Packaging and shipping cooled semen
To ensure sperm survival proper packaging is critical. There are several
excellent reviews on semen packaging (Aurich, 2008; Bradecamp, 2014b)
and thus only certain important points will be highlighted. For
packaging, several types of containers can be used such as Whirl-Pak®
bags, latex/rubber free syringes, conical tubes or screw top tubes. The
important point is the storage device does not leak during
transportation. Traditionally, it was recommended to remove the air in
stored extended semen; however this may not be critical as similar
motility parameters and viability have been seen under aerobic and
anaerobic conditions (Price et al., 2008). Next, there are many
commercial cooled shipping containers. It is recommended to follow the
manufacturer’s directions for packaging. Finally, make sure to clearly
label the packaged semen and include easily identified documentation of
the stallion, date and time of collection, sperm concentration, volume
of extended semen and motility of the sperm being shipped within the
container.
Acknowledments
I would like to thank G. Reed Holyoak for taking time to proof read this
manuscript.
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