Beefed up Sexed Semen - Genus UK website

Genus Breeding Ltd, Alpha Buildings, London Road, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7JW.Tel: 0870 162 200 Fax:01270 616702 www.genusbreeding.co.ukCall may be monitored for training purposesBeefed up Sexed SemenSemen HandlingAt Genus ABS, semen quality is a priority.Each collection undergoes a series ofrigorous quality control evaluations toassure that every straw sold meets criticalmeasures of semen quality.Genus ABS quality control standardsassure that each dose carries an adequatenumber of live progressively motile semensufficient to achieve normal fertility.However, it is important to remember thatwhen using semen the key to success is tofollowing basic handling procedures.As with all semen correct handling ofsorted beef semen will be critical tosuccess, male or female.Semen handling reminders1. Semen Transfer – use tweezers orforceps, never fingers, to handle straws.Make all semen transfers betweennitrogen tanks, or retrieval of semenfrom nitrogen tanks within 10 seconds.If longer is needed, lower the canisterback into the nitrogen for at least 10seconds before trying again.2. Thawing Procedure – Thaw semenat 35˚C to 37˚C (95˚F to 97˚F) waterfor 30 seconds. Fertility comparisonsshow an advantage for semen thawedin warm water.3. Move the air bubble – Gently shakethe straw to move the air bubble towardsthe plugged end of the straw beforecutting. Shaking will not damage the strawand if semen is not moved 1-5% of thesperm will be lost.4. Environmental protection – Protectsemen from environmental changes whileloading into the insemination equipmentand transferring to the cow. Failure toprotect sperm can result in lower fertility.5. Number of Units – Thaw only a singleunits of semen at a time. With sexedsemen this should be placed in thereproductive tract as soon as is practical.The advantage of thawing in warm wateronly exists for a limited period.Inseminator efficiency and facility designwill all have an impact on preserving theviability and therefore fertilising capabilityof the semen.6. Splitting Straws – Under nocircumstance should straws of semen besplit. While thawing and handling,standards are identical to conventionalsemen, however the margin for error withsorted beef semen is greatly reduced.

Genus Breeding Ltd, Alpha Buildings, London Road, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7JW.Tel: 0870 162 200 Fax:01270 616702 www.genusbreeding.co.ukCall may be monitored for training purposesHeat Detection ProtocolAccurate heat detection, correct timing ofinsemination and minimal stress at servingare critical when inseminating with sortedbeef semen.Heat observation guidelines• Observe animals for standing heat atleast 2-3 times daily, for a minimum of 30minutes.• Observations should preferably takeplace outside routine tasks i.e. not duringfeeding, bedding or scraping out.• Record standing heats accurately to verifyregular oestrus cycle length. Animals withabnormal cycle lengths will be less fertile.• If not confident with the use of AI, thena Genus ABS technician can carry out theinseminations within your herd.• Heat detection aids such as bullingbeacons will prove useful in identifyinganimals in heat.• It is recommended only use sorted beefsemen where natural heats have beenobserved. However it can be used alongwith a synchronisation programme ifcoordinated properly.• Ensure to consult your Vet beforecontemplating a synchronisationprogramme with the use of sorted beefsemen.• Fixed or timed AI should only be used inconjunction with synchronisationprogrammes designed to synchroniseovulation, contact your vet for advice onsuitable programmes.The service period• Steps should be taken to ensure thatinseminations are as stress free andaccurate as possible.• Animals should be suitably restrained sothey cannot move forwards, backwards orsideward's. A proper service area or crushis ideal.• Animals put forward for service shouldbe moved quietly to the service area andkept in pairs or in small groups, to reducestress.• We strongly advise that insemination ofGenus ABS sorted beef semen is carriedout by a competent DIY technicians or aGenus ABS technician.• Due to the processing required to sexsemen, sorted semen is more susceptibleto damage than conventional semen, thehighest standards of handling andinsemination are crucial to its success.