Cow Tip Tuesday Semen Collection

Updated: November 17, 2024

Iowa Beef Center


Summary

This video provides an in-depth look at the meticulous process of collecting and storing semen at Nichols Cryo-Genetics in rural Maxwell, Iowa. Viewers are introduced to the detailed evaluation process performed by trained technicians to ensure the quality of the semen, including assessing motility and morphology. The video also covers the steps involved in determining the concentration of the sample, extending the semen, and storing it in liquid nitrogen with a unique identifier for each bull. The final step showcases how the viability of the frozen semen is tested before it is sold and shipped.


Introduction to Semen Collection Process

This chapter introduces the process of collecting, freezing, and storing semen on the AI sires at Nichols Cryo-Genetics in rural Maxwell, Iowa. It explains the custom collection facility, the use of a jump dummy, and the steps taken to ensure the semen's quality.

Technician Evaluation of Sperm Cells

A detailed explanation of the evaluation process by a highly trained technician, looking for live versus dead sperm cells (motility) and normal versus abnormal sperm cells (morphology). The chapter discusses the importance of specific threshold values for quality semen and the steps taken if a sample falls below these values.

Determining Sperm Cell Concentration

This chapter covers the process of determining the sample's concentration using a light spectrometer. It explains how the concentration is calculated based on the volume collected from the bull, leading to the total number of sperm cells in the collection.

Extending and Storing Semen

Describes the process of extending the semen by adding solutions (part A and part B) before refrigerating it to a specific temperature. The chapter also explains how the straws are chilled down, stored in liquid nitrogen, and the unique identifier (Cane Code) given to each bull.

Thawing and Viability Testing

The final step involves determining the viability of the frozen semen when thawed and placed in a live cow. It includes thawing the semen, examining morphology and motility, conducting a stress test, and ensuring a minimum viability percentage for selling and shipping the semen.


FAQ

Q: What is the process described in the chapter?

A: The chapter introduces the process of collecting, freezing, and storing semen on the AI sires at Nichols Cryo-Genetics.

Q: What are the steps taken to ensure the quality of the collected semen?

A: The chapter explains the evaluation process by a highly trained technician, including assessing live versus dead sperm cells (motility) and normal versus abnormal sperm cells (morphology).

Q: How is the concentration of the semen sample determined?

A: The chapter covers the process of determining the sample's concentration using a light spectrometer, calculated based on the volume collected from the bull to obtain the total number of sperm cells.

Q: What is the purpose of extending the semen by adding solutions before refrigerating it?

A: The process of extending the semen by adding solutions (part A and part B) before refrigerating it to a specific temperature is aimed at preserving the semen and preparing it for storage.

Q: What is the significance of the unique identifier (Cane Code) given to each bull?

A: The chapter explains that the unique identifier (Cane Code) given to each bull is used to track and store the straws containing the semen in liquid nitrogen.

Q: What is involved in determining the viability of frozen semen before selling and shipping?

A: The final step involves thawing the semen, examining morphology and motility, conducting a stress test, and ensuring a minimum viability percentage before selling and shipping the semen.

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