Proper semen handling is essential to maintain optimum reproductive performance of your A.I. breeding program. To maintain the high quality of semen you purchased from XCell Genetics, you must be sure to handle all semen properly every time you open your nitrogen tank.

Semen Packaging And Storage:

XCell Genetics packages conventional semen in ½-milliliter straws. The five-inch straw is placed in a goblet with four other straws from the same buck. Two goblets are clipped onto a metal cane. The cane is identified with the buck’s code number printed on top. Canes of semen are stored in the canisters of liquid nitrogen tanks.

Semen Transfer:

At the time of purchase, a cane of semen is transferred to the herd’s liquid nitrogen tank. Tanks should be placed side by side so transfer can take place within a few seconds. Straws should remain immersed in a goblet with liquid nitrogen and not transferred individually without protection. When splitting canes of semen, we strongly recommend the use of a transfer cooler filled with liquid nitrogen to preserve the integrity of the semen.

Straw Retrieval And Thawing:

• Remove the canister from its storage position in the nitrogen tank and raise it until the cane tops are two to three inches below the top opening of the tank. Avoid raising straws above the frostline.
• Locate the cane you want. On new canes, bend the identification tab up to a 45º angle.
• Use a straw tweezers to remove one straw at a time from the goblet. If it takes more than 10 seconds to retrieve the straw, lower the canister back into the tank and allow it to re-cool for 20 to 30 seconds.
• Once you remove the straw from the tank, shake the straw gently to remove excess liquid nitrogen remaining in the cotton-plug end and promptly place in 94-96º F water to thaw for at least 45 seconds.
• You have about 15-20 minutes to deposit the semen into your doe’s reproductive tract. Be sure to maintain the straw temperature near 95º F throughout the semen handling process.

Temperature Control After Thawing:

It is very important to maintain the 95º F straw temperature until semen is deposited in the doe. Temperature fluctuations must be avoided. During cold weather it will be extremely important to warm the gun, sheaths, paper towels, etc., before they come in contact with the straw.

Strict adherence to the procedures described above will maximize the opportunity for success in your A.I. program. If you have questions about the correct handling procedures for XCell Genetics semen, please contact us and we’ll be happy to assist.