COSTS

As far as cost was concerned with our 1976 litter, it turned out to be far more expensive than we had first estimated. It was all experimental and very time consuming for all concerned and we gratefully recompensed those involved.

Costs nowadays have decreased considerably, because there is a system in place, many tasks are automated, more owners share space in shipping canisters etc. In Australia, we need to allow around $1000 US in expenses to obtain a successful pregnancy and th at is not counting whatever stud fee arrangements we may be able to make with the owner of our chosen sire.

TO SUM UP

So you can see that importing semen is an exercise which needs to be weighed up most carefully. Of course it is possible to bring in multiple doses of semen in the one canister and thus inseminate a variety of bitches, but each insemination is costly and it is far easier and much quicker to incorporate a new bloodline by importing a live stud dog.

Responsible breeders will take years to incorporate, blend and develop the new genes with their existing ones - the object of using frozen semen, as it is with natural matings, should be to consolidate the known benefits of one's own lines while at the sa me time introducing perceived benefits from someone else's. As with natural matings - sometimes you get what you want and sometimes you don't.

Overall of course you would expect to get more mileage by importing a male whom you could use on numerous occasions over a variety of bitches for the remainder of his fertile life and thus establish a widely based gene pool. Against this, one needs to wei gh the enormous advantages we have already discussed of using frozen semen from a sire you have especially selected.

As breeders who have both imported numerous live dogs from several countries in a number of breeds, and been successful with the importation of frozen semen plus the use of long stored frozen semen from our own stud dogs, we can only comment that both met hods have been invaluable to our breeding programme and have contributed to the successful development of our gene pool.

ADVANTAGES

Matings that could never occur can now take place

Overcoming geographic isolation and avoiding the disadvantages of quarantine

Long-term storage
a) for intensive line breeding to famous dogs who may by then be deceased
b) for potential use of valuable genetic material which at the time of collection is too close to your current bitches

As an extremely valuable tool in those breeds afflicted with hereditary diseases

DISADVANTAGES

Danger of a new but basically incorrect or untypical "look" becoming too easy to source

Risk of entrenching hereditary diseases more widely geographically and more rapidly throughout the gene pool

Temptation for insufficiently researched breeding to well advertised top winners with very limited line-breeding becoming accepted practice, Consistent out crossing must inevitably lead to a weakening of predictablility for type

HISTORY

1976
First frozen semen puppies registered with a Canine Controlling Body, Australia

Late 1980s
Success being achieved world wide. New techniques and management practices developed

First success with long stored frozen semen,
1992 With 16 year old semen
1993 With 17 year old semen
1995 With 19 year old semen

PROCEDURE for obtaining semen

Find an extremely experienced veterinarian working in the field of frozen semen before you even THINK about importing any

Select a stud dog and a recipient bitch, making your plans at least 6 months in advance

Check with your Controlling Body and Government Department for all requisite paperwork. MAKE SURE YOU GET THIS RIGHT

Forward details to owner of stud dog SO THAT THEY CAN MAKE SURE THEY ALSO GET IT RIGHT

Make your arrangements with the owner concerning stud fees, amount of semen, any restrictions for on selling, and so forth, all preferably in writing and signed by both parties

PROCEDURE at time of insemination

Advise your vet the first day your bitch comes into season so that he can plan accordingly

Decide if you want a surgical insemination or trans cervical by pipette and catheter

Unless the pregnancy is very obvious, ultrasound at around four weeks

Again, unles the pregnancy is very obvious, be prepared for an x ray in the eighth week

Do not automatically expect a full term of 59 to 63 days, and watch your bitch extremely closely for any signs of labour from the 55th day

Be prepared for a caesarean if your vet deems it necessary

ETHICS

How much semen does your financial outlay entitle you to?

Who owns the semen after collection and shipping?

Should AI from deceased dogs be permitted?

Wendye Slatyer July 97
Copyright(c) 1997

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