Introduction

Breeding dogs using fresh chilled semen is a reliable and beneficial method for professional breeders. It eliminates the need for travel and minimizes exposure to pathogens. However, this technique requires careful attention to detail during every stage of the process. This guide provides advanced breeders with technical insight, addressing common misconceptions and mistakes to help them execute the process effectively.

Breeding with fresh chilled semen involves precision and a deep understanding of canine reproduction. It enables breeders to use high-quality genetics from studs located at a distance without the need for direct mating. This guide focuses on the critical factors and steps involved in this breeding method to help achieve successful outcomes.

Stokeshire Designer Doodles, a reputable breeder situated in the Midwest, is renowned for their expertise in shipping semen and importing for their dams. They embrace the advanced technique of breeding with fresh chilled semen, which stands as a testament to its reliability and benefits. However, executing this process seamlessly demands an intricate grasp of details at every phase.

Using fresh chilled semen in dog breeding demands precision and a deep comprehension of canine reproduction. It is a strategic tool for breeders, allowing access to superior genetics from studs situated at a distance, eliminating the necessity for direct mating. This comprehensive guide zeroes in on the pivotal aspects and meticulous steps inherent in this breeding approach, designed to empower breeders with the technical acumen essential for achieving consistent success.

Why Chilled Semen

Breeding decisions in canine reproduction often involve alternatives when natural mating isn't viable due to various reasons, such as scheduling conflicts or the unavailability of the stud dog. Options include artificial insemination, leveraging progesterone timing, and utilizing chilled or frozen semen, significantly enhancing breeding flexibility.

Chilled Semen for Breeding Dogs - Doodles & Poodles

Chilled semen breedings, established for over 30 years, have evolved with advancements in semen extenders and shipping kits. This method involves collecting semen, isolating the sperm-rich fraction, extending it with a nourishing solution, and shipping it for viable use. Samples can also be stored refrigerated for weeks, undergoing regular viability checks for future breeding.

Canine Frozen Semen

Frozen semen, a technique employed for over three decades, initially faced challenges with low conception rates. However, modern methods involving accurate progesterone and hormone analysis have significantly improved success rates. Typically used with surgical insemination, frozen semen can be used vaginally, albeit with less favorable outcomes.

Transcervical Insemination (TCI)

TCI, a method employed for both fresh and frozen semen breedings, has shown promising results with two inseminations spaced apart. It allows semen evaluation before breeding and increases success rates with low quantity or poor-quality semen, surpassing natural or vaginal insemination efficacy.

Transcervical Insemination (TCI) for Doodles: Benefits of TCI for Doodle Breeders:

Explore the advantages:

Heightened Pregnancy Success: Precise semen placement improves conception rates.
Reduced Risks: Minimized infections and injuries due to their non-surgical nature.
Stress Reduction: Quick, anesthesia-free process, less stressful than natural mating.

The TCI Process

Understand the step-by-step procedure:

Endoscopic Approach: Visualizing the cervix and catheter insertion by expert professionals.
Sterile Techniques: Ensuring a sterile environment for successful insemination.

When to Choose TCI

Ideal scenarios:

Unsuccessful Natural Mating: Optimal for cases with unsuccessful natural breeding.
Anatomical Challenges: Suitable for dogs facing anatomical breeding difficulties.
Shipping in Chilled or Frozen Semen

Preparing for TCI

Essential preparation steps:

Pre-Breeding Health Checks: Ensuring female health and screenings.
Timing Ovulation: Accurate timing for successful insemination.
- For Transcervical Insemination (TCI), the optimal progesterone level typically ranges between 5 and 20 ng/ml. The timing of TCI is crucial, usually recommended between 2 to 3 days after the surge in progesterone levels, which indicates ovulation. Timing the procedure accurately, usually around day 4 to day 7 after the LH surge or ovulation, maximizes the chances of successful insemination and conception. Consulting with a veterinarian experienced in reproductive cycles is advisable for precise timing based on the individual dog's ovulation pattern and progesterone levels.
- The best time for Artificial Insemination (AI) in dogs is typically during the fertile window of the female's reproductive cycle, specifically around ovulation. In dogs, ovulation usually occurs around 2 to 3 days after a surge in progesterone levels. For fresh semen AI, optimal timing is often recommended between 2 days before ovulation to 1 day after ovulation to ensure the sperm is present when the eggs are released. However, the timing may vary depending on the individual female's reproductive cycle, and consulting a veterinarian experienced in canine reproduction is crucial for precise timing.
Health Optimization: Maintaining optimal health through nutrition and stress-free environments.

Post-TCI Care

Critical post-insemination measures:

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups: Monitoring pregnancy progress.
Potential Complications: Understanding and addressing possible issues.
Comprehensive Support: Ensuring post-insemination care for a healthy pregnancy.

Debunking Misconceptions

Clarifications on:

Safety and Efficiency: TCI's safe and efficient nature with professional handling.
Pain Myths: Minimal discomfort experienced by dogs.
Professional Assistance: Importance of expert guidance for successful outcomes.
Risks and Complications: Informative insights into potential risks for informed decision-making.

Conclusion

Experience the evolution in dog breeding with TCI. This method prioritizes safety, improves pregnancy rates, and ensures superior care for breeding success. At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, TCI signifies a leap forward in responsible breeding practices.

Step 1: Preparing the Bitch for Breeding

First and foremost, one must thoroughly understand the bitch's breeding cycle to determine the optimal time for insemination. A health check to ascertain she is free from infections or hereditary conditions is essential. Monitoring hormonal levels through blood tests or vaginal smears can pinpoint ovulation.

Track the bitch's cycle and look for signs of proestrus and estrus.
Conduct a thorough veterinary examination, including Brucella canis screening.
Utilize progesterone tests to identify the precise timing for insemination.

Step 2: Collecting Semen from the Stud

Selecting a stud with desirable traits and good semen quality is paramount. Collecting semen should be done by an experienced individual to ensure the highest viability of sperm.

Opt for a stud dog with proven fertility and health clearances.
Utilize collection techniques such as artificial vagina or manual stimulation.
Perform an immediate semen evaluation to assess motility and sperm count.

Step 3: Proper Storage and Transportation of Chilled Semen

Proper semen handling and storage is critical after collection. Use a specialized canine semen shipping container that maintains semen viability for up to 72 hours.

Dilute semen with a commercially available extender that provides nutrients and buffers.
Store at 4-5°C, avoiding freezing and fluctuations in temperature.
Ship overnight or use express transportation to minimize time spent in transit.

Step 4: Insemination Process

Timing is everything! The insemination should occur when the bitch is most fertile, which is typically a few days into her estrus phase when her progesterone levels peak.

Inseminate within 48 hours of receiving the chilled semen.
Choose a method of insemination (vaginal, transcervical, or surgical) based on the bitch's health, anatomy, and breeding history.
Employ sterile techniques to avoid introducing bacteria into the reproductive tract.

Step 5: Post-Insemination Care for the Bitch

After insemination, monitor the bitch closely for any signs of infection or distress.

Limit strenuous activity and provide a quiet, comfortable space for the bitch to rest.
Observe for normal behavior and appetite; any abnormalities should be checked by a veterinarian.
Confirm pregnancy with ultrasonography or hormone testing as advised by a vet.

Common Misconceptions and Mistakes

Misunderstanding of the Breeding Cycle: The most fertile period may vary between bitches. Relying solely on behavioral signs without hormonal monitoring can lead to mistimed insemination.

Incorrect Semen Storage and Handling: Exposure to extreme temperatures can compromise semen integrity. A consistent, chilled environment is crucial.

Inadequate Post-Insemination Care: Failing to provide proper care post-insemination can affect pregnancy outcomes. Keep stress to a minimum and maintain a healthy environment.

Conclusion

The success of breeding with fresh chilled semen in dogs largely depends on strict adherence to each step outlined above. By averting common errors and meticulously following best practices, breeders are well-equipped to achieve the desired results. Patience, precision, and a deep understanding of the process will pave the way for effective and ethical breeding practices.

FAQ About Using Chilled Semen When Breeding Dogs

At Stokeshire, we meticulously collect chilled dog sperm from our studs and transport it using specialized kits designed for maintaining optimal temperature conditions. The semen is diluted with specific extenders, chilled to 4°C, and shipped swiftly via overnight courier to ensure its viability upon arrival.
Transporting fresh dog sperm involves using specially designed containers equipped with cooling elements. The collected semen is immediately placed in these containers and shipped using expedited delivery services to maintain the required temperature, typically 4°C, throughout transit.
Fresh dog sperm is stored in chilled semen containers at 4°C, ensuring its preservation while maintaining viability. We follow strict protocols to safeguard the sperm's quality until it's ready for insemination.
The success rate of Trans-cervical insemination (TCI) in dogs can vary based on several factors, including the expertise of the veterinarian, the quality of semen used, and the timing of the procedure concerning the bitch's ovulation. Typically, when performed accurately and under optimal conditions, TCI can yield success rates comparable to or even higher than traditional insemination methods, reaching approximately 60-70% or more in certain cases. However, individual outcomes may differ based on specific breeding circumstances.