Boar Semen Dose Management
Calculate dose yield correctly and manage receiving, stock rotation, traceability and waste.
Define what one dose contains
A semen dose needs a stated volume, sperm number and quality specification for the chosen Artificial Insemination (A.I.) method. Total sperm count, total motile sperm and progressively motile sperm are different quantities. Never substitute one for another in a production calculation.
Calculate a theoretical yield
If a protocol specifies total sperm per dose, theoretical doses = ejaculate volume × sperm concentration ÷ required total sperm per dose. For example, 200 mL at 250 million sperm/mL contains 50 billion sperm. At 3 billion total sperm per dose, this gives 16 complete doses before allowances for sampling, processing and rejected material.
If the target is motile sperm, include the measured motile fraction in the numerator. With 80% motility, the same example contains 40 billion motile sperm: at a target of 3 billion motile sperm, it gives 13 complete doses before losses. These are arithmetic examples, not recommended dose targets. Apply morphology or other eligibility adjustments exactly as required by the validated protocol.
Receive and identify every batch
- Record supplier, boar identity or batch, collection date, arrival time, transport temperature and expiry.
- Inspect containers, seals and appearance; sample according to the receiving plan.
- Hold damaged, unlabelled or questionable material separately until a release decision is made.
- Keep the link between each dose and its source batch throughout storage and use.
Plan purchases around the breeding schedule
Estimate requirements from expected services and the farm’s validated number of inseminations per sow, then allow a documented contingency. PCAI can change sperm use per insemination; it does not automatically reduce the number of inseminations required during a heat period. Avoid buying surplus that will expire before use.
Store, issue and reconcile
Use the earliest-expiring suitable batch first. Follow the extender and supplier’s temperature, handling and shelf-life instructions. Transport only the planned working quantity to the breeding area in a suitable insulated container. Do not warm doses in clothing or place ice directly against them.
Record doses received, used, sampled and discarded, with reasons for every discard. Review waste by batch and cause: expiry, temperature excursion, damaged packaging, quality failure or over-ordering. Investigate repeated losses before changing dose specifications.
Related equipment
For model selection and compatibility, contact DOLO or email [email protected].