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GENSTOCK – The Ram Hilton
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GENSTOCK takes great care to deliver the best possible nutritional
requirements for rams in collection.
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All rams are foot bathed pre & post entry.
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All rams are tested for Brucella ovis on entry and semen is tested
for Actinobacillus seminis for all semen to be sold.
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All semen is processed and stored in accordance with the industry
code of practice (AETS).
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GENSTOCK is licensed to international standards for export of semen
& embryos.
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Only a qualified semen assessor analysis’s semen to be stored
at GENSTOCK. This person has undergone the semen assessor’s course
held at the University of Sydney.
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Semen & Embryo facilities are double locked and fire resistant.
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Our tanks are regularly monitored to ensure the safety of all semen
and embryos. Semen can be stored indefinitely under liquid nitrogen
(-196°C) if conditions are maintained.
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All semen storage records including sales transactions are recorded
on computer. Information is always up to date and accurate and available
when you require.
Benefits of Freezing Semen
Fertility is affected by heat stress, nutritional inadequacies,
transportation, shows/sales, fighting and infections or illnesses. These
factors increase body temperature, which can cause abnormalities in semen
resulting in infertility. The ram’s testicles should be firm with
no lumps. The production of sperm in the ram’s testicles takes 2
months so a ram could be out of action for a season. Freezing semen ensures
that you can still inseminate semen from this valuable ram.
Other reasons for freezing semen
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A complete genetic insurance against the ram’s injury or death.
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Rams unable to partake in natural service due to lameness, age or
injury can have semen frozen to preserve his genetics for future use.
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Enables breeders to sell semen from rams they wish to retain or sell.
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Offers the ability to source or market genetic material nationally
and internationally.
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Negates the disease risk (Johnes, Footrot, Brucella ovis) associated
with introducing live animals.
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Enables rapid genetic development via extensive access to genetically
superior rams.
Semen is frozen in pellets containing 3 ewe doses or in straws containing
1 ewe dose. For export all semen must be frozen in individually labeled
straws and collected and stored in accordance to the importing country’s
requirements.
Prior to entry
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Please ensure all rams are foot trimmed, treated for flies, and drenched
before entry into the centre. If rams are to be shown or sold and
are in full wool, please trim wool around the pizzle.
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Check the testicles for any abnormalities such as lumps or hardening
of the scrotal sac. The testicles should be firm. If in doubt please
contact GENSTOCK immediately.
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If rams have been running with ewes, please ensure they have been
rested for at least 6 weeks and supplement their feed with 500gm of
lupins per day to improve their body condition.
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Paddock rams might take a while to train. To speed up this training
please bring your ram into the shed a week before entry so he can
become acclimatised to handling and feeding.
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Young, sexually immature rams may benefit from being run with a handful
of mature ewes prior to bringing into GENSTOCK for semen collection
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