From Lorenzo’s Desk

Lorenzo Frers | RSG Head of Laboratories

Sperm Parameters

When it comes to frozen bovine semen, there is no shortcut to fertility. While sperm concentration is important, it is only one part of the equation.

At RSG, we guarantee 20 million sperm per 0.25 mL straw for all conventional frozen bovine semen. This is widely regarded as the industry gold standard and provides the foundation for consistent fertility results.

However, conception rates are not determined by concentration alone. We assess and balance three critical parameters:

1. Sperm Concentration
2. Progressive Motility
3. Morphology

Every straw we produce is evaluated with all three factors in mind. If one parameter falls below the required standard, it is very difficult, and often impossible, to compensate by increasing another.

As a guide, our target quality standards are:

• 20 million sperm per straw
• 60% post-thaw progressive motility
• 80% normal morphology

This equates to approximately 9.6 million normal, progressively motile sperm per dose, a metric that is often one of the best predictors of fertility in the field.

Why More Isn’t Always Better

If morphology or progressive motility is poor, simply increasing the number of sperm in the straw does not improve fertility.

Morphology is assessed by examining 100 sperm cells and classifying them into seven categories of normal and abnormal forms. Progressive motility is measured using advanced CASA (Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis) technology.

When semen quality is compromised, overloading a straw with extra sperm can actually be counterproductive. Higher concentrations may reduce the effectiveness of cryoprotectants and increase cell-to-cell damage during freezing and thawing. Unfortunately, this is a common mistake made by inexperienced semen-freezing operations.

The RSG Difference

At RSG, we focus on what truly matters:

✅ The right concentration

✅ High post-thaw progressive motility

✅ Excellent morphology

✅ Consistency in every straw

Our goal is to ensure that every straw contains the optimum number of viable, progressively motile, normal sperm cells to maximise fertility and deliver reliable results in your herd.

If you’d like to see the science behind the process, come and visit our laboratory. I’d be delighted to show you how we evaluate semen quality and explain what makes the difference between an average straw and an outstanding one.

Inventory Management Platform Update

We know many of you have been looking forward to our new inventory platform. Unfortunately, its launch has been delayed until mid-next year. The technology company we’ve been partnering with has pivoted its direction, and we’ve chosen to take the time needed to get the platform right rather than rush it out.

We appreciate your patience, and we’ll keep you updated as the new timeline firms up. In the meantime, your RSG team remains your first point of contact for any inventory questions.

The Goal: Happy Healthy Calves Next Winter

Records are great, but they’re not the finish line. The ultimate goal is simple: Happy Healthy Calves on the ground next winter.

Every flush and every transfer this season is a step towards that outcome, and RSG is committed to seeing it through with you. That means staying alongside you through pregnancy testing, recipient management and calving, and being on hand whenever you need advice. Your success is how we measure ours

Annual Client Survey Coming in December

Keep an eye on your inbox in December, when we’ll send out our annual client survey. The feedback we get from these surveys allow us to service you more effectively in the coming season.

Trans Ova Partnership Continues to Grow

Our partnership with Trans Ova Genetics continues to expand globally. It gives New Zealand farmers access to world-leading IVF and embryo production systems, backed by Trans Ova’s laboratory expertise and RSG’s on-farm veterinary service. As the partnership grows, so does the depth of knowledge, technology and support we can bring to your herd.