Semen Freezing In South Wales
South Wales Farm Vets Offer Embryo and Semen Storage
At SWFVs we have our own dedicated embryo and semen storage. As they utilise liquid nitrogen we can technically store semen and embryos indefinitely.
We regularly have semen and embryos sent to us from other vet practices for storage and insemination/implantation. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Semen Freezing
Pellets
At South Wales Farm Vets we freeze ram semen in pellet form. These can be graded into two categories:
- P2 Pellet – This contains enough motile sperm to inseminate two ewes and is the most common form on pellet semen available.
- P1 Pellet – This historically is a pellet of poorer quality semen which has been downgraded from a P2 to a P1. It contains enough motile sperm to inseminate one ewe
Freezing Process and Results
Ideally we collect semen using an artificial vagina and a teaser ewe. This method improves semen quality. Some rams however do not perform (see training below) and we may resort to use of electro ejaculation which carries a small amount of risk.
Semen will be analysed post collection (further jumps may be required depending on quality of semen). This semen is then extended and chilled, it is reassessed throughout this process. The semen is then frozen in 0.25ml pellets and stored in liquid nitrogen. A pellet will then be thawed from that batch and analysed.
We take every effort to maintain semen quality, however each process can affect this. Some ram semen requires differing concentrations of extender to preserve semen quality. This can take some trial and error, with multiple jumps required.
Ram Training
Some rams are keen to work, others are more timid with someone in the pen. Get your ram used to being handled and used to having someone in a pen with him. If possible having a ewe haltered in the pen for him to mount etc while someone is also in the pen is the ideal training.
Click here to download a ram training guide
