The Quantity of Sperm that a Dog Produces
Normal dog semen contains 300 million to 2 billion sperm. The quantity of sperm varies depending on the weight and size of your dog, with the bare minimum sitting at around 10 million sperm cells per pound of bodyweight. For example, a 30-pound dog should have at least 300 million sperm cells in his ejaculate. A 60-pound dog should have 600 million sperm cells in his ejaculate. Sperm count also depends on your dog’s testicular size. Most normal dogs exceed the minimum count significantly. In normal sperm production in dogs, more than 70% of the sperm are progressively motile and normal morphologically.
The average volume of dogejaculate ranges anywhere from 1 to 30 mL. Dog semen is produced in three fractions. The first fraction is small in volume at less than 5 mL. It cleanses the urethra of any contaminants before ejaculation. The second fraction is rich in sperm and usually 0.5 to 4 mL in volume. The third and final fraction contains prostatic fluid and few sperm cells. This final fraction lends more volume (3 – 80 mL) to the ejaculate. Volume is not a reliable indicator of semen quality. Instead, it’s measured to find the concentration of sperm in the ejaculate.
Storing dog sperm has drastically changed breeders’ ability to carry out planned breedings with success. Vaginal and transcervical insemination is the new norm for many breeders, and it is possible to breed using semen from dogs anywhere in the world, reducing travel costs for breeders and stress for the dogs. Storage is a great way to preserve bloodlines for future use, especially in cases where the stud is due to be neutered. Finally, storing dog sperm is a great way to ensure that breedings can continue when your dog is on a busy schedule or otherwise unable to perform stud work due to factors like temporary illness or injury.
Sperm storage facilities are widely available. Once you have found a facility that suits your location and needs, make an appointment with the facility. You will need to transport yourself and your dog to the location. Make sure that you bring any relevant registration certificates (AKC, UKC, or other applicable registries), a DNA profile number, and a copy of your negative brucellosis test within the last 6 months. It is also helpful to bring a “teaser” bitch (in heat) with you. This helps to increase your male dog’s libido and encourages a 30-50% higher sperm count.
Your dog’s semen sample is extended with a buffer solution to protect the sperm cells during freezing. After a sperm count is performed, the sample is further diluted to make up a uniform concentration. The diluted sample is divided into individual straws – the number of straws is decided through the initial sperm count. These straws are stored in liquid nitrogen at a constant -196 degrees Celsius. After the cooling and freezing process, one straw is thawed and thee sperm is examined for motility. The average post-thaw motility rate is 40-60%, meaning that 40-60% of the sperm cells survive the thawing process. This information is also used to determine the amount of semen you will need for insemination.
Stud dogs are widely advertised online for their chilled sperm, frozen sperm, and one-to-one mating services. A typical stud fee for a one-to-one mating session is between $500 and $1,000, depending on the heritage and pedigree of the stud. This might also include a handling fee if the stud’s owner needs to assist with the mating. Similarly, the cost of chilled or frozen semen also varies depending on the stud’s heritage. For this reason the cost of the stud’s semen is typically given on request by the stud’s owner.
You may dispatch your stud’s chilled semen by using a specialized kit. There are many successful chilled semen kits commercially available. The CLONE Chilled Semen Kit has been successfully used for over 25 years, especially in North America. No special training is required as the kit comes with instructions and equipment. Alternatively, some veterinarians offer chilled semen kits and may be able to assist with the process. If in doubt, ask for referrals from other local breeders!
If you choose to sell your dog’s sperm, you must consider the ethics of doing so. It’s crucial that you get your dog tested for inherited disorders that are known to affect your breed and look for general DNA testing. You should also avoid collecting too much sperm from your dog. Although sperm production in dogs occurs constantly, taking too much can lower your dog’s sperm count and reduce semen quality.
How Much Sperms Does a Normal Dog Produce?
Normal dogs produce semen that ranges from 1 to 30ml per ejaculate and this contains about 300 million to 2 billion sperms. The quantity of sperms cells produced will vary depending on the size and weight of the dog and you can expect about 10 million sperm cells for every pound of bodyweight. Sperm count also depends on the testicular size of the dog, but most normal canines exceed the minimum sperm count significantly.
If the sperm count is low, then it may be because of a primary problem affecting the production of sperms or the dog may withhold the release of sperms because of an aggressive bitch. However, if your dog has a high libido and appears comfortable, and still has a low sperm count, then it is likely that there is a problem with the sperm cells production process. Keep in mind that volume does not indicate semen quality and the concentration of sperms in the ejaculate must be measured to determine quality.
Dog semen is usually produced in three fractions. The first fraction is normally small in volume at about 5 ml and it helps to eliminate any contaminants from the urethra before the actual ejaculation. The second fraction is mainly rich in sperm and has a volume of 0.5 to 4ml. The third fraction consists of a few sperm cells and prostatic fluid and has more volume of between 3 and 80ml.
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How long does it take for a dog to regenerate sperm?
It takes 60 days to produce a new sperm cell and another 2 weeks for maturation. The first two collections after a period of sexual rest are usually the best. Stud dogs need to be proven by each breeding method performed.