TIPOF
TIPOF
THEWEEK
Keeping thawed semen at the correct temperature is crucial for maximising sperm motility and one producer achieves this with a block of polystyrene.
Using sexed semen requires more emphasis on keeping thawed semen warm until used, says Northern Ireland producer Allan Hoy. But most inseminations are carried out in December or January, when temperatures are at their lowest, he says.
To solve this problem, he made an insulation jacket by taking a 18cm (7in) block of polystyrene and using a round file to make a hole large enough for one AI straw to be easily inserted. Straws are 13cm (5in) long, therefore, the jacket insulates its full length.
A plastic sheath, normally used for embryo transfer, is used to keep straws clean when in the insulation jacket. The sheath is a long, narrow disposable plastic bag that covers the whole straw, explains Mr Hoy.
The AI gun is also pre-warmed to minimise semen cooling by placing it in water at 37C. Again, the gun is placed in a plastic sheath before pre-warming to keep it clean and dry as water kills sperm, he adds.
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