The storage of frozen stallion semen preserves the quality of the semen and ensures that it is used in the best possible way.
Frozen semen is stored at a temperature of -196°C in liquid nitrogen tanks specially designed for semen freezing. It is handled with care to avoid temperature variations.
Frozen stud semen can be stored for up to several decades. It is necessary to regularly fill the storage tanks with liquid nitrogen, which evaporates continuously. The ambient air is 78% nitrogen gas, which is completely harmless unless it replaces the 21% oxygen needed for respiration. Storage costs are charged to the owners of the semen.
We maintain a permanent inventory of stored semen, noting details of each sample, including the name of the stallion, date of collection, quality of the semen and details of its use or distribution.
The semen can be distributed nationally, in Europe, or in many countries around the world, depending on the health results to which the stallion has been subjected during the freezing process. In rare cases, it is sometimes possible to perform new tests directly on the frozen semen.
To maintain the health status that makes the semen eligible for export, it must be continuously stored in an approved storage centre, which is subject to various controls and regulations. Our collection and storage centre is approved in Europe and internationally under the number BF 10/01.
Straws that leaves the registered circuit can no longer be re-integrated or be eligible for export. Travelling semen is accompanied by documents that guarantee its origin and storage.
The semen is transported in dry-shipper containers by road and sometimes by air, depending on the destination.
Air carriers have strict regulations for the transport of hazardous materials, including frozen stallion semen (considered biological material) and liquid nitrogen (risk of cold burns). Regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) determine the approved containers for the transport of frozen semen by air, which must be able to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures encountered during air transport.
There are also constraints on road transport, to allow timely deliveries.
Geo-trackers are placed in the containers to follow them to their destination.
The transport of semen is entrusted to partners in whom we place our trust, but there are still risks of loss, blockage at customs, damage to containers, etc. For this reason, we advise the owners of the seed to insure their shipments for the value of the goods transported. We cannot assume any damage resulting from transport which is not under our supervision.
The storage of semen involves risks that we cannot accept under the usual pricing conditions. Although we have considerable experience in this area, it is impossible to eliminate the risks associated with unforeseen events such as loss of nitrogen or container failure. Therefore, we cannot accept any liability for damage or loss of straws stored with us. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance with a third party company, and we are happy to assist you in doing so.
Add new comment