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SUGGESTIONS
FOR A.I. SUCCESS
The handling of your semen inventory plays a critical role in its
ability to impregnate your AI candidate. Most importantly  you want to be
sure that you handle it properly each and every time you open the lid to
your nitrogen tank. When searching for a desired cane in your tank, the
full cane should be kept well below the frost line in its neck. Search
for the treasure with a flashlight, not with natural light. The desired
straw of semen should be removed from its goblet, and the cane returned
to below the frost line, in under three seconds. This strict time
restraint is necessary to be confident that the viability of the other
straws on the cane have not been compromised. Once removed, the straw
should be shaken slightly to remove any liquid nitrogen that might be
clinging to its interior or exterior surfaces. If this is not done, you
risk the straw exploding when the nitrogen residue is submerged in the
warm water. Transfer the selected straw immediately to a 95ºF/35°C thaw unit
in order to protect your semen's viability. It should remain in the unit for at least 30 seconds before being removed for use. Do not
allow your water bath to drop below 92ºF/33°C or go above 98ºF/37°C. If you let
your water bath get too cool, you are compromising sperm recovery. If
you let it get too hot, you may "cook" the semen, also
reducing the number of live cells available for work per insemination.
After properly thawing the semen, you have a maximum of 15 minutes to
deposit the semen in your doe's reproductive tract for an optimal
conception rate. The longer the semen remains in the straw, the greater
the loss of viability.
Artificial insemination is a powerful tool that can allow you, as a
breeder, the flexibility to increase the rate of genetic improvement in
your herd. Although AI is a great tool, it requires proper technique and
attention to detail for a high level of success. With good heat
detection, records and proper semen handling, quality
semen will provide you the ability to be a consistently successful AI
Technician.
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