Collection, Shipping, and Breeding Logistics with Stokeshire

Building a strong relationship with a trusted veterinarian, particularly one specializing in reproductive health, is key to ensuring your stud dog feels comfortable and receives the best care throughout his life and breeding career. Here’s how you can foster that relationship:

1. Choose a Reproductive (Repro) Vet

Collection, Shipping, and Breeding Logistics with Stokeshire

If you’re planning to use one of Stokeshire’s stud dogs for breeding, understanding the collection and shipping process, as well as coordinating with a female’s reproductive cycle, is essential for successful timing. Here’s a detailed guide on how it works:

Progesterone Testing: The Foundation of Timing

Progesterone testing is crucial to determine the female’s ovulation date, which pinpoints the best time for breeding.

1. Testing Frequency: Progesterone levels are tested through a blood sample, starting a few days after the female begins her heat cycle.

2. Optimal Breeding Window: Ovulation typically occurs when progesterone levels reach 5 ng/mL. The most fertile window is 48-72 hours after ovulation, when eggs have matured and are ready for fertilization.

3. Coordination with Stokeshire: To ensure a seamless process, communicate progesterone test results promptly. This helps us prepare for collection and shipment at the perfect time.

Semen Collection and Analysis

1. The Collection Process:

   • Our stud dogs are collected by a veterinarian or experienced handler using non-invasive methods.

   • A semen analysis is performed to evaluate motility, concentration, and overall health. This ensures high-quality samples for successful insemination.

2. Packaging and Shipping:

   • Freshly collected semen is processed with an extender, a nutrient-rich solution that prolongs sperm viability and protects it during shipment.

   • The semen is then placed in a temperature-controlled shipping container designed to maintain optimal conditions for transit.

Shipping Logistics

1. Timing:

   • Semen is typically shipped overnight via FedEx or another express courier to ensure it arrives in time for insemination. Coordination with your vet is critical to receiving and using the semen immediately upon arrival.

2. Shipping Costs:

   • Clients are responsible for shipping fees, which cover the cost of collection, preparation, and the specialized shipping container.

3. Sperm Viability:

   • Fresh-chilled semen remains viable for 24-72 hours when properly extended and stored.

   • Timing insemination within this window ensures the best chance for fertilization.

Insemination Options

1. Vaginal Insemination (VI): Ideal for fresh-chilled semen, performed by your vet shortly after arrival.

2. Transcervical Insemination (TCI): A more precise method using an endoscope to deposit semen directly into the uterus.

3. Surgical Insemination: Occasionally used for challenging cases, where semen is surgically placed into the uterus.

Your repro vet will recommend the best method based on the female’s reproductive health and timing.

Working with Stokeshire

To ensure a smooth process:

1. Advance Notice: Let us know as soon as your female enters her heat cycle, so we can prepare for collection and shipping.

2. Ongoing Updates: Share progesterone test results and estimated ovulation dates promptly.

3. Clear Communication: Coordinate insemination timing with your vet to maximize the chances of conception.

How Long Does Sperm Live?

• Fresh Semen: Typically survives 5-7 days within the female reproductive tract. This makes it ideal for natural breeding or same-day insemination.

• Fresh-Chilled Semen: Remains viable for 24-72 hours after shipping, provided it’s properly extended and stored.

• Frozen Semen: Can be stored indefinitely but must be thawed and used within hours of insemination, often requiring TCI or surgical methods.

Why Partner with Stokeshire?

Our stud dogs are carefully selected for temperament, health, and genetic soundness. By working with Stokeshire, you benefit from:

• Access to expert reproductive advice.

• High-quality semen collection and preparation.

• Seamless coordination to match your female’s fertility cycle.

We’re here to help every step of the way, from timing and logistics to ensuring your breeding program’s success. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or to schedule services!