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.