
With a ram being half of any producer's equation to success, fertility is an undeniable necessity. Ram health and fertility should be a top priority long before the day you plan to breed. By having a ram collected and a breeding soundness exam performed you can have peace of mind knowing that your Stud Ram, isn't shooting blanks.
Semen Collection and Evaluation is the process in which a ram is collected to precisely assess semen quality prior to using a ram in any number of arrangements; including natural breeding, laparoscopic artificial insemination, embryo transfer or cryopreservation of semen.
The two most common ways to collect a ram are with an artificial vagina, frequently referred to as an AV and a ewe in estrous, or with an electro-ejaculator. It is preferred that collection be made using an AV, though in the event a ram will not or is unable to mount, an electro-ejaculator can be used successfully.
After a semen sample is obtained it will be evaluated to determine the percent motility, the concentration, and the morphological state of the sperm cells. After evaluating the raw ejaculate based on density, color and volume, the semen is studied under a microscope to determine the number of progressively motile cells; or the cells moving in a straight line, and any sample under 50% is discarded. Next the physical characteristics of the sperm cells are assessed and scrutinized as abnormal morphology can have a tremendous negative impact on the cell function and thus adversely affect fertilization.
It is important for rams to be up to date on all vaccines, as well as be in good condition, have their hooves trimmed, be de-wormed and be shorn within 30 days of being turned out to breed or to be collected.
SEMEN FREEZING
Cryopreservation, or freezing of semen is the most secure way to insure not only your monetary investment in rams but also the genetic value that they offer. Although insurance is the main reason many producers decide to freeze semen on a ram, there are also other benefits as well. For example, a producer that has frozen semen on their top-producing buck may have a unique opportunity to market that buck through the use of AI around the country. As well, one can have many different breeding strategies by utilizing frozen semen, and of course peace of mind in knowing they have a number of units in their tank in the case of an emergency.
Often times semen is of the highest quality following the normal breeding season. Because of this we try to collect the majority of the rams between November and February. All collection dates will be scheduled in advance and in many cases in conjunction with another producer to maximize efficiency.
After the sample has been collected and evaluated, it is then processed to begin cryopreservation. Samples that do not meet our requirements will be rejected prior to freezing. In the past, ram semen was typically frozen in 1-dose pellets, however we prefer to freeze in .25ml straws as most equipment nowadays is designed specifically for this purpose. This not only reduces the stress on semen at time of insemination, but it also allows us to properly label each collection.
While freezing a collection we will thaw a random straw to assess how it handled the freezing procedure and alter the process to better suit each individual ram as needed. Following the freezing process, we will then thaw another straw and decide if the frozen sample is of quality required to keep.
Frozen semen that is of quality should have a minimum of 30 million progressively motile cells per inseminate. Any collection that is less than 60% post thaw will immediately be discarded and the ram will be scheduled for recollection. Once frozen, semen can be stored indefinitely in liquid nitrogen.
We know the genetic value that frozen semen represents and that is why we scrutinize every collection we process. It is in our best interest to provide our clients with the highest quality product we can produce and therefore we assure our quality control.
ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
Laparoscopic A.I. (LAI) is a minimally invasive procedure in which either fresh or frozen semen is deposited directly into each of the uterine horns of a ewe in estrous. LAI is a fast growing trend in the small ruminant field due to the many advantages it offers astute herdsmen.
By utilizing LAI, progressive producers are able to: extend the use of a superior ram, use a ram that is deceased but had been collected before his death, or use a ram that they may not own or be able to lease by purchasing semen, and maximize the reproductive potential within their own flock.
LAI has many other benefits as well, for example, a producer may be able to lamb a whole set of ewes bred on the same AI date over a period of a few days instead of a few weeks; As well, breeders who own rams in partnerships are able to utilize the buck at the same time, regardless of where in the country the ram is located.
Additionally, LAI is essential when using frozen semen; whether it is on superovulated ewes that are programmed for an Embryo Transfer procedure or on a set of ewes that you are trying to a buck that can no longer breed or is infertile when breeding season rolls around.
In conclusion, Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination has become a dynamic and fundamental part of the most radical flocks in the country due to the practical opportunities to improve reproduction efficiency and enhance genetic advancement.
We have a direct working relationship with many of the industry leading Ram Studs in the country and can facilitate the logistics of ordering and having semen shipped directly to your operation.
Call Josh to visit more about our services and/ or to set up a date.