Lecture 1- Semen Collection Flashcards
Why collect semen?
Used to assess breeding soundness of a stallion i.e. pre purchase, pre breeding season, investigation of fertility issues.
Advantages of semen collection in terms of AI?
Ability to split a single ejaculate- breed many mares/ season
Reduced labour and costs (transport of mare or stallion, mare agistment)
Creates a wider gene pool- frozen semen sent from other countries
List further advantages of semen collection
Reduces risk of disease
Semen under constant scrutiny- early detection of problems
Mares conception rates can be improved with chilled semen as opposed to live cover
Frozen semen can be stored long after stallion dies
List some disadvantages of AI
Requires higher level of knowledge/understanding
Veterinary intervention
Specialised equipment/facilities== ^ COST
Pregnancy rates for frozen semen 30-40%
Can be an increased risk of injury to handlers
Generally, what should the width of the jump dummy be to allow the stallion to grip with front legs?
55-60cm
The stallion requires correct………… and ……….. of the AV for ejaculation to occur..
Temperature and pressure (plus lube)
State one important advantage of the Missourie AV..
The glads penis sits past the water jacket- useful for stallions who prefer hotter AV temps- not going to damage spermatozoa because they are not coming into contact with hot AV.
List some features of the Colorado AV
Hard plastic case and rigid handle
Shaft of AV extends past the glands penis- greater need for correct temp control to prevent sperm damage
Useful in cold climates- keeps ejaculate at a constant temp for a longer period of time than Missourie AV
List some features of the Polish AV
Open at collection end.
Plastic slip attached to the urethral process of the penis
Designed to collect only the sperm rich portion of the ejaculate, minimising the seminal plasma content.
