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This is the procedure that we use when collecting and shipping stallion semen. This information is a supplement to the article on Stallion Semen
1. Make the extender. Warm it about 100 degrees F. Maintain the extender at about 100 degrees until it is mixed with the semen.
We do this by placing the extender which is inside a baby bottle in a baby bottle liner in a 100 degree warm water bath.
2. Rinse the center core of the AV 3 times in distilled water. Fill the hollow tube with hot water that is the correct temperature for the stallion. The temperature can be measured by sticking a thermometer into the center of the AV. Lubricate the interior of AV with a non-spermicidal gel.
3. Prepare a clear baby bottle that is to be attached to the end of the AV. Insert a sterile baby bottle liner into the baby bottle. Insert a semen filter inside the baby bottle liner. The function of this filter is to keep the plug (the final portion of the ejaculate) from combining with the rest of the semen.
4. Collect the stallion and take care to protect the semen from cool temperatures and sunlight.
5. Rush the semen into the “lab”, placing it on a warmed counter. Protect the semen from sunlight entering through any windows.
6. Examine a small sample under the microscope to evaluate the ejaculate. Using a sterile pipette, place a dab of semen on a warmed slide and cover with a warmed cover slide.
7. Mix the semen and the extender by slowly pouring the semen into the extender.
8. Place the extended semen which is in the water bath in the refrigerator to cool down. Assuming that we collect in the morning and ship in the afternoon, we like to cool the semen in the refrigerator and then package it for shipment just prior to pickup by the overnight service.
Shipping containers are designed to cool the semen but we like to cool it before packaging it into the shipping container.
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Extending, Storing and Shipping Stallion Semen
Considering that it takes some powers of persuasion to obtain a semen specimen from a stallion, it is judicious to handle the sample in a manner that does not cause excessive damage to the spermatozoa. Over the last century, many common semen handling techniques unknowingly abused the prized sperm.
Spooning, which is the recovery of the semen from the floor of the mare's vagina, usually occurred by using a metal spoon washed in soap and water. Fragile equine sperm cells cannot survive contact with cold metal surfaces, nor can they tolerate electrolytes in their environment. Any solution or surface that is a good conductor of electricity (i.e., a metal spoon) is not good for sperm. Soap film is lethal and millions of sperm can be killed simply by coming in contact with the surface of a spoon or container rinsed well in tap water.
Only distilled water, free of any electrolytes, should be used to rinse an object coming in contact with the spermatozoa. It is also better to use glass or plastic containers, tubes, and spoons. These minor changes will prevent the assassination of more than half of the sperm cells by equipment with lethal surfaces. |
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An excerpt from The Stallion: A Guide for Owners and Handlers
by James P. McCall, PhD
Click on the image to open the chapter on Hand Breeding Stallions |
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This agreement is by and between Jim McCall, of Mount Holly, Arkansas, hereinafter referred to as Stallion Owner, and
Sandra Lewis, of Bristow, Oklahoma, hereinafter referred to as Mare Owner. Stallion owner hereby agrees to breed the
Thoroughbred stallion, Years Away,to the Mare , Twice Happy, Breed: TB, Registration No:xxxxxxxxxx Sire: Twice Worthy.
Dam: Born Happy, which is owned or leased by Mare Owner during the breeding season of 2008. |
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Reproduction 
