“Boys in a box”- chilled and frozen canine semen shipments

Abstract

Canine semen used for shipping or cryopreservation should meet minimal semen evaluation standards for concentration, motility and morphology to maximize artificial insemination success. Samples with increased morphological abnormalities may benefit from filtration or gradient centrifugation; however, total numbers will be much lower. Extenders are added to sperm-rich fraction to supply energy source, buffer the environment, decrease bacterial growth and protect sperm membranes during chilling and freezing. Many commercial and homemade extenders are available, along with various shipping box options, to successfully transport semen virtually anywhere in world. Additional cryoprotectants are added to frozen semen extenders to prevent ice crystal formation within sperm. Standardized protocols and routine maintenance of nitrogen tanks, and vapor shipper dewars increase chances of successfully protecting, storing and shipping canine semen.