As the weather turns colder, pig farmers have ben reminded to review their storage of pig semen.
ACMC veterinary consultant Paul Thompson says it’s important to measure the temperature of the semen store – preferably twice daily – to ensure it’s maintained at 17C +/- 1C.
He adds that it’s also important to turn stored semen gently at least twice a day to prevent settling and clumping of the sperm.
In a controlled temperature store, semen should be deposited so that the oldest semen is used first. Again, in cold weather it’s important to ensure that only enough semen is removed from the store for use in the following 30 minutes or so; and this should preferably be kept in an insulated box.
