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HOW TO VIEW
THAWED SEMEN
The purpose of viewing semen is to determine its viability (the number
of dead cells as opposed to the number of live), the motility (how fast and
well the semen moves), and the percentage of abnormalities (the  volume of less
than perfect cells). To make such determinations, some minor equipment will be
needed i.e., a microscope, slides and micro cover slips. We recommend that all
AI technicians own a microscope. Certainly the quality of the microscope
should be adequate to facilitate the viewing of the semen, but does not need
to be of the highest quality. However, the microscopes that can be purchased
at toy stores and hobby shops, usually have very poor optics and make seeing
the cells virtually impossible. You must be able to view the cells 100x their
normal size to see them at all, 250x is much preferred. In addition, the task
is performed more easily if the unit has its own light source and is not
illumination created by mirrors. Look for a unit that plugs into the wall and
utilizes a bulb for its light source. The microscope available through BIO-Genics,
LTD, Item # M900 Compound Microscope, is
very reasonably priced and more than adequate for this purpose. This unit 
has
the ability to magnify your image up to 400x its normal size, and has its own
light source. Convenience is the key to this process, or else you may find the
unit sitting on the shelf collecting dust. The more convenient it is for you
to view the semen, the more likely you are to be consistent about doing it.
When thawing semen, it is important that we understand the difference between thawing
semen for insemination purposes and thawing to view its viability. These
thawing techniques differ considerably, and each technique will give you a very
different picture.
For the purposes of successful insemination, we highly recommend the semen be
thawed at no less than 92º F, and no greater than 95.2º F for a minimum of 30
seconds. This allows for an ever rising temperature, if a proper water bath is
used in the thawing process. You should use either the first drop of the cut
straw, or the last. You must keep in mind however that these are the poorest
examples of what is contained within the straw. As a result, these lesser
quality cells may appear considerably more sluggish than those more 
towards
the interior of the straw. Some allowances should be made accordingly. As soon
as possible following the removal of the straw from the thaw unit; or as
quickly as possible following the insemination of the doe, the droplet should
be placed on a microscope slide and then covered with a micro cover slip. Leave the
droplet under the light of the microscope for a minimum of 2-3 full minutes.
This gives the semen adequate time to "wake up" and begin to move more
normally.
If you are viewing an entire .5cc straw (which is the recommended method for
getting a more accurate determination of the cells true condition) it should
be thawed at 100.5º F for a full 2-3 minutes then immediately viewed. This
creates an environment more closely resembling that of the hosts normal body
temperature of 101.5º F, giving us a better idea of the semen's actual
performance once at body temperature.
BIO-Genics, LTD's method of processing is a slow, gradual one and is
reflective in the response time of the sperm post-thaw. You will find that the
longer the semen is warmed, the more virile its behavior. If you find the
sample to be slow and sluggish, or non-responsive on initial exam, allow more
warming time on the microscope table. The simple heat generated by the lamp
will warm it enough that after a few moments you will find it to be more
reactive.
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