Watch Thaw Unit Temperatures in Summer Heat
From the Earle Cate, the Alta representative in Colorado, we receive an excellent breeding tip for summer time breeding: Cito automatic thaw units have a thermostat that turns on a heating element if the water gets too cool. They do not cool water that gets too warm!
When summer heat arrives, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to rise well above100 degrees F (38 degrees C) in utility rooms or in automobiles where a thaw unit might be plugged in. When the water contained in a thaw unit reaches these temperatures, significant damage can be rendered onto the sperm cells if the semen straw is left in the water too long, reducing conception rates as a result. Alta Genetics recommends thawing semen for 30 seconds at 95 degrees F (35 degrees C). If the temperature within the thaw unit rises above this level, ideally cool water should be added to bring the temperature back to 95 degrees before the semen straws are added. If this is not possible at very least, semen straws should not be exposed to temperatures over the 100 degree F (38 degree C) for more than 5 to 8 seconds.
Posted June 24th