Don’t Fumble The Ball After A Long Drive!
Michael O’Connor
Penn State
Dairy and Animal Science Extension
Much has been written in recent months about
new or modified estrous synchronization programs
for lactating cows. The primary purpose of such
programs is-to improve the percentage of eligible
cows that are inseminated and conceived during the
estrous cycles that occur shortly after the voluntary
waiting period (VWP). Many dairy producers have
adapted such programs to fit their management
schedule to reproductive management becomes
more systematic.
Whether cows are inseminated based upon signs
of heat or inseminated at a fixed time, it is crucial
that proper semen handling procedures and insemi
nation technique are used. Achieving good repro
ductive performance is always a challenge.
Don’t fumble the ball after investing time and
money implementing a sound reproductive man
agement game plan. Here are some reminders.
• Avoid excessive movement or abuse of the
semen tank. It isn’t a “Rubbermaid product,” Keep
Semen Handling:
the tank elevated above the concrete floor or other
wet, poorly ventilated surfaces. Corrosion of the
metal shell will shorten the life of the tank and pos-
sibly cause failure to maintain temperature.
• Ensure A.I. equipment is kept clean, dry, and
not exposed to excessive temperatures.
• Develop a semen inventory system which will
help avoid excessive searching for semen and expo
sure to dangerously high temperatures within the
neck of the tank.
• Some farm nitrogen tanks contain semen from
as many as three breeding organizations. Thaw the
semen according to the recommendation of the or
ganization that supplied the semen. When in doubt,
use a warm water thaw (95°F).
• Once the semen is thawed, take precaution to
prevent thermal shock. Although prevention of cold
shock is emphasized most frequently, heat shock
can occur if the insemination device is exposed to el
evated temperatures during the warmer months.
Thermal shock is permanent injury to sperm caused
by sudden changes in semen temperature after
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