Chilling - Once you have pulled Semen from the Stud Dog, you add a Chill “additive” to the collection. There are 2 types of Chill Additive;
- Is a 5 day Chill, so you have 5 days from Chilling to Inseminate into the Bitch.
- The other one is a 10 day Chill, so you 10 days from Chilling to inseminate into the Bitch.
An additive prevents the need to add egg yolk and protects the sperm cells during chilled storage. It also protects the sperm cells from damage caused by temperature variations during shipping, prevents oxidative stress and neutralizes degrading metabolites negative effects.
When chilling Semen it has so be stored at 4 degrees celsius or below (in a Fridge).
Chilled Semen can be transported BUT has to be transported using ‘A Canine Semen Transport Box’.
The canine chilled semen transport box is made of a highly insulating neopor graphite polystyrene which holds constant temperature for up to 45 hours. Once it has arrived at its destination it is to be then kept in a Fridge again 4 degrees celsius or lower.
When the chilled Semen is ready to be used. Remove the tube of semen from the small bag, mix gently and place the tube in a body temperature water bath (No warmer than 98 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 minutes.
You would then take a very small droplet of Semen and check it under Microscope, that it has been woken up properly.
Chilled semen breedings are expected to produce puppies 80% of the time. This means that 20% of the time even if everything goes as planned puppies may not result. Chilled semen breedings are not for the faint at heart. Bitch owners are at the mercy of what they are shipped and receive. Weather and shipping delays can also, adversely affect the best laid plans.