Cold weather semen storage

As the weather turns colder pig farmers should review their storage of semen, says ACMC veterinary consultant, Paul Thompson. It is important to measure the temperature of the semen store — preferably twice daily — to ensure it is maintained at 17oC +/- 1oC.

It is also important to turn stored semen gently at least twice a day to prevent settling and clumping of sperm. In the controlled temperature store semen should be deposited so that the oldest semen is used first. Again, in cold weather it is important to ensure that only enough semen is removed from the store for use in the following ½ hour or, preferably, keep it in an insulated box