Semen Analysis
Semen Analysis
We always analyse semen before any insemination and also before signing off your stud dog for stud duties. 1. *Volume*: The total amount of semen produced during ejaculation. Typical volume ranges from 1 to 5 milliliters. 2. *Concentration*: The number of sperm per milliliter. A concentration of at least 200 million sperm per milliliter is generally considered normal. 3. *Motility*: The percentage of motile (moving) sperm. Ideally, at least 60-70% of the sperm should show forward movement. 4. *Morphology*: The percentage of sperm with normal shape and structure. A higher percentage of morphologically normal sperm indicates better fertility potential. 5. *pH Level*: The acidity or alkalinity of the semen, which should generally be in the range of 7.0 to 8.0. ### Benefits of Semen Analysis 1. *Fertility Assessment*: It provides valuable information about the male's fertility potential, helping breeders make informed decisions. 2. *Identifying Problems*: Semen analysis can help identify issues such as low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology, which can affect breeding success. 3. *Improved Breeding Success*: Knowing the quality of the semen allows for better planning of breeding, increasing the chances of successful conception. 4. *Health Monitoring*: Regular semen analysis can help monitor the reproductive health of the male dog over time. ### Required Amount of Semen for Health For successful artificial insemination, a typical recommendation is to have at least 200 million motile sperm per insemination. The total amount of semen may vary, but ensuring a sufficient concentration and quality is more critical than just the volume.