Once a collection stop has been confirmed, we start to look at what needs to be done prior to collection day. In this document we will cover pricing, what is needed at the host stop, ideas to prep your buck for the collection and ways to synchronize teaser does. It is up to the host to be sure each buck owner gets this information. This information is to help buck owners hedge their bet to have the best collection possible. All info included on this page is copyright of Cryocaprine.

HOST LOCATION

It is the responsibility of the host to book their stop. It is also to the discretion of the host who is allowed at the stop. CryoCaprine has no jurisdiction over the herd health protocols of the host.

The host will collect buck information for straw printing, as well as the $100 per buck deposit. It is the responsibility of the host to get the straw list and deposit to CryoCaprine by the date provided to you.Mailed check is preferred. Contact privately for mailing address.

Please have 8-12 bucks (per day) for your collection stop

You will also need 4-5 teaser does in ‘good heat’. Because does can cycle irregularly or not respond to synchronization, that means sync’ing 5-6 does. It is up to the host if they will provide teasers or ask buck owners to provide their own.

The host stop will need to have a location CryoCaprine can park and set up the ‘rig’. We have a 30-foot camper and pickup. It’s nice to have a fairly level spot that’s easy to maneuver around. We will also need access to electricity. A 30-amp plug is ideal (we have many adaptors) but we can get away with two 110 plugs on two different breakers. We pull too much energy for one breaker. Access to water is not mandatory, but when available it is nice. Please let us know how to plan or if you have any questions regarding Host requirements.

BUCK PREPARATION

Preparing your bucks for collection starts a month or more before the collection date. As many of us know, it takes up to 60 days for the buck to create a sperm cell.

During that time, good nutrition and health is of utmost importance. The healthier the sperm is, the better chance it will survive the freeze with a good post thaw motility.

We recommend ensuring your bucks are receiving their trace mineral supplementation as well as addressing any health concerns you may have.

Often folks will choose to deworm if that hasn’t been done recently, as well as giving a multi-min injection if available.

Trimming feet at least two weeks prior to collection is also advised. Any closer to collection and you risk the buck being sensitive on his feet and we don’t want him sore on collection day!

It is also VERY important to get your boys ‘cleaned out’ prior to collection. Allowing the buck to breed a doe as many times as he can, will eliminate any older sperm cells he may have on board. It is advised that mature bucks are ‘cleaned out’ 3-7 days prior to collection, and junior bucks are cleaned out 5-10 days prior.

Each collection stop is responsible for providing enough teaser does for the day. We STRONGLY urge you to have more does than you think you will need. Some does don’t like to follow the rules! A good rule of thumb is two good heats per five bucks being collected. That means syncing 3-4 knowing some might not respond correctly. Some hosts will provide teaser does, but many will ask each buck owner to provide their own. And remember, it is not CryoCaprines responsibility to ensure teaser does are available.

DAY OF COLLECTION

We will want to collect bucks fairly close to the camper. The host will set up a location keeping in mind the possibility of inclement weather. It is also a good idea to keep in mind handling of bucks in that area. Having places to tie bucks is nice. It is important to have bucks at the ready when we are working. Especially on those days with a lot of bucks to collect. When we exit the camper our equipment is warm and ready for a buck. If we have to wait for a buck it not only slows the day down, but also jeopardizes the
temperature of the AV.

When jumping bucks, we tend to work in smaller groups. Working a set of 3-5 in a rotation until they have reached their goal for straw count. If a buck owner needs to leave early or anything, please let us know and we will do our best. Having your buck prepared and ready to jump by the time the AV gets to the teaser doe will help us out tremendously. This means, if your buck is next in the rotation you should be ‘teasing’ your buck to get him interested in jumping the doe. Let him flirt with a doe in heat and get ‘revved up’. Some fellas need more time, some no time at all! The more interested the buck, the larger volume produced as well as better quality. Depending on semen quality and number of straws requested, most bucks will be jumped on average 3 times.

Each ‘AV guy’ will have their own way they would like the bucks presented, so we can talk about that on collection day. That being said, a few good rules to follow are; wait until they tell you they are ready for the buck, and be sure to maintain control of your buck. If we have a buck struggling to be interested, we may have the handler take the buck for a small circle to get resituated. The handler will need to play close attention to the person running the AV. Be sure we are paying attention to the buck and what is going on during the jump.

For Cryo Caprine, the collection day is almost a 24 hour process. We will plan to start jumping bucks around noon or 1pm. Most of the time we are done jumping by dark. Over night the semen will be cooled, then froze early the next morning. Semen is generally ready for pick up by 10 – 11 the next morning.