Umm Qarn Farm in UK is an approved Artificial Quarantine station that allows stallions to be collected under specific quarantine conditions for shipment all over the world.

The semen is shipped either chilled or frozen, depending on where the shipment is going. Chilled semen needs to be used within 24 hours of collection, whereas frozen semen can be stored indefinitely provided that the correct storage conditions are maintained.

It is widely accepted that chilled semen has a slightly better success rate than that of frozen and has the following advantages:

• Retains its potency for up to 24 hours, which allows a larger degree of opportunity for a successful pregnancy in the mare
• Requires less complicated handling techniques than frozen semen which must be thawed exactly according to instructions

Chilled semen is transported in Equitainers (see photo on right) or disposable containers. The Equitainers require a deposit and must be returned as quickly as possible to Umm Qarn Farm UK. Disposable containers have a nominal charge and can be disposed of after use.

For some locations however, shipping to the mare within the required 24 hours can prove difficult and more than one shipment may be required if mare does not get in foal on first cycle.  In such circumstances, the use of frozen semen is often recommended.

While chilled semen will suit some clients better, frozen semen has other advantages

Frozen semen is stored in straws that are sealed with coloured tips. Each straw is labelled and doses are made up according to the concentration of the semen. Each dose of straws is then placed in a small labelled goblet. These are then stored until required in special freezers filled with liquid nitrogen that hold the temperature at minus 176 degrees.

When doses are to be shipped to a client they are transferred to a ‘dry shipper’ that has been frozen down with liquid nitrogen for 24 hours before shipping. The doses are transferred into it, the container sealed and the liquid nitrogen is drained out. These shippers are designed to maintain the low temperature required for between 5 and 10 days depending on design.

On arrival at the client's vet, the doses must then be transferred to a suitable freezer at the same temperature and the dry shipper returned to Umm Qarn Farm UK.

When ready to be used, the frozen semen dose must be thawed very precisely according to the instructions sent with the shipment.