SEMEN COLLECTION

Welcome to Module 2
Semen Collection

One of the basic differences between AI and natural breeding is that the AI technician is responsible
for many of the tasks normally performed by the boar at mating. It is crucial that the technician
understands the natural processes of semen production. With this understanding, he can copy the
processes as closely as possible during semen collection and processing. When collecting semen
for AI, the technician has to do it properly to safeguard the survival and quality of the semen.
This module describes the step-by-step procedure of semen collection and its frequency.

At the end of this module, you would be able to:

1. Identify the importance of proper semen collection;

2. Apply the steps of semen collection; and

3. Recognize correct frequency of collection

During semen collection, the technician should understand the behavior of each boar he handles.
Some boars have penile erection once they see the dummy and then leave the pen. Others walk
around the dummy before mounting it. A well-trained boar mounts when presented with a dummy.

One of the important points to remember is to avoid temperature shocks. The semen should be
collected in a pre-warmed container (is placed in a warming cabinet prior to collection to maintain a
temperature of 35-37 degrees Celsius.) that will maintain its temperature. The approximate temperature of
the collected semen is 36 degrees Celsius.

Semen collection
Steps in Semen Collection

These steps can be followed for gloved-hand method or bare-handed method of semen

collection:

1.  Bring a clean, dry and warm collecting cup covered with filter (surgical gauze or milk
filter) to the collecting pen.

2.  Wash and dry hands prior to the collection. If possible, use gloves (vinyl) to make
collection more hygienic.

3.  Introduce the boar to the dummy sow in the collecting pen. Remove the urine and
preputial fluid by massaging the prepuce starting from the base and pushing steadily
forward. Clean the surrounding area of the prepuce with paper towel or tissue paper.

4.  Allow the boar to mount the dummy sow on his own. Once mounted, the boar will begin its
thrusting movements.

5.  Grasp the penis with the fingers lightly at first and then firmly. Do not pull out the penis. Instead,
allow the boar to extend his penis on its full length. The thrusting movements will eventually stop,
and ejaculation will start. Once in this state, the grip is slightly loosened. Pressure exerted in gripping
the penis can be learned through experience. It varies from one boar to another. While ejaculating,
some boars prefer a rhythmic contraction of the hand.
6.  The appearance of the ejaculate will change as the boar ejaculates the different fractions of the
semen. The collector should be able to identify these fractions:

 first gel with clear fluid fraction: Do not collect this fraction as it contains very few sperm cells.
 sperm-rich fraction: This is grayish and milky. This fraction is collected as it contains viable
sperm cells ideal for insemination.
 clear fluid fraction: One-third of this fraction can be collected to add volume to the collected
semen.
 gel-rich fraction (tapioca): This fraction is not collected because it clogs the catheter and
causes death of sperm cells.

7.  The collector should be PATIENT because the collection may take between 5 to 20 minutes. The
penis is not released until the boar has finished ejaculating. It is not appropriate to release the penis
after the sperm-rich fraction has been ejaculated. Do not rush the boar because it can frustrate him,
making the animal potentially DANGEROUS.

Click on the video at right to watch a collection procedure

Remember!

 Avoid using tap water to clean the penile area to avoid contamination.

 Always remove the preputial fluid prior to collection.

 Grasp the boar's penis towards you in parallel position to avoid drippings going
into or contaminating the collected semen.
 This type of fraction of semen is grayish and milky. This fraction is collected as it contains viable sperm
cells ideal for insemination. What type of fraction of semen is this?

Select the best answer then click SUBMIT ANSWER

first gel with clear fluid fraction

sperm-rich fraction
 clear fluid fraction

gel-rich fraction (tapioca)

The frequency of collection will affect the volume and concentration of semen to a certain extent.
Over-used boars have low semen concentration and volume.

On the other hand, under usage of boars will also cause the semen quality to deteriorate, i.e., semen
becomes stale, and there is presence of many dead sperm cells.

You can follow this schedule for semen collection.

 BOAR  FREQUENC  INTERVAL

AGE Y OF
(months COLLECTIO
) N
 8 - 10  once a week every 6
days 
 11 - 12  2x a week every 4
days
 >1 yr.  2-3 times a every 3
old week days 
 

NOTE: You should rest the boars in consecutive days, as indicated in the interval of collection.

To Take the Test:

Let's review what you have learned so far. Choose your best answer by clicking the
appropriate answer button at the left portion of the question box. 

Then to have your answer recorded and credited, CLICK the SUBMIT ANSWER button located at

the lower left portion of the question box. After you click the SUBMIT button, an image and some text
will appear to indicate whether your answer was right or wrong.

Note: Skipping this button means your answer will not be scored and credited.

1. During semen collection, one important point to consider for hygienic purposes is to:

use hand gloves

 collect all fractions of the semen

use pre-warmed containers

2. Semen collection can take about ___________, that is why the collector should be PATIENT.

5 to 20 minutes

60 minutes

30 minutes

3. It is recommended to collect only the ______________ fraction of the semen.

gel-rich

sperm-rich

clear fluid

4. Semen collection of an eight-month-old boar should be done __________ a week:

(2 points) Is it once or twice or thrice?

Type your answer in the box provided.

in words

5. What will happen if the boar is under-used?

improved semen quality

semen becomes stale

decreased libido
 6. Look at the picture, what is this fraction of the collected semen?

gel-rich fraction

sperm-rich fraction

clear fluid fraction

first gel with clear fluid

7. Over usage of boar can lead to:

poor semen quality

lower semen concentration

All of the above

8. It is recommended that semen collection should be done:

A. in a collecting pen

B. in the boar's pen

C. either A or B

9. Each boar behaves differently, therefore, the technician should be aware of each boar's behavior
and habits.

false

true