A typical AI dose is .25 to .5 ml of semen, with 25 to 300 million sperm cells, depending upon the location of semen deposition. Extenders are usually egg-yolk based and contain nutrients, buffers to protect from cooling damage and antibiotics to prevent spread of disease. The life of fresh-extended semen is about 6 to 8 hours. Extreme care must be practiced when handling semen. It is very sensitive to changes in temperature.
Water is lethal to sperm cells.
Ram semen should be thawed according to the protocol provided by those freezing the semen. Their normal breeding season extends from about August to March, depending upon breed and geographic location. Ewes begin cycling in the fall when the day length becomes shorter. Day 0 of the cycle begins with ovulation, the release of a mature follicle, containing the egg. Female domestic livestock are far from promiscuous.