- 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 Equitainer^tm. It is reusable and the semen is cooled by one or two coolant cans depending on which Equitainer^tm you purchase. The coolant cans have been designed to cool the semen at a specific rate. The heavy duty construction of the Equitainer^tm helps maintain the correct temperature regardless of the outside temperatures.

The Equitainer^tm I is designed to keep the semen sample cooled for 70 hours and the Equitainer^tm II for 48 hours.  I sold all my Equitainer^tm 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 Equitainer^tm 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 Equitainer^tm 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 Equitainer^tm thus their popularity.  However if you are going to be doing a lot of breeding you may want to invest in the Equitainer^tm 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 Equitainer^tm 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 Equitainer^tm 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

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