Frozen semen handling tips

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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