Time is Of the Essence: Advice on AI from Deceased Rooster (yes, that's what I said)

[speckledhen]

My blue Orp rooster, Suede, in my avatar, is dying. Won't be long, whether he goes on his own or we help him along-could be today. Since he hasn't felt like mating his hens for a month and fertility has been sketchy for the last year anyway, my husband had the idea to, upon his death, immediately remove his testes and inseminate his hens. Only one is laying at the moment, but the other two could start back any day now, so would do all three if we can, starting with the only blue hen, the one laying right now.

My question is how long do we have before the sperm is not viable, that is, if he even still has a sperm count? He is going on 6 years old, a ripe old age for a 13-14 lb rooster *when he is in full weight, which he is not, currently*. It may be an exercise in futility but if there is even a remote chance of having more of his progeny, we want to take it.

Has anyone ever tried this? I know folks AI all the time, but on a just deceased rooster? If you want to tell me how stupid I am, hold your tongue. I'm in no mood.

 

[Kevin565]

So sorry to hear about Suede

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Most people advise at most a 24 hour time period in people. I would think it would be a less in birds. However, the sperm will all die off rapidly if they get too cold from the body not generating enough body heat anymore.

 

[coffeenutdesign]

No idea, just wanted to say good luck and I am sorry about your rooster.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

So sorry to hear about Suede. I know how much he means to you. As you note, the first concern would be with the quality of the sperm he is producing in his declining health; I suspect that both the volume and mobility will be low, both factors that would reduce the chances of success. As far as the amount of time you have, a quick check of the literature suggests that semen refrigerated for twenty four hours show the same fertilization success as freshly collected semen. That suggests you will have some time after collection to work with. Have you worked out the collection technique? I hope you can make it work.

 

[charro2]

He is a beautiful bird. But to be sure why not try AI before he dies.

 

[speckledhen]

Honestly, I haven't worked out much of anything, Gallo. It was a crazy idea, but one we really, really want to try in order to get at least a couple of chicks from Suede and one or more of his hens, if at all possible. May just be a way to deal with the grief of losing him. Most know how much this big old blue boy means to me. He's lived a good long and healthy life for a rooster of his size, but it's hard to let go.

 

[speckledhen]

He is a beautiful bird. But to be sure why not try AI before he dies.

He's in too bad shape to do that, I'm afraid. I won't put him through it right now. Best to wait.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Honestly, I haven't worked out much of anything. It was a crazy idea, but one we really, really want to try in order to get at least a couple of chicks from Suede and one or more of his hens, if at all possible. May just be a way to deal with the grief of losing him. Most know how much this big old blue boy means to me. He's lived a good long and healthy life for a rooster of his size, but it's hard to let go.

I don't think it's a crazy idea at all. I wouldn't wait until he passes to collect the sample though. The you-tube videos make the collection part look pretty straightforward.

 

[speckledhen]

He is in very bad shape, Gallo-I honestly should have euthanized him before today, but I admit, it's because he's my Suede that I haven't been able to do so. I believe his kidneys have failed. He has lost a massive amount of weight and his abdomen has become rigid. He's standing and crowing, but his comb is dark and curled over.I don't think it would work in his condition.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So sorry to hear about Suede, He is just so gorgeous and I'm sure has brought you much joy, I hope his passing is peaceful and the memories will out weigh the sorrow.

In time.