We are highly experienced and can offer expert advice to registered breeders on canine reproduction.

When exact timing is paramount (eg using frozen semen), the use of ultrasound in combination with progesterone and vaginoscopy, is the gold standard.

We are happy to offer this service to our valued breeding clients at Wingham and Valley Vets and have state-of-the-art equipment that ensures accuracy and maximises conception rates.

Call 6557 0000

Semen Collection, Freezing & Storage

We can offer semen collection and freezing for storage or transport to other Veterinary Hospitals. Once collected from the male, the semen is transferred into labelled straws which are frozen in liquid nitrogen and carefully stored in our liquid nitrogen tanks.

After collection and freezing, we check the post-thaw motility of the semen to ensure it has sufficient motility and fertility for use in future breedings.

We also can store semen on-site for protracted periods of time so that the semen is easily accessible and available for immediate use whenever a breeder’s bitch comes into oestrus. This avoids the stress and hassle of trying to transport semen long distances urgently if a bitch comes into season earlier than expected.

Reasons for Semen Evaluation :

1. To ensure a young dog about to begin a stud career has normal sperm production.

2. To investigate infertility problems.

3. To monitor sperm production after an illness (e.g. prostatic disease) or drug therapy to ensure the dog is still fertile.

4. To assess the semen as part of an artificial insemination program.

Parameters to be evaluated

Colour – Normal semen should be milky in colour. Clear or blood-tinged is abnormal (blood may kill the sperm and clear semen may indicate poor quality or no sperm production).

Sperm Motility – a drop of semen is placed on a warm slide and immediately viewed under a microscope. The percentage of sperm swimming actively is assessed. Most fertile dogs have a motility of 90-95%. Dogs with motility below 80% are likely to have reduced fertility.

Sperm Morphology – one hundred sperm in the drop of semen sample are examined and any shape (morphology) abnormalities are recorded. Abnormalities of the head or tail affect the sperm’s ability to swim and reach the egg, and also its ability to penetrate the egg cell. If the percentage of normal sperm is below 80%, it indicates reduced fertility.

Sperm Concentration – A semen sample is diluted and placed in a counting chamber. The number of sperm in specific squares of the chamber are counted and the sperm concentration is calculated.

Total Sperm Output – Calculated by multiplying the concentration of sperm (per ml) in the sample by the total volume of semen collected.

Semen Assessment

We have a state-of-the-art ‘phase’ microscope to allow direct visualisation and assessment of semen motility and morphology. This is useful after collection and prior to storage, so breeders have assurance that the semen they are using or providing to another breeder, is fertile.