| SHIPPING CONTAINERS – What’s the Differences ? |
- This is an area that seems to have a lot of opinions. I’ll start by describing the different containers.
The one most people are familiar with is a
large blue shipping container that looks like a cylindrical ice chest. It is called an Equitainertm. It is
reusable and the semen is cooled by one or two coolant cans depending on which Equitainertm
you purchase. The coolant cans have been designed to cool the semen at a specific rate.
The heavy duty construction of the Equitainertm helps maintain the correct temperature
regardless of the outside temperatures.
The Equitainertm I is designed to keep the semen sample cooled for 70
hours and the Equitainertm II for 48 hours. I sold all my Equitainertm
II containers. I personally found that the 2 cans worked MUCH better.
The 2 containers are the same diameter but there height differs by the one can.
The first can is usually melted after cooling the Isothermalizer cup that
contains the semen sample. It has a hard time keeping the container cool
after the first 24 hours as it is melted. But if you have used the Equitainertm
I there is a second can in there which doesn't melt near as fast because it only
needs to maintain the temperature. I have shipped out and then received
back my Equitainertm I containers and the cans were still cold.
There are also
disposable containers that are used quite frequently. Two I like are the
EST Disposable Container and the Equine Express II. They both are similar
in size and I have had equally good results with both. They cost
considerably less than the Equitainertm thus their popularity.
However if you are going to be doing a lot of breeding you may want to invest in
the Equitainertm as they last incredibly long and may be more cost
effective in the long run. Mine are going on their 12th year and are still
good.
The last one is the Bio-Flite
"Disposable" Cooled Semen Container. It is similar to two above but smaller.
I worry its temperature would fluctuate too much with the outside temperature as there is
not a lot of insulation. However, I know of people who are quite happy with its results. I
would recommend having one for short distances at moderate temperatures.
If you do decide to invest in a container
the Equitainertm is usually considered the industry standard. It is sold by
Hamilton-Thorn
Research. Be sure to buy two sets of coolant cans.
If one set went out with a shipment, you will already have another set ready to go out as
soon as your container is returned. Otherwise you’ll be left waiting for the coolant
cans to freeze before you can use your container again. Also do not by the
tube style. You do not want to limit yourself to only shipping 50ml doses.
They offer a cup style and you can pack up to 4 doses in one container.
You can put in 170 ml instead of 100 ml.
I have found 1 Equitainer
per every 4 or 5 mares you have booked works well. The first year this may seem like
quite an expense, but remember they are very durable and should last you many breeding
seasons. The last thing you want to do is have mares booked and ready for shipments,
but have nothing to ship the semen in because they are all out. That it is
also why it is extremely important to have your mare owners give deposit on your
Equitainertm and have a daily late fee of at least $25. This is the only way to
insure the prompt return of your containers.
- Chris Michelson ©1999-2008