A semen bank makes it possible to use a male’s semen in the future. With reliable, modern liquid-nitrogen containers, the shelf life of frozen semen is practically eternal. Using frozen semen opens up countless benefits for dog breeding and helps maintain genetic diversity within different breeds. Frozen semen can be shipped abroad, which reduces the need for travel.
Semen storage
Our semen bank in Espoo is one of the largest private canine semen banks in Finland. It is equipped to a state-of-the-art standard — we safeguard storage by, among other things, the following means:
- New liquid nitrogen containers with low liquid nitrogen evaporation
- Continuous remote monitoring of the tanks’ liquid nitrogen level with alarm functionality
- Our own liquid nitrogen generator, which ensures self-sufficiency in liquid nitrogen
- An electronic client, document and billing system
- Recording camera surveillance in the semen-bank room
Semen freezing
When a client wants to freeze their male’s semen, the semen is collected and its quality is assessed. The quality assessment gives an approximate indication of how many insemination doses can be obtained from the ejaculate. The total sperm count is affected by the male’s previous breeding use, age, illnesses, stress and medication. We always recommend using a bitch in heat as a lure during semen collection.
During the visit, the semen quality is always reviewed with the client on a separate screen, so that any abnormalities can be discussed. At the end of the visit a semen storage agreement is drawn up.
If the quality of the collected ejaculate supports freezing, the semen is centrifuged, diluted, packed into straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen. A small amount is packed into a “control straw”, which is thawed about a week after freezing to verify how well the semen has survived. A usage recommendation is noted on the semen collection form: we recommend about 200 million sperm cells for large breeds and about 100–150 million for smaller breeds per insemination.
Semen export and import
Finnish dog breeders can order frozen semen of a male of their choice from abroad. For the transfer of semen, Reprovet sends its own liquid-nitrogen tank to collect the semen ordered by the client. We use only modern tanks; we do not recommend single-use tanks.
When the tank arrives, the temperature is always checked — for the shelf life of frozen semen it is essential that the temperature stays continuously below −120 °C. In addition, all straws are checked for their markings and condition. We contact the orderer immediately about any deficiencies.
When semen is sent abroad, we always include the semen collection form. We cooperate with international freight forwarders, and through us both export and import to anywhere in the world are possible.
Reprovet does not sell or broker semen.
Frequently asked questions
If semen is collected and frozen, how many insemination doses are obtained from one collection?
This depends on the breed; with large breeds you usually obtain several insemination doses from one collection. With the smallest breeds the owner may need to visit a couple of times to collect a sufficient number of sperm cells. The ejaculate of small breeds contains fewer sperm cells than that of large breeds.
How is semen collected from a male?
The veterinarian collects the semen by hand, in the presence of a bitch in heat. For the procedure, the male must accept being touched by an unfamiliar person.