Partnar Animal Health, Specializing in Bovine, Canine and Equine Reproduction Supplies
We sell everything you need for Bovine, Equine and Canine Semen Collection, Embryo Collection & Transfer and Artificial Insemination
Research Update
EQ-FreezeTM
EQ-FreezeTM - Equine Semen Freezing Extender with Ticarcillin or Polymixin and Penicillin G.
EQ-Freeze, was developed and tested by Dr.Tracey Chenier DVM, Dip ACT from the Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Assessment of Cryoprotectants
A selection of cryoprotectants were assessed by evaluating the impact on membrane integrity, total and progressive motility. EQ-Freeze which includes DMSO outperformed those containing one of four other cryoprotective agents glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and diethylene glycol. These data are summarized below.
Pregnancy Results- 78% Conception Rate.
A group of nine mares were inseminated using semen collected from the same Quarter Horse Stallion on four different occasions. Semen was extended with EQ-Freeze to a final concentration of 300 million per ml. ½ ml straws were filled, bubbled and plugged with PVC powder. Straws were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor prior to plunging in liquid nitrogen using a stryofoam freeze box. Mares were inseminated with 300 million motile spermatozoa. Seven of nine mares conceived and checked pregnant at 28-30day fetal heartbeat.
Pre-Freeze and Post-Thaw Evaluation
Freeze Date
Volume (ml)
Pre-Freeze Concentration(million/ml)
Pre-Freeze Motility (Total/Prog)
Post Thaw Motility
Post Thaw Velocity(0-5)
May 22
70
320
90/80
45/80
3
June 5
60
120
60/75
45/70
3
June 10
70
130
80/80
50/80
4
June 13
70
145
75/70
50/70
4
EQ-Freeze comes packaged in 20mL frozen vials.
Methodology
1)Evaluate collected neat semen for volume, total and progressive motility, morphology (Eosin-Nigrosin Stain) and determine sperm concentration using a hemocytometer or commercial densimeter.
Only ejaculated which demonstrate greater than 50% total motility and >60% normal morphology should be considered for freezing.
2) Dilute semen in a 1:1 ratio with EQ-Freeze extender at 37°C/104°F.
3) Pour into sterile 50 mL centrifuge tubes, and centrifuge at 350g for 15 minutes at room temperature 22°C/74°F
4) Pour off supernatant and resuspend pellet with EQ-Freeze extender to a concentration of 200-350 million sperm per ml.
5) Load the semen in 0.5 ml straws, bubble, and plug.
6)Allow to equilibrate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes on the freezing tray.
7)Fill box with liquid nitrogen to 4 cm depth and let stabilize for 15 minutes.
8)Float freezing tray (2 cm styrofoam base) on liquid nitrogen for 10 minutes.
9)Plunge straws.
10)Load in canes and store.
