semen handling tips preview

Hall john
Extension Beef Cattle Specialist / University of Idaho

Preparation

  • Inventory semen in nitrogen tank well before the breeding season begins, and place orders early.
    – If canes need to be examined for inventory, place entire cane fully submerged in a liquid nitrogen bath.

  • Label tank with content of each canister or maintain an inventory record.
    – This will reduce time needed to find straws.

  • Monitor nitrogen in semen storage tanks, and keep nitrogen at proper levels.

Handling

  • Always avoid bringing straws or canes above the frost line until straw
    is to be thawed.

  • Make sure semen-handling area has good lighting to see into tank.

  • Use forceps when removing straws from cane to keep cane below frost line. 
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