Guide For A Successful Semen Collection/Breeding Season
Buck preparation requires year round management. You cannot expect your buck to perform to his greatest breeding potential if you begin to prepare your buck at the beginning of your breeding season.
1. BO/SE 1 cc per 40 lbs. once a month throughout the year
2. Natural Vitamin E 1 cc per 40 lbs. once a month throughout the year
3. Additional Vitamin/Mineral supplement throughout the year due to inadequate amounts in most feeds.
4. Plenty of fresh, clean water AT ALL TIMES – Daily cleaning of the watering system
To prevent any buildup of algae, mold and other unhealthy foreign material is very
Important. Animals will drink much more water if it is fresh and clean.
5. To help insure a successful collection your buck(s) MUST be “flushed out” This
means he needs to be able to ejaculate 5 to 6 times and then put in a pen by himself
5 to 7 days prior to collection day. Do do this you may have to alter your breeding
program by sacrificing one or two does .
6. After the “flushing out” process you may choose to use hormone therapy to cycle the
doe(s) so they will not carry any kids especially if bred by several bucks.
7. One of the most neglected areas of a buck’s care that we have experienced are his feet
due to lack of trimming. If you buck is not willing to walk and mount your does, not
only will it jeopardize his semen collection, but could cause your whole breeding
program to fail. Also, clipping his belly around the prepuce or sheath helps keep dirt
and manure off the collected sample.
8. Housing is also very important to your buck’s well being and overall health. Some
type of shelter where he can get out of the wind and rain are usually sufficient. Bucks
do need plenty of ventilation and ample room for exercise. A buck that is overweight
and out of shape will usually not be as willing to work, therefore not living up to his
full potential. Semen can also be adversely affected by heat so shade is also essential.
Semen takes 45-60 days to fully produce so semen collected in the fall can show negative
effects from excessive heat that the buck was exposed to a month prior to collection.
9. Along with the buck preparation you will need several willing female partners to assist in
assuring a successful collection. Does in heat the day of collection to use as teaser(s) is essential.
10. If you need assistance bringing does into heat for collection either contact your veterinarian or
Superior Semen Works at 603-512-5546 or by email at Superiorsemenworks@yahoo.com
11. Do not allow bucks to run freely with does or other bucks. The bucks will not be as willing to work if
they are allowed to all run together.
12. Teach your buck to breed on a lead rope. This will get him comfortable having people around him
while he is breeding the doe so he is not afraid or intimidated by the semen collector on collection day.
We have seen bucks in all types of conditions and the ones best cared for are by far the ones that produce the best semen for collection. To have a successful semen collection and breeding season bucks MUST BE CONDITIONED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. If you have any questions or concerns about any of our suggestions please feel free to contact us.
Superior Semen Works
Geoff & Nancy Masterman
603-512-5546
www.superiorsemenworks.com
Superiorsemenworks@yahoo.com
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