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Postmortem Semen Extraction From The
Boer Buck Epididymis
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Dr. Gabriela Flores-Foxworth |
Global Genetics and Biologicals
4011 SH 47, Bryan, TX 77807
979-822-4000 fax 979-822-4022
gfoxworth@globalgenetics.tv
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| As livestock producers,
we are always planning for that fall conventional
semen collection in order to preserve our superior
Boer buck’s desirable traits. Unfortunately,
in our everyday farm life, we encounter unexpected
situations, like the sudden death of one of our “never
collected animals” or of “our best animal
in the herd.” When the unthinkable occurs, we
can be so overwhelmed we cannot think of anything
but the great loss, and possibly we try to call the
vet to figure out what happened. All too often, we
forget that we can still salvage genetics from the
animal. |
The death of your Boer
buck is not a total loss; the semen he has been storing
can be recovered and used for breeding! |
Remarkably, even though
the animal has died, cells in the body remain viable
for several hours. Postmortem semen extraction can
be performed; and if the cause of death is not related
to a chronic and debilitating disease, it is very
likely that all the semen produced and stored in the
tail of the epididymis is recoverable and processable.
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Most of the semen produced
in the testicles matures and is stored in the epididymal
duct. The caudal part (tail) of the epididymis is
the major site of sperm storage. Spermatozoa develop
their ability to fertilize ova during their transport
through the epididymis; therefore, the spermatozoa
extracted from the tail of the epididymis is capable
of fertilizing eggs. |
If you, or somebody you
know, experience the untimely death of your genetically
superior breeding stock, consider calling us or sending
the testicles to us as soon as possible to improve
the success of the procedure. |
For better results, please
follow these instructions as soon as possible after
death or immediately following euthanasia: |
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1. Testicles should be left
inside the scrotum if possible.
2. Collect as much of the ductus (vas) deferens, and
tie the ends prior to cutting it off.
3. The testicles should be allowed to cool slowly.
The most detrimental aspect is to cool the testicles
too quickly.
4. The testicles, in the scrotum, should be placed
inside a plastic bag and sealed.
5. As shown in the diagram, the bag should be placed
over an insulatory material (wadded newspaper, styrofoam
peanuts, bubble wrap) on top of ice packs inside a
cooler. The cooling setup should be prepared immediately
before placing the testicles inside the cooler and
tape it. The cooler should not be cooled prior to
use. This setup allows the testicles to be cooled
slowly.
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6. If within driving
distance of Bryan, TX, call Global Genetics as soon
as possible for drop-off (8am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 979-822-4000).
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7. Otherwise, place cooler
inside a cardboard box and ship to Global Genetics
at address above as soon as possible by OVERNIGHT
DELIVERY. Call Global Genetics (979-822-4000) on day
of shipment with expected time of arrival and tracking
number. |
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