Semen collection and evaluations are done both diagnostically and for “fresh” artificial insemination.
For example, we would collect for diagnostic purposes if a dog has been used and the bitch has not gotten pregnant, before his first breeding to make sure he has viable sperm or if he hasn’t been used in six months or more.
The “fresh” artificial insemination is when the bitch is present in the office for insemination immediately after collection. Reasons why that might be done are if the bitch won’t stand for breeding (aggressive, etc.), size difference preventing the male from penetrating, etc.
In addition to the basic evaluation, more detailed testing can be done which includes a sperm count and morphology check. This is typically done during a reproductive exam when attempting to diagnose sterility or other reproductive problems.
An ideal sperm count should be close to 100 million sperm/ml.
