We have recently added the SuperThaw and the SuperWarmer to our product range:-

It is very important that bull semen is thawed consistently at the right temperature.

You should always contact your Semen Provider for their actual recommendations.

Here are some examples:

• Normal semen  35-36°C (95°F)  for 45 seconds
• Sexed semen 36-37°C (98°F) for 40 seconds

If the correct settings are not followed then a percentage of sperm may die long before they ever see a cow, this has even greater consequences for sexed semen and older straws.

Our new Dairymac Digital SUPERTHAW™ is designed and manufactured in the UK and based on a comprehensive list of ‘needs’ and ‘ desires’ in our discussions with farmers, AI Technicians and Vets.

Semen Handling Procedure

The Bull Semen will have been stored in plastic straws and removed from liquid Nitrogen at -196°C (-320°F) and then usually thawed with a Dairymac Superthaw™ to 36° (96°F) or 37°C (98°F). The straw is then inserted into a stainless-steel A.i Gun, the tip snipped off and a protective sheath put over the top. Good practice is to also cover the A.I. Gun with a plastic chemise to stop faecal contamination,' I always do this' adds Graham Shepherd

After this the traditional method of keeping the ‘loaded Ai Gun with thawed semen inside is to stick it down your back, with the vague home that your own body temperature will keep the semen warm and alive.

This is clearly not best practice.

The Dairymac A.i. Gun Superwarmer™ is a temperature-controlled environment which can keep the semen alive for several hours, although it is considered best to try and get the semen into the cow with 10-20 minutes.

Every farmer or technician knows the panic of carrying several loaded A.i. Guns around trying to manoeuvre cattle in a chute and losing valuable minutes.

The Dairymac A.I. Gun Superwarmer™ takes this panic away.

Quite simply it does a better job at keeping Bull Semen warm, this is particularly important in the colder winter months where the A.i. Technicians own body temperature can wildly fluctuate.