What Is Frozen Semen?

“Should I freeze my dog’s semen?” You ask. Let us help answer that question. 

In the world of responsible breeding, it’s so important to always be learning and investing in ways to support your dogs and future generations for the better. One such advancement is frozen semen ‘technology;. This incredible method offers dog owners the ability to preserve and utilise a dog’s ‘genetic material’ (DNA) at any time, even long after the dog has retired, been neutered, or passed away. 

Let’s dive into what frozen semen is, how it works, and why it’s game-changing.

So, What Is Frozen Semen?

Frozen semen refers to the ‘genetics’ collected from a male dog, which is then processed, and stored in liquid nitrogen. The freezing process preserves the semen indefinitely, ensuring that it can be thawed and used for breeding whenever needed - whether that be weeks, months, years or decades later.

The process is particularly valuable for safeguarding bloodlines, ensuring a male always has the ability to reproduce. 

The Process of Freezing Semen

The process for you, as the dog owner is very simple. You book and attend a short appointment at our clinic in Bacup, Rossendale (Lancashire), or one of our mobile pop-ups across the UK (e.g. Wales, East Sussex, Scotland). It’s for us, that the process is technically challenging and lengthy. 

1. Collection & Evaluation
   A semen sample is collected from the male dog and evaluated for quality. This is a very in depth check, as only high-quality samples are suitable for freezing. Most males produce semen of good enough standard for freezing. But we will be in touch with the male’s results and let you know of any issues that may make your male an unsuitable candidate (in which case you would not pay the freezing fee).
2. Processing & Storage
   Once the semen meets quality standards, it is processed and frozen to be stored in pellet form. Each batch is certified for quality and shipped to a specialised facility, Pr1me Veterinary Practice in Chesterfield, where it is stored in liquid nitrogen tanks and safeguarded on this licensed premises.
3. Future Use
   Once the semen is frozen, it is yours to ‘own’ for however long you wish. Frozen semen can be used at any time. A bitch would be ‘covered’ by insemination through a precise technique called Transcervical Insemination (TCI), ensuring optimal success rates. This can be done on site, at Pr1me Veterinary Practice in Chesterfield 7 days a week. Alternatively, it can be sold or shipped globally to other breeders.

Why is Frozen Semen good?

There are so many benefits to freezing your dog’s semen - and the process itself is very affordable, so it’s worth considering…

1. Preservation of Bloodlines 

Frozen semen allows you to preserve your boy’s DNA and his valuable genetic material, ensuring he is still able to have puppies well into the future. It offers you future access to important traits, even if the stud is no longer available, making breed preservation easier in decades’ time.

2. Breeding Flexibility

• Enables breeding after the stud dog has been neutered, injured, retired or has passed away.
• Avoids the stress and expense of transporting dogs for natural mating, as the semen can be shipped worldwide.
• Allows for precise techniques of insemination (TCI), maximising the fertility of each mating.
• Multiple breeding doses can be collected and stored, facilitating simultaneous matings with multiple bitches, overcoming the usual, natural limitations.

3. Optimal Timing & Success Rates‍

By coordinating with progesterone testing, breeders can ensure insemination occurs at the exact right time for ovulation. This precision enhances fertility outcomes, making frozen semen a cost-effective choice/

4. Widens the Gene Pool & Aids Preservation

‍By having your male’s DNA stored indefinitely it allows matings to occur in decades’ time, meaning ‘lost’ traits can be reintroduced into a breed - supporting its preservation. It also allows his semen to be shipped worldwide, allowing greater stud choices for bitch owners and an increased gene pool. 

5. Increased Stud Opportunities

If your male is a desirable stud, you have the option to sell his frozen semen abroad to interested parties. This opens a global market for his stud duties. 

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There are many, many more benefits to Freezing Semen, but this blog would become an essay rather than a useful, quick guide. 

To learn more or book a frozen semen appointment, get in touch with our team at North West Breeding Services.

Together with Pr1me Vets Chesterfield, we’re here to make your breeding goals a reality.

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