We have received a number of requests for information regarding collecting and storing semen for future use. This short write-up provides an entry level review of the topic.

We begin by bringing our stud to a veterinary clinic capable of storing and/or collecting semen.

It is helpful (but not necessary) to have the animal microchipped. This added feature allows the veterinary clinic to scan and document the data with the animal’s collection. It is an additional layer of authentication. Likewise, some clinics photograph the pet for this purpose.

Note:

Bringing a teaser female who is in “heat” can often aid in the quality of the collection.

Once the individual’s semen is extracted, a veterinarian will freeze the sample. A portion is then thawed which allows for a post thaw analysis. These numbers are predicative of the likelihood that a collection will successfully bring pups. Likewise, since much of an animal’s semen is lost during the freezing process, an individual needs a mid- to high quality sample for freezing.

Note:

It is often the case that studs are able to bring pups naturally but whose semen quality is not adequate for freezing.

Once the hurdles of the collection are complete, the pets registered owner should notify Bona Fide Kennel Club (BFKC). A filing fee creates provenance and documents the collection.

It is important to remember that only the registered owner (of the stud) at the time of collection can make this filing (or approve of another to do so). Likewise, only a licensed veterinarian can document the collection.

While the filing fee creates provenance, BFKC requires a DNA sample before offspring from the sample can be registered. Plan on using a single straw for this purpose.

Post thaw motility and the number of live viable sperm are key. While samples containing as low as 30% post thaw motility can bring pups, the odds are not in your favor. We recommend 200 million live motile sperm with a post thaw motility of no less than 45%.

Good luck and god bless

Titan Kennels