by Heather Schlesser

When using artificial insemination in cattle, conception rates can be severely reduced if semen is not handled properly. Proper semen handling requires being comfortable with a liquid nitrogen tank so you can work quickly and effectively to avoid damaging frozen semen.

When removing semen for insemination, raise the canister until the cane tops are a few inches below the tank’s opening. Do not raise a canister above the frost line. The canister should not be raised into the neck of the tank for more than eight seconds when removing straws or looking for the right cane. If eight seconds have passed, lower the canister back into the tank to ensure the straws remain fully frozen.

After identifying the cane, use tweezers to remove the semen straw. Your fingertips are a heat source and should not be used to grasp the semen straws.

Thawing semen

As a general rule, straws should be thawed in a 96-degree-F water bath for a minimum of 45 seconds. Other thawing procedures may be acceptable depending on the extender used; check with the semen company for details. Use a thermometer to confirm the temperature of the water before inserting a straw of semen.

Once a straw is thawed, it is critical to maintain it at about 96 degrees until deposited in the cow. Straws can remain in the water bath for some time. However, straws should be deposited into the cow within 10 minutes of thawing.

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Multiple straws can be thawed at once, but attention to detail is critical when thawing multiple straws in the same thaw unit.

Warm AI gun

AI guns must be warmed before semen straws are inserted to ensure sperm survivability. To warm your gun, place it inside your shirt until you are ready to load it. Sheaths can also be tucked into your shirt to keep them warm if it is cold outside. When ready to load an AI gun, ensure you are out of direct sunlight in a sheltered area, and work quickly to avoid exposing the straw to temperature swings.

Watch the video below for instructions on how to load your AI gun. Once you have loaded the AI gun, insert it into your shirt to keep the semen warm and out of direct sunlight.

Knowing how to handle semen properly will help enhance your reproductive efficiency when using artificial insemination. Small actions like having the animal locked up before the semen is thawed and working efficiently when a loaded gun is prepared can result in increased reproductive gains.

Schlesser is the University of Wisconsin Extension dairy agent in Marathon County.