Semen Collection and Evaluation
Objective: The objectives of this laboratory are to:
- Learn how to assemble, disassemble and clean the Missouri AV.
- Learn how to collect semen from a stallion safely.
- Learn how to evaluate a collection of semen for volume, concentration, motility and morphology.
Before continuing with the lab, be sure to review the lectures on Semen Collection & Evaluation .
Terminology: There is some terminology that we must get straight in order to communicate effectively
- Artificial Vagina (AV) - Device which mimics the vagina of the female of the species and is filled with a warm liquid (usually water) to the desired pressure.
- Phantom- The device used for the stallion to mount when collecting with an AV, that is similar in height and girth to a mare. The phantom does not need a "head" and can be bought commercially or made from a used house water heater, large log with bark removed or anything else that is sturdy enough for the stallion to mount.
- Flagging- the motion of the stallion's tail when he is ejaculating. This motion is caused by contrations of the ischiocavernosus, bulbospongiosus, and urethralis (pelvic urethral) muscles pulsing rhythmically during ejaculation.
- Gel- A gelatinous secretion from the seminal vesicles which is ejaculated after the sperm rich fraction. The gel is separated from the semen with a filter that is inserted into the collection bottle when the AV is assembled. The gel is trapped in the filter and discarded.
Laboratory Activities:
- AV preparation & care: You will watch movies which explain the assembly and care of the Missouri AV.
- Semen collection : Learn about semen collection and watch movies of semen collection.
- Semen Evaluation : Watch movies that explain how to evaluate semen. You will then be able to evaluate virtual samples.